Split decision on proposed changes to popular pub in Tullamore

Offaly County Council has delivered a ''split decision '' on an application for changes to a protected structure in O'Connor Square, in Tullamore.

Applicant Eddie Brady, had sought to make ''minor'' alterations to The Phoenix Bar which is located in Woodchester House. The application included retention of existing signage and a retractable awning to the front facade of the licenced premises. This part of the application was refused by the local planning authority.

However, planning permission has been granted for a change of use of an existing office space to be transformed into a commercial kitchen on the first floor of the building. The kitchen will involve no alterations to the existing protected structure and no net increase in the floor area of previously approved permissions.

Prior to reaching its decision Offaly County Council in a request for further information on the development, said it had ''significant concerns'' that the proposed works ''may be facilitating unauthorised development, namely the storage of beer kegs and bins in a public car park, which is owned by the council.''

Responding the applicant said the beer kegs had been stored temporarily as it was considered ''off the beaten path'' within an isolated and rarely used car-park, which made it easier to facilitate collection. Applicant, Eddie Brady said these had since been removed and are now stored within the boundary of the premises until collection time.

In addition the council stated that Woodchester House features a 'finely tooled door surround' to the front facade. It continued, ''this has been all but obliterated with the large, full-width, heavyweight retractable awning and additional cover subject of this application for retention. The council said historically these types of awnings were provided individually over windows or entrance doors or for shop fronts over external goods. It commented that there was a deep railed open basement area to either side of the doorway, so that canopy is not required over these locations.

The council remarked that the canopy awning and additional cover are fixed to the wall of the property with six large metal plates. There are additional large speakers fixed to either side of the door along with further gas pipes, alarms, cameras and promotional banners attached to railings and alcohol brand lighting at each first floor window. It said ''the vast, bulky awning when open extends beyond the property line onto the public footpath.''

It suggested that a 'bespoke, refined canopy over the doorway would be an acceptable alternative, as anyone queuing for access to the bar beyond the building line will already be without the benefit of a cover.

It said ''the current unauthorised awning and signage significantly detracts from the former elegance of the 1752 facade and from the entire architectural setting of O'Connor Square.''

Responding Mr Brady said ''we note the authority's concerns, and will endeavour to expedite the removal of this entire length of retractable awning, which was installed during Covid 19 to facilitate longer than usual 'social distances' and the safety and comfort of our patrons while queuing outside during heavily inclement weather.''

Offaly County Council published its decision on September 19.

The Phoenix Tullamore opened in 2018 and is a popular venue for sports viewing and live music.

It is run by father and son team Eamon and Eddie Brady.