Ruling due on change to former
Century Homes factory

The An Bord Pleanála ruling on whether to uphold an appeal lodged against the granting of permission to change the old Century Homes factory into a car auctioneering premises is due in the coming weeks.

Last December, Longford County Council granted permission to convert the derelict factory formerly inhabited by Century Homes in the IDA Business park on the Ballinalee Road into a premises to be used to auction cars.

Liam Madden, Convent Road, Longford lodged an appeal based on procedural errors, zoning and design flaws.

Century Car Auctions Ltd intends to use the premises as an auction house specialising in car, commercial, liquidation and antique auctions with auctions taking place on Wednesdays evenings.

In their submissions, the company envisaged no more than 100 cars would be stored on site, and no more than 80 people would attend an auction at any given time. The company expects to employ four full time staff and a further six part-time staff during auction hours.

However, describing the development as “unsustainable” Mr Madden claims it would create Longford’s own mini “Mondello park” in an area surrounded by two housing estates and a nursing home. An Bord Pleanála hope to make their decision by July 9.