Fresh plans lodged forErne Palais site

Planning permission is being sought for a new residential development on the site of the former Erne Palais Ballroom in Belturbet. The application was lodged with Cavan County Council last week by Erne Palais Ltd, with the proposed design aimingtoretain the front facade of original building. Much of the Palais was destroyed by a fire in 2018.

Under the new plans submitted, the large ornate facade will be retained with original front-facing features restored. Meanwhile, up to 30% of the building footprint is to be re-generated and replaced with two high-end apartment units.

Plans for the remainder of the site, which is to be developed privately, includes three terraced houses and two bungalows.

Built in 1947, the Palais building was first utilised as a cinema, before being transformed into one of the region’s most popular ballrooms, then a community centre, before falling into disuse.

Just months before the fire in September 2018, Cavan County Council announced it had reached an agreement for the purchase the Erne Palais building.

The agreement was subject to planning being attained, and would have seen six social housing units for elderly persons erected on the site, which is located at the junction between Holborn Hill, Barrack Hill, and Deanery Banks.

It’s thought the local authority may yet reach an agreement with the owners for the purchase of some or all of the units for social housing purposes, should the development be permitted and once it’s complete.