KILDARE: Second apartments plan is put forward for historic Naas town centre house

An alternative accommodation plan has been put forward for a derelict residential site in Naas.

Some local councillors have already expressed interest in pressing Kildare County Council to avail of funding made available for the compulsory purchase of vacant derelict buildings in places classified as “regeneration areas” - to create new accommodation.

However, a planning application is to be made to renovate and extend the Market House, at the Grand Canal harbour as an exclusive age friendly housing scheme.

This is a design deliberately aimed for people within the age friendly sphere (generally considered to be those ages over 55s and not necessarily with health issues).

Planning consultant Derek Whyte is preparing the plan.

Mr Whyte has considerable experience in this area. “I’m very interested in this proposal as an age friendly project and I’m working to convince the council and the owner that age friendly design and developments are the way to go for Market House.”

Mr White has worked on projects in various towns across Ireland for Age Friendly Ireland for the past year and these include Dungloe, Kilrush, Shannon, Mountrath, Athy, Kilkee, Mitchelstown, Carlow, Swords and Balbriggan.

He was also the age friendly planner for Dublin City University campus  and DCU was the first age friendly university in the world.

He was also associated with an age friendly project in Croke Park.

More recently he was the lead planner for a small project in Castlefen, Sallins where some of the infrastructure was redesigned to make it safer for pedestrians.

He pointed out that the Market House has been derelict for some time and nine apartments would be ideal for the site.

He said its suitability is enhanced by its proximity to the town, canal, walks, pubs, restaurants and restaurants with no need for parking or accommodating bus routes.

“I really think this development is achievable and will be a catalyst for regeneration in this area of Naas.”

He also pointed out that permission was previously granted there for an extension and this design could be replicated purely for residential use. “It is intended to retain the classical arcaded and pedimented front facade which will retain the civic and historic character of this area.”

Mr Whyte also said there is no market requirement for any commercial element in this area as “we feel that any commercial development will just simply take from some other commercial area in the town, we believe that getting older people living in town centre location is a priority for sustainable living, especially for Market House itself. It also appears that the site has been exclusively residential for over 70 years so it is pretty clear that there is no commercial element possible here.”

The front garden area could be designed as a  community garden which will also double up as a semi-public space for community events.

He also said the plan will likely to An Bord Pleanála because a pre-planning meeting with Kildare County Council was "negative."

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