Cavan County Development Plan 2022–2028 — Chapter 2

1. Page 81

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   Core Strategy 117 Settlement Strategy KT 01 KT 02 KT 03 KT 04 KT 05 KT 06 KT 07 KT 08 KT 09 Kingscourt Tourism Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Support the provision of tourist accommodation and associated services. Encourage sustainable and suitable tourism related development. Continue to work with the tourism industry locally, to ensure a coordinated and collaborative approach to tourism signage, promotion and infrastructure. Harness the potential of Dun a Ri Forest Park as a site for outdoor recreation via the development of a long-term masterplan, in partnership with Coillte. Work with Meath County Council on the delivery of the Navan – Kingscourt Greenway and the development of Dun a Ri as a trailhead point. Support festivals and events with potential to create bed nights in the area. Work with agencies and community groups that support and contribute to tourism e.g. Fáilte Ireland, Coillte, Kingscourt Community Council, Inland Fisheries Ireland. Promote the tourism potential of Kingscourt by supporting tourist related development and enhancement of existing amenities. Protect Lough an Leagh for its scenic and amenity value by restricting inappropriate development and support further scientific studies to facilitate the appropriate conservation, management and protection of the area, to promote proposals under national designation. 2.7.7 Sustainable Communities Kingscourt provides an attractive place to live, rich in natural beauty and amenity. Opportunity exists to accommodate the future needs of the town in a consolidated fashion, which will assist in the delivery of sustainable communities, comprising of a mix of housing types, densities and tenure. An emphasis is therefore placed on building communities with a high standard of design, around the principles of place-making, green infrastructure, permeability and connectivity alongside the integration of community and recreational facilities. The development strategy for Kingscourt is to support new housing and population growth, consistent with the Core Strategy, facilitating compact growth together with providing a viable alternative to rural one-off housing within the surrounding countryside. Provision is made in the plan in accordance with RPO 3.7 of the RSES, for the development of serviced sites for the identification and prioritising of a program for the provision of serviced sites within the existing footprint of Kingscourt. The plan promotes the development of green infrastructure networks both within the settlement and to adjacent tourist amenities. New development proposals will have to demonstrate how they contribute towards the creation of Green Infrastructure networks, in particular the development of green routes through the town with connections to the town centre.

2. Page 82

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   Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 118 Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 KSC 01 KSC 02 KSC 03 KSC 04 KSC 05 KSC 06 KSC 07 KSC 08 Kingscourt Sustainable Communities Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Provide for new residential development in accordance with the requirements of the Housing and Core Strategy. Require that an appropriate mix of housing type, tenure, density and size is provided in all new residential developments to meet the needs of the population of Kingscourt. Encourage the appropriate redevelopment of brownfield and infill sites for residential uses within the footprint of the existing built-up areas. Require proposals for new development to integrate with existing Green Infrastructure networks and contribute to the development and protection of overall Green Infrastructure assets. Support the provision of social and recreational amenities in Kingscourt to address gaps in these important Community facilities. Provide for the expansion and development of educational, social, community and recreational facilities in the settlements. Promote cycling and walking within the community through the implementation of a walking/ cycling strategy and improved walking/cycling infrastructure within the town and its hinterlands and at areas of interest and attractions. Support the provision of serviced sites on lands zoned for low density residential development.

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   KCR 01 KCR 02 KCR 03 KCR 04 KCR 05 KCR 06 KCR 07 2.7.8 Commercial and Retail Development Kingscourt is designated as a key support retail centre in the retail hierarchy of the County Cavan Retail Strategy. Kingscourt contains a reasonable range of comparison shops operated by local independent retailers, Kingscourt has a low proportion of mainstream comparison, but a high proportion of bulky comparison retailing relative to similar size towns in Cavan. The town has a moderate level of vacancy when compared to other Self Sustaining towns. It is likely that there is reasonably high levels of retail leakage from the town at present. It is essential to explore the potential to improve greater connectivity for vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists to residential areas, town centres and amenities. Kingscourt Commercial and Retail Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Sustain and enhance the retail and services offer of Kingscourt Town Centre in line with the County Retail Strategy. Support commercial opportunities within Kingscourt town centre, which harnesses the potential of the town for economic growth and sustainability. Reinforce the centre of Kingscourt as the property location for new commercial and retail development, with emphasis on quality of design, positive contribution to the existing streetscape and protection of existing heritage landscapes. Support the provision of mixed-use developments in the town centre which create opportunities to live, work, shop etc. within the town and reduce the carbased travel. Encourage and facilitate the re-use and regeneration of derelict land and buildings for retail and other town centre uses with due cognisance to the Sequential Approach prescribed in the Retail Planning Guidelines 2012. Support linkages from the new Supervalu to the town centre. Support proposals for traffic management of the Main Street to encourage and prioritise pedestrian usage. 2.7.9 Regeneration and Placemaking A number of key sites exist within the settlement which present the potential for physical and social regeneration with the support of private and public sector expertise and investment, including NPF and European funding. In particular, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund operated by the Department of Rural and Community Development is available to support coordinated and integrated projects between government departments, state agencies, local authorities, other public bodies and communities, which will have an impact on sustainable economic and social development in rural areas. There is the potential for better use of underutilised and vacant sites and buildings, within the existing built-up footprint of Kingscourt, to drive the delivery of quality housing, services and employment opportunities, in tandem with supporting social infrastructure. The redevelopment of Kingscourt town centre represents an opportunity to contribute to the towns rejuvenation and revitalisation and in contributing to the overall improvement of the public realm and amenity. In this regard, any proposals for strategic brownfield and infill sites should be accompanied by a site brief that sets out a phased programme for the regeneration of the site and demonstrates how the proposal will achieve sustainable compact development and integrate principles of good urban design and placemaking. Kingscourt provides the focus for a wide variety of activities that contribute to a sense of place and identity. The town plays an important economic, social and cultural role with the main priority of consolidation in the existing centre and support existing businesses and activities, in order to maintain vibrancy. Kingscourt Revitalisation Plan 2018 seeks to showcase how improvements can enhance Kingscourt as an attractive place in which to live, play, work and visit. It seeks to enhance and improve the towns functions on a day to day basis, while also seeking to improve the long term socio economic, cultural and environmental benefits for residents, businesses, communities and visitors. The Kingscourt Revitalisation Plan 2018 includes proposals recommended at a county and town specific basis. There are a number of Kingscourt Specific Proposals incorporating the following themes: Core Strategy 119 Settlement Strategy

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   KRP 01 KRP 02 KRP 03 KRP 04 KRP 05 KRP 06 KRP 07 M Accessibility M Streetscape M Amenities and Services M Built Form M Initiatives and Events The Revitalisation Plan aims to enhance Kingscourt town centre, as an attractive place in which to live and work and to address economic and social decline. The holistic and inclusive approach undertaken identifies a wide range of projects throughout the entire county to be implemented over the short, medium and long term. It provides guidance on a suite of interventions, that will have a transformative impact on the town of Kingscourt. A number of proposals have been included in the Kingscourt Revitalisation Plan 2018, that seeks to enhance the town with proposals including the provision of a new car park, realignment of on street parking, parking control and redesign of Main Street along with pocket parks, landscaped amenity areas, public realm works and the redesign of Market Square. Regeneration works have occurred in Kingscourt with projects like development of a social enterprise, a trail in Dun na Ri Forest, outdoor recreational amenity, outdoor seating and funding has been approved for the Kingscourt Town Centre Regeneration Scheme. Masterplan 1 in the land use zoning provides for a planned and coordinated approach to the development of backlands in Kingscourt. There is an opportunity at this site to development sustainable communities with appropriate mixed use developments, along with the creation of access for vehicular as well as pedestrians and cyclists. RRDF funding has been approved for the Kingscourt Town Centre Regeneration Scheme. This scheme proposes a redesign of the Market Square and Main Street (between Market Square and Kells Rd. roundabout) to reduce car parking and increase civic space. It will also identify a suitable building for socio economic use and off street car parking. Kingscourt Regeneration and Placemaking Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Encourage the appropriate reuse and regeneration of derelict and underused premises and sites in Kingscourt town. Promote the regeneration of backland of Kingscourt in accordance with and agreed Masterplan as identified in the Kingscourt Land Use Zoning Map. Continue to identify sites in poor state of repair or neglect under the Derelicts Sites Act and support their regeneration. Support the implementation of the Kingscourt Revitalisation Plan 2018. Ensure that the town centre is accessible to all members of the community, including people with mobility issues, the elderly and people with young children. Actively engage with the community, developers and other agencies to secure resources for the enhancement, renewal and regeneration of the Kingscourt town. Support the RRDF funded Kingscourt Town Centre Regeneration Scheme. Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 120 Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028

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   2.7.10 Heritage The town of Kingscourt was founded near the site of the old village of Cabra, by Mervyn Pratt, towards the end of the eighteenth century and was completed by his brother, The Rev Joseph Pratt. In 1813, the Pratt family moved to the current Cabra Castle, which is an early nineteenth century ‘gothic style’ castle. Kingscourt has a disused railway line, which ceased carrying passengers in 1947 when it became a freight only service. The line ran from Kingscourt to Navan and onto Drogheda and was used to carry gypsum on a daily basis from the gypsum industries. Kingscourt is also home to the well- known 565 acre Coillte owned Dun na Ri Forest Park, which is located just a short walk from the town centre. The natural heritage of Kingscourt includes natural environment, biodiversity and green infrastructure. This heritage is an asset which can be promoted to present a positive image of the town. Just outside the town of Kingscourt lies Dun na Ri Forest Park which contains very fine natural and built heritage features including a dramatic gorge, a romantic glen, an ice -house and Sarah’s Bridge. Sarah’s Bridge is the starting point for many of the walks. There are four walks of 1.5 to 2km all with points of interest and plenty of wildlife including squirrels, stoats and rabbits. Minks and Otters have been spotted along the river. This is a wonderful resource to the town and the heritage value of the site should be further developed. A 2km recreational trail for cycling and walking has been developed from the community centre linking the town centre of Kingscourt and Dun na Ri Forest Park. This has proved to be a very successful venture and the partnership between, Cavan County Council, the local community and Coillte is a model of best practice. The distinctive wide streetscape of Kingscourt running on a north-south axis should be viewed as a positive attribute and the enhancement of Kingscourt Main Street ACA should be encouraged. Some notable buildings include Kingscourt Parochial Hall, the Market House, Masonic Hall, the Roman Catholic Church, Gartlan’s Pub and St. Ernan’s Church of Ireland. Core Strategy 121 Settlement Strategy KH 01 KH 02 KH 03 KH 04 KH 05 KH 06 KH 07 Kingscourt Heritage Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Ensure that all plans and projects relating to the natural and built heritage within Kingscourt Town are subject to development objectives contained within the Built and Natural Heritage chapter of this Plan. Protect, enhance, create and connect natural heritage, green spaces and high-quality amenity spaces throughout Kingscourt for biodiversity and recreation whilst ensuring the design and operation of routes respond to the ecological protection and needs of each site. Support positively the Boyne Valley to Lakelands County Greenway and the appropriate reuse of old railway infrastructure and buildings. Seek to preserve, protect and maintain trees of special amenity, conservation or landscape value in Kingscourt. Support the further enhancement of Dun na Ri Forest Park through trail development and interpretation. Carry out and require planting of native trees, hedgerows and vegetation on all new developments. All planting should be pollinator friendly and in accordance with the All Ireland Pollinator Plan and Pollinator Guidelines for Communities as contained in Appendix 23. Protect the environmental quality in Kingscourt, through the implementation of European, National and Regional policy and legislation relating to air quality, green house gas emissions, climate change, light pollution, noise pollution and waste management.

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   KH 08 KH 09 KH 10 KH 12 KH 13 KH 11 Kingscourt Heritage Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Conserve, protect and enhance the built heritage of Kingscourt including all Protected Structures and attendant grounds, Main Street ACA, Records of Monuments and Places in accordance with best conservation practice. Positively consider proposals to improve, alter, extend or change of use of protected structures to accommodate for modern use, subject to suitably qualified conservation architects and other relevant experts, suitable design, materials and consultation methods. This should demonstrate that the structure, character, appearance and setting will not be adversely affected. Support the re-introduction of traditional features on protected structures of the Main Street ACA particularly where there is evidence these features previously existed. Support schemes for the conservation and enhancement of the character and appearance of the traditional town core of Kingscourt. Ensure heritage assets which are the focus for heritage development in Kingscourt are appropriately managed and their special interest is conserved from potential adverse effects from visitors or development in general and that best practice in relation to the environmental management of tourism enterprises is adhered to. Ensure Archaeological assessment is carried out as required and promote ‘preservation in situ of archaeological sites and /or features. Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 122 Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028

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   2.7.11 Masterplan 1 The Planning Authority will take a lead role in the preparation of the masterplan, in conjunction with all other relevant parties, masterplans shall be agreed prior to lodgement as part of any Planning Application. This Masterplan shall contain the following: a. The construction of a new access road from the Kells Road to the Rocks Road to serve the Masterplan area. b. Development shall support, contribute to and consolidate the town core function while complying with the highest urban design standards. c. Development shall provide safe and accessible pedestrian linkages between the development and the existing town core, amenity areas and community facilities. d. The location of the proposed access points will be determined at planning application stage. Access roads shall be improved in order to accommodate additional traffic. e. Necessary social and physical infrastructure is to be provided, as appropriate. f. A full public consultation strategy. Figure 2.7.1 Kingscourt ACA Core Strategy 123 Settlement Strategy

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   2.7.12 Map Based Specific Obje tives Map based specific objectives have been created for several areas within the Development Boundary. Refer to zoning map. 1. Protect and preserve the views and vistas to the Roman Catholic Church and Church of Ireland. 2. Promote the development and reuse of the railway line as an amenity area, walking and cycle route in partnership with Meath County Council, Irish Rail and communities involved. Developments in proximity to the rail line shall make adequate allowance for the proper development of a walking and cycling greenway along the Railway Line and its linkage to the town centre. 3. Support the role of Dun a Rí Forest Park, as defined in the RSES, as an amenity attraction with growth potential. The Planning Authority will ensure the protection and conservation of Dun na Rí Forest Park in recognition of its cultural and historical importance to the town and as an important urban amenity with strong tourism value. The Planning Authority will: a. Liaise with Coillte Teoranta on matters relating to Dun a Rí Forest Park and encourage the use of part of Dun na Rí Forest Park as an amenity area. b. Protect Dun a Rí Forest Park and regulate development to ensure compatibility with recreational and amenity uses (including commercial forestry). c. Require any development on lands adjoining Dun a Rí Forest Park to be sited and designed to take cognisance of this Park and maximise habitat preservation and conservation. d. Protect the Dun a Ri Forest Parks looped walk which connects the Park to the Town of Kingscourt and other existing walks within the Park. 4. Support the delivery of an off street car park in close proximity to the town centre in order to enhance public realm and alleviate vehicular dominance in Kingscourt town core. 5. Provide for the delivery of a footpath to the town boundary. 6. Support the delivery of plans and proposals in the Kingscourt Revitalisation Plan 2018. 7. Provide pedestrian and cycle linkages to connect adjoining residential areas. 8. Development of this site shall only be permitted where it does not compromise the improvement of the adjacent junction. Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 124 Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028

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   Medium Towns 2.8 Ballyconnell 2.8.1 Context Ballyconnell is located north west of Cavan Town and is identified in the Settlement Framework as a Medium Town. Medium towns have a varied employment base and can be reliant on other areas for employment and/or services, but play an important role in supporting the social, economic and cultural life within rural communities. It is located close to the border with County Fermanagh at the crossroads of the N87 and R205. Ballyconnell is located on the Woodford River which is part of the Shannon Erne Waterway. 2.8.2 Town Character The Town originally developed as a crossing point on the Woodford River. Ballyconnell House (circa 1800) was built during plantation times. A typical ‘big house’ relationship developed between it and the local community. As a border town, its development was restricted as a result of partition in the 1920s. Trade and activity with Northern Ireland has developed and tourist activities have also expanded, helped by the construction of the Shannon-Erne Waterway. Historically Ballyconnell has experienced strong population growth seeing a 30.6% growth in the 2006 Census, a very strong growth of 42% in the 2011 Census and a modest 4% population growth in the 2016 Census. Table 2.8.1 Fact Table Position in Settlement Hierarchy Medium Town 2016 Population 1105 2011 Population 1061 Percentage Change 2011-2016 4% (44) Housing Supply Target 2022-2028 140 Population Projection 2028 1435 Education (2020/2021 Enrolment Data) Ballyconnell Central National School (31 pupils) Ballyconnell Mixed National School (182 pupils) Childcare options 2.8.3 Strategy and Vision Ballyconnell is described as a Medium town in the County Settlement Hierarchy, which plays an important role in supporting the social, economic and cultural life within rural communities. The Core Strategy set out in Chapter 1 of this Plan, projects that the population of Ballyconnell will grow to 1,435 over this plan period. This will be provided in town core, mixed use and Core Strategy 125 Settlement Strategy

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    BPI 01 BPI 02 brownfield sites of Ballyconnell, along with proposed residential lands and low density residential lands, which will provide an alternative to one off dwellings. It is the vision of this plan that modest, sustainable, compact residential growth occurs in Ballyconnell over the plan period. Proposed residential sites are located close to the town centre and within walking distance of the towns services and facilities. 2.8.4 Physical Infrastructure Ballyconnell is served by the Ballyconnell Public WSS sourced by a groundwater well. Ballyconnell is served by an existing wastewater treatment plant located to the north east of the town centre. Green infrastructure is essential to delivering the Town’s economic competitiveness, an improved quality of life and improved social inclusion. Increased development pressure will inevitably lead to an increase in traffic levels. It is essential that traffic is managed so as to minimise future congestion. This plan aims to achieve a more balanced and sustainable pattern of movement in Ballyconnell and undertake to facilitate the provision of a greater choice of transport modes. Ballyconnell Physical infrastructure Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Support the investment in water and waste water infrastructure facilities serving Ballyconnell in order to ensure the continued sustainable development of the Town. Support improvements in the pedestrian and cycling infrastructure in the town that will improve connectivity and permeability and promote more sustainable modes of transport. B 01 B 02 B 03 B 04 B 05 B 06 B 07 Ballyconnell General Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Promote the development of Ballyconnell to fulfil its role as a designated Medium Town. Support the expansion of a range of services and facilities available to residents and the wider rural hinterland. Engage with the community and relevant stakeholders to promote and support the regeneration of Ballyconnell, through identification of significant regeneration projects along with associated funding streams including Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. Provide for the creation of sustainable communities in Ballyconnell by identifying sufficient land for new development, in particular housing, enterprise and employment, community, recreational and tourism uses. Continue to promote the tourism potential of Ballyconnell by supporting tourist related development and enhancement of existing amenities. Encourage re-use and redevelopment of underutilised buildings and lands in the town centre of Ballyconnell in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area Encourage and foster the creation of attractive, mixed use, sustainable communities that include a suitable mix of housing types and tenures, with supporting facilities, amenities and services that meet the needs of the entire community and accord with the principles of universal design and Age Friendly standards. Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 126 Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028

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