A nightclub is set to be transformed into a church if planning permission submitted to the council is granted.
An application was submitted to Meath County Council by the Romanian Pentecostal Church Mount Zion CLG seeking to transform the former County Club in Growtown, Dunshaughlin into a place of worship and community restaurant.
The application outlines plans to change the use of the former nightclub section of the building into a church, while the original bar and restaurant area would be repurposed as an unlicensed community restaurant, meaning alcohol will not be served.
As part of the proposed development, the flat roof of the nightclub is to be raised, allowing for the creation of a mezzanine level to serve the new church interior.
Further modifications to the structure include alterations to the building's windows and external features on all sides of the church, along with the construction of a separate side entrance atrium.
The plans also include rear ground-floor extensions to the church, as well as the installation of a steel fire-escape staircase serving the new mezzanine level.
To accommodate the needs of both the church and restaurant, the applicant proposes the installation of a wastewater treatment system compliant with EPA 2021 standards.
The existing two vehicular entrances will remain in use, and all on-site car parking spaces are to be retained.
Last year, the property was put up for sale in excess of €1.5m.
Situated along the Dublin–Navan road, the two-storey property spans approximately 17,405 square feet and occupies a 3.8-acre site, offering 125 metres of road frontage to the front and an additional 86 metres at the rear. The site currently accommodates up to 220 car parking spaces.
The business was developed over more than four decades by the Peters family, earning a strong reputation for its high-volume trade, quality food and beverage service, and a nightclub that became a popular venue for debs and social events.
A decision from Meath County Council on the planning application is expected next month on July 31.