Guesthouse controversy settled
Wednesday September 30 2009
AN ongoing controversy over an extension built at a Portmarnock guest house and its use as a hostel appears to be finally resolved. Controversy was whipped up locally when Seaview Guest House added an extension was added to the building without planning permission. That has been the subject of enforcement action by the council which was making slow progress until ownership of the building transferred to a more co-operative owner. The council has been dealing with the new owner and significant progress was made earlier in the year on the issue with a commitment to stop using the building as a hostel and fully comply with the council requirements.
Cllr Eoghan O'Brien (FF), raised the issue again at a meeting of the Malahide/Howth Area Committee. Cllr O'Brien has previously stated that the issue had caused 'serious concern locally' from residents who thought the council had 'put the brakes' on enforcement proceedings. The Fianna Fáil councillor asked for an update on the issue from the council's planning department. The department replied: 'The ownership dispute has recently been resolved and the owner has requested a short time period to reassess the development potential of the site.
' The owner will be requested to submit her proposals for the future use/reinstatement of this property by the end of September, 2009.'
