Members of Ennis Urban Council last night materially contravened the Ennis Town Development Plan in order to allow contentious plans for a "Millennium Hotel" to proceed.
Despite strong objections from local residents, the plan which includes a 63-bedroom hotel, two pubs, a 128-seat conference centre, a swimming pool and parking for 249 cars received the go-ahead when six of the nine-member council voted in favour of the plan.
The decision was made after a report by the council's planning department recommended that planning permission be granted for the development.
However, according to a Green Party member, Cllr Donal O'Bearra, the proposed rezoning of the lands from residential to commercial to facilitate the plan would be inappropriate.
He also claimed the development was too large, as it is bordered by three housing estates.
Residents in the area have said they intend to appeal to An Bord Pleanala on the basis that increased traffic in the area would put the lives of their children at risk.
