Bid to extend ‘thriving’ Cork city restaurant

AN Italian restaurant in the heart of Cork city has lodged plans seeking to expand.

The application submitted to Cork City Council by Ortley Way Limited proposes the expansion of Sonflour on Castle St into an adjacent premises.

The proposed development, if approved, would see the amalgamation of the ground floor of Sonflour at 9 Castle St, and 9A Castle St.

It requires a change of use from retail at 9A, ‘The Gold Reserve’, to restaurant use to facilitate the expansion.

Some demolition of internal elements would be required.

A planning statement submitted with the application said the plans would see the expansion of a “thriving restaurant in Cork’s historic centre”.

It stated: “Key considerations pertaining to the site’s location within the North Main Street Architectural Conservation Area and its location within, and in the curtilage of, a protected structure have been significant considerations of the proposed development”.

A decision is expected by August 14.