Plans for upgrade works at Bank of Irelands Cavan branch have been refused by the higher planning authority.
An Bórd Pleanála upheld the initial refusal by Cavan County Council.
Plans submitted to the council by Bank of Ireland sought the installation of a new ATM along with alterations to the existing window. Also included was the removal of a section of the existing boundary railing and stonework plinth.
Cavan County Planners initially refused the application, however the decision was appealed to An Bórd Pleanála. The applicants stated in their appeal that there would be no loss of original material and any changes are entirely reversable
However, the higher planning authority also upheld the decision to refuse Bank of Ireland's application. In it's report, they stated that the proposed development would have a negative impact on the fabric of the building, which is a protected structure.
It also pointed out that there was no guarantee in the appeal documents that the changes would ever be reversed. While the inspector was sympathetic to a need for an ATM, they concluded by saying it does not trump the preservation of a historic building.
