Former Rathfriland Hotel Approved to Operate as Hostel for Three Years
The Old George Hotel in Rathfriland will continue as a hostel for three more years following planning approval.
Rathfriland, Northern Ireland, George Hotel, Hostel, Planning Permission
Rathfriland: The Old George Hotel is set to keep its doors open as a hostel for another three years. The planning folks gave it the green light, which is great news for the area.
They’ve got some plans to spruce the place up, too. They’re adding new windows and converting the bar and lounge into six en-suite bedrooms. Plus, there’ll be a new reception area and a cozy breakfast spot.
The application came from Aidan Foster, who’s working with Alan Flynn. The planning officers noted that the building, a charming three-storey structure from the 19th century, has already been transformed into hostel accommodation.
They mentioned that the changes won’t mess with the building’s look too much, just a few tweaks at the back. It’s all about keeping the character of the streetscape intact while making it more useful for the community.
There’s also plenty of space for parking and bike storage, which is a plus. The planning team didn’t see any issues with noise or disturbances, so it looks like it’s all systems go.
One business owner did raise a concern, but the planning officers found the objection a bit vague. They concluded that the hostel would be a good fit for the town and recommended granting the permission.