Planning permission for the construction of a major new hotel in Athlone has been appealed to the higher planning authority.
Avenir Assets Managament D.A.C. had received the green light for the development, which consisted of the change of use of an office building at Cloghanboy in the town.
The application included a part 10 and part 8 storey hotel with 192 bedrooms, as well as a lounge, bar, restaurant, dining room, spa, conference and meeting room facilities.
Residents living in close proximity to the proposed location along the Brawney Road have raised their concerns about the effect the development would have on an existing traffic problem in the area, especially at peak hours during the school year.
The proposed height of the hotel has also caused worry among residents about privacy in the nearby dwellings.
The project has been appealed to An Bord Pleanála and the case is due to be decided by April of next year.
