Despite being met with concerns by Dublin City Council last November, plans have been approved for JD Wetherspoon to open a two-story pub in a former Baptist church and an adjoining building on Dublin's Lower Abbey Street.
Initially, concerns were raised by the council over the conservation and proposed alterations of the buildings in question, which date back to the early nineteenth century, as well as by residents of Abbey Court who were worried about noise pollution and anti-social behaviour.
However, The Irish Times reports that planning officials have now decided that the development will add vitality to Lower Abbey Street, while Wetherspoons has stated that it will not seek a bar extension licence nor play any music on the premises.
While the decision may still be subject to an appeal to An Bord Pleanála, the proposed pub will feature a 955 square metre floor area as well as a street level beer garden and top floor terrace with retractable roof. The development is also expected to generate jobs for 40-50 people.
