Re: Re: AIB Blackpool

An Bord Pleanala have refused Allied Irish Bank permission to demolish their existing branch at the junction of Watercourse Road and O’Connell Street in Blackpool and replace it with a new branch building.
The development had previously been granted permission by CCC on 3rd May this year but was appealled to ABP by Kathleen Lynch TD on the 25th May.
The design by BCG Architects was contemporary and would have replaced a building which is showing its age. 17 staff parking places and an ATM facility was also included. Third party submissions to CCC were concerned with the severe alteration to the building line at Watercourse Road, as the proposed building would encroach onto what is now open (although privately -owned) space; Drainage issues were also a concern to local residents.
The proposed design was two-storey stepping down to single storey at the corner of the two boundary streets and was clad in sanded limestone with polished limestone highlights. The CCC report concluded that the development “meets the challenges of the site in an inventive manner and satisfies the objectives of the Development Plan in relation to high quality design.”

This is unfortunate, I’d agree with CCC on this one, the design was simple, imaginative and would have fitted the area, while at the same time giving it a deservedly modern boost. I am as yet unaware of the reasoning behind ABP’s refusal but will be interested to find out. I’ll need a lot of convincing.