Planning permisson sought for changes at former bank building in Longford
Planning permission is being sought for proposed changes to the former Ulster Bank building in Longford town.
An application has been submitted to Longford Co Council for the proposed development at the existing three storey building formerly known as The Ulster Bank which is a protected structure.
The proposed change is to the design of the previously permitted first floor conversion from one 3 bedroom apartment into 2 apartments consisting of one 2 bedroom apartment and one studio apartment and all ancillary sitework.
The application has been submitted by Maniker Ltd. A decision is due on the planning application on September 15 next.
A number of planning applications were previously granted planning permission including the demolition of existing single storey extension to the rear and the construction of a new single storey extension to the rear.
Planning permission was also granted for the change of use of the existing ground floor from its previous permitted use to include the following possible uses - commercial/retail/café with wine bar/food outlet/office space.
A redesign of the existing ground floor windows and door on front façade was also given the go-ahead.
Changes to fill in the space which formerly housed the ATM machine was also granted planning permission, in addition to removal of signage.
In a submission, the Department of Housing, Heritage and Local Government said at the time that it was “very supportive” of the proposed redevelopment of the building.
However, it raised concerns that the removal of “historic glass” from the original windows and their replacement with new double glazed units will involve “the significant and unnecessary loss of historic fabric”.
The building, which was previously occupied by Ulster Bank, is a protected structure under the Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027.