Council Cracks Down On Naas Commercial Development With Five Bedrooms In Unauthorised Conversion

The building has inadequate windows and a lack of storage space.

An unauthorised commercial development in Naas has come under scrutiny after Kildare County Council discovered that the building, originally intended as commercial space, has been converted into a residential area without proper authorisation.

The building in question contains five bedrooms, one of which is en suite, while the remaining four share a single bathroom.

The block also includes a kitchen and an open space area.

In 2002, the property owner applied to Kildare County Council for retention permission to change the use of the space from commercial to residential.

However, the application was denied due to concerns about the living conditions within the development.

The Council cited inadequate windows, a lack of open space, insufficient storage space, and the overall substandard nature of the conversion as reasons for their refusal.

Following the rejection by Kildare County Council, the property owner appealed the decision to An Bord Pleanála.

However, An Bord Pleanála upheld the Council's refusal, agreeing that the development did not meet the required standards for residential use.

It's understood that the board determined that permitting the conversion would result in a substandard form of residential development.

A fire safety assessment would also not have been approved for residential use.

The unauthorised development has since been investigated by Kildare County Council, and it is expected that enforcement action will be pursued. This could potentially lead to legal proceedings.

The building, located in the center of Naas and within a heritage area, adds further complexity to any potential modifications or legal actions.

While the exact number of residents currently occupying the five-bedroom apartment is unclear, concerns have been raised about the potential displacement of those living there.

Despite the legal challenges, Cllr Evie Sammon told Kfm that living conditions must meet basic standards.

"It's quite a hidden development and it would be hard to spot if you didn't know it was there," she said.

She said although it is unauthorised, it shows the desperation among people to get a roof over their heads.

The next steps in this case involve continued investigations by Kildare County Council, with a further review expected in September.

If the property is not brought into compliance, the matter may be escalated to the courts for resolution.

Tune into tomorrow morning's Kildare Today for the latest on this.