Detailed plans have been lodged to convert a former county Longford church into residential use. Saint Michael's Convent of Mercy Church in Newtownforbes, which is a protected structure, most recently had permission for a mix of commercial uses, including a restaurant, offices and studio space. The plans lodged by Frank Kelly would see a change of use from the church’s most recently permitted commercial uses to develop eight apartments. The application outlines a number of changes to the historic fabric of the church.
These include the partial demolition of four sections of the existing external walls, along with the replacement of two non-original windows with new glazed units. Two stained-glass windows would be removed as part of the works. However, they are to be carefully conserved and reinstated elsewhere within the site. The wider development includes hard and soft landscaping works, as well as the provision of communal outdoor amenity space for residents, in addition to bicycle and bin storage facilities. A decision on the application is due to be made at the end of May.
