New ATM refused in Naas at 250 year old bank
Bank of Ireland on Naas's Main Street
PLANS by Bank of Ireland to install a new ATM at it premises on Main Street, Naas have been refused because the planners deemed the work to be “invasive and irreversible” in what is a Protected Structure built around about 1750.
“The proposed intervention is not considered to be appropriate on the principal façade of a protected structure".
"It does not align with objective AH 022 (of the Naas Local Area Plan) that will refuse permission of any protected structure unless the council is satisfied that exceptional circumstances exist,” ruled the planners.
The aim was to get an ATM onto the High Street for 24-7 usage, as the existing machine inside the plaza gates is closed off at end of trading each day.
This comes just three years after the bank was given permission for the demolition of a temporary access, including a ramp and rail, and an earlier ATM, and the installation of two more in the bank’s façade.
The plan refused this week called for a new ATM and a surround panel to the front façade, and the removal and relocation of the existing stone plinth and iron railing to allow access to it.
It looks like the planners were close to giving permission “having regard to the location and zoning of the site”.
“It is considered that the principle of the development is acceptable, however the area has a designation for architectural conservation, and the structure is protected, indicating that stricter principles apply to this development,” the planners ruled.
