A planning application for a 66-bed hotel with a bar and restaurant on Swords Main St is close to approval as planners seek ‘additional information’.
The building is proposed for the site of the Umani Food Store and will be five storeys and extend back to Well Rd.
Planners in Fingal County Council are seeking changes to the design of the building so it will be less visually impactful from Well Rd and to break of the ‘bulk’ of the building through changes to the facade. They are also seeking more clarity of pedestrian access, landscaping and plans for public lighting.
If the designers can meet these design and other requirements without a significant change to the building, then the project will get approval.
Cllr Ian Carey said:
“It’s interesting to see this project move closer to approval. Swords will benefit from more hotels in the town centre, rather than on the outskirts or at the airport. It is also good to see moves to increase the hospitality offering on Main St which, I believe, should become a hub for bars, cafes, and restaurants as the town grows.
“I agree with the planners on the importance of avoiding buildings that dominate Well Rd. It’s a historic part of Swords, right in front of St Columcille’s Well, and we need to be careful that development doesn’t fundamentally change the character of the area or take away from plans to preserve the historic cluster at St Columba’s Church.”
