Short let apartment plan in Ashbourne gets green light

Controversial plans for 39 apartments in Airbnb style short term accommodation on Ashbourne's High Street have been given the green light by Meath County Council. The plans also include four residential apartments and require the construction of two additional storeys on existing buildings to facilitate the proposal.

Star Stone Property Investments lodged a planning application last year seeking permission for two additional storeys to provide four residential apartments and 39 new short-term tourist letting accommodation units.

Works also include limited rearrangement and change of use of some of the existing accommodation on the floors below.

The development address is listed as apartments 1-4 The Square, Units 5-12 and Level 1.0 / Level 1.5 of the Existing Multistorey Carpark, Killegland Street, Ashbourne. A total of 25 submissions were received on the plans raising several concerns including that the need for tourism accommodation was not demonstrated. Meath County Council has recently granted planning permission for the development, subject to conditions.

Star Stone Property Group acquired High Street Ashbourne Shopping District in 2022.

The property has over 40 commercial tenants within the area including New Look, Boots, Regatta and Gym Plus.