Cavan County Development Plan 2022–2028 — Chapter 4

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   Vision To develop and support vibrant sustainable communities in Cavan where people can live, work and enjoy access to a wide range of community, health and educational facilities and amenities, suitable for all ages and needs, in both urban and rural areas, thereby supporting a high quality of life for all to enjoy.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 202

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   Sustainable Communities Policy SCP 01 Develop safe, active and empowered communities; developing health and wellbeing; promoting social inclusion; and protecting natural resources which simultaneously promoting culturally rich communities. Emphasis will be placed on achieving equality and inclusion and enhancing quality of life of all people living in County Cavan. 4.1 Introduction Cavan County Council’s mission statement is to be a “Council that leads and collaborates with all, to drive and shape a better future for our county”, key to achieving this mission is to promote sustainable economic, social and community development which supports the emergence of sustainable communities. Sustainable communities are those that are economically, environmentally, and socially healthy and resilient. Challenges are met through integrated solutions rather than through disjointed approaches. The Plan has a key role to play in boosting and developing the capacity of Cavan’s communities without losing their distinctiveness. We need to ensure residents have access to a range of accommodation, facilities and an environment in which to enjoy their desired lifestyle. We strive to enable our communities to have suitable resources to support economic, social and environmental wellbeing, the innovation to thrive, and the power to be robust. This will in turn support the creation of a vibrant, sustainable, and competitive economy, based on shared goals and collaboration between statutory, community, voluntary, environmental and private sectors. A priority of this plan is the creation of sustainable neighbourhoods which support thriving communities and provide for a wide range of household types, age groups and tenures with community facilities close by. Sustainable Communities and placemaking are key entities in creating attractive places for people to invest, live, work and visit. Sustainable economic, social and community development is essential to support the emergence of sustainable neighbourhoods and communities throughout the County, especially in newly emerging or developing areas. Sustainable development has three mutually interdependent elements: 1. Environment: This includes protection and enhancement of the natural, built and historic resources of the County, including making effective use of land, minimising waste and pollution, and mitigating and adapting to climate change. 2. Economic: This includes building a strong and resilient economy by ensuring sufficient land is available in the right place and supporting growth and innovation and coordinating the provision of infrastructure. 3. Social: This includes providing social infrastructure such as jobs, housing, education, medical care, open space areas and cultural opportunities to support strong, vibrant and healthy communities and promoting well designed and safe environments. Sustainable development requires all of the above elements to work in a coordinated manner to ensure the County is a place where people want to live, work and visit, now and into the future. 4.2 Policy National publications also provide excellent guidance on how to deliver quality neighbourhoods, urban areas and sustainable communities. These include Delivering Homes Sustaining Communities (2007), Quality Housing for Sustainable Communities (2007), Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments 2023, The Smarter Travel – A Sustainable Transport Future - A New Transport Policy for Ireland 2009-2020 (Department of Transport, 2009) ) Compact Settlements Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2024), National Sustainable Mobility Policy (2022), National Policy on Architecture (2022), and Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects – Guidance for Planning Authorities (2009). Actions plans including Rebuilding Ireland - an Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness 2016 which supports the creation of sustainable neighbourhoods and maximising the contribution of the built environment to addressing climate change and Realising our Rural Potential: Action Plan for Rural Development (DAHRRGA, 2017) sets out the Government’s policy for the economic and social development of rural Ireland. The Action Plan sets targets for job creation, connectivity, culture, tourism, town and village improvements and identifies over 270 specific actions. Local Authorities are identified as key partners in the development and delivery of the Action Plan.Sustainable Communities 203

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   4.2.1 The National Planning Framework - Project Ireland 2040 (NPF) There is now significant alignment between the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the National Planning Framework’s National Strategic Outcomes (NSOs) in areas such as climate action, clean energy, sustainable cities and communities, economic growth, reduced inequalities and innovation and infrastructure, as well as education and health with a focus on compact, smart and sustainable development that have accessible services to all. Chapter 6 “People, Homes and Communities” outlines how location, place and accessibility influence that quality of life that people enjoy. It also notes that as our society changes, so does our needs and preferences, particularly as we grow older. This is premiant in Cavan, taking into account the current aging population; as per the Census 2016, there are 10,464 people aged 65 and over. 4.2.2 Northern and Western Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) 2020-2032 The RSES seeks to promote healthy placemaking and promote people’s quality of life through the creation of healthy and attractive places to live, work, visit and study in. It highlights the importance of the physical and social environment and places in which we live or work, and its impact on the health of people. The strategy aims to create a sustainable and competitive region that supports the health and well-being of our people and places, from urban to rural, and ensures access to affordable housing, travel and employment opportunities for all. The RSES acknowledges Cavan’s strategic facilities such as Cavan General Hospital, Cavan Institute, Local Authority headquarters, Agricultural College, Cathedrals and Sports Stadium. It further notes that Cavan is in a healthy position to deliver and grow sustainable communities. The following RPO’s contained in the RSES are of relevance: RPO 7.1 Support the co-ordination of employment skills and support in the region through the alignment of needs as identified by the Regional Skills Fora to include facilities and opportunities for disadvantaged areas and groups in the community. RPO 7.2 Support disadvantaged communities facing particular barriers to employment, including actively marketing vacancies that are relevant to them. RPO 7.3 Through constituent LCDCs promote vocational and occupational programmes and pathways for progression to a career. RPO 7.4 Support the implementation of the STEM program in Irish Education out to 2026. RPO 7.5 Ensure that the requirements of emerging sectors are reflected in the regional skills needs and resourcing. RPO 7.7 Support the provision of third level education facilities in the Cavan/Monaghan subregion (where the lack of 3rd level education is most pronounced) and in Roscommon and Leitrim. RPO 7.9 Promote the provision of high-quality, accessible and suitably proportioned areas of public open spaces and promote linkages with social, cultural and heritage sites and buildings. In this process prioritise access for walking and cycling. RPO 7.10 Support the Health Service Executive and other statutory and voluntary agencies and private healthcare providers in the provision of healthcare facilities to all sections of the community, at appropriate locations, with good public transport links, parking and accessible facilities. RPO 7.11 Support the objectives of public health policy including Healthy Ireland and the National Physical Activity Plan and the National Obesity Plan through integration with planning policy.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 204

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   RPO 7.12 Ensure local planning, housing, transport/ accessibility and leisure policies are developed with a focus on meeting the needs and opportunities of an ageing population and people with disabilities and younger persons. RPO 7.13 Aim to make this region an Age Friendly one by working with constituent Planning Authorities and recognising the demographic challenges that face the region and ensure the provision of suitable facilities and services at appropriate locations. RPO 7.14 The Assembly supports the specific designation of lands in development plans for nursing homes and sheltered housing, whilst ensuring these facilities are integrated within the communities they serve. RPO 7.15 Encourage multi-agency approaches for delivering the health, social care, education and community services needed by growing, diverse or isolated communities. RPO 9.1 Build Inclusive and Compact Places by: (a) Planning for Inclusive Communities through regional cooperation and collaboration, to support the wider economic and social development agendas of the region and integrating health and wellbeing outcomes across all activities, ensuring that spaces are made available for community use; (b) Accommodating Growth and Delivering Housing through compact growth where housing opportunities are close to schools, community facilities, health facilities, shopping, and employment; Prioritising the (re-)use of existing underutilised land and buildings, and other infill opportunities. (c) Accessing Quality Services by maximising the use of transport and digital infrastructure to ensure people can access quality education and health services, building on the quality health and education infrastructure that exists on a crossborder basis and building more shared services and nurturing greater collaboration between actors and agencies in the codesign of new services. (d) Valuing Cultural Heritage by creating appealing places through attractive and imaginative building design, street layout, civic space and public realm design; Developing new offerings in support of existing ventures in the tourism sector, such as greenways, walking trails and other interurban connections, based on the wealth of natural and cultural heritage assets and providing links to the Wild Atlantic Way and the Causeway Coast. RPO 9.7 The Assembly will work with Local Authorities, and other stakeholders in both jurisdictions to identify further potential projects which could benefit cross border communities, and in doing so create an inventory of priority projects to be advanced to feasibility studies, and beyond. 4.2.3 The Local Economic & Community Plan 2016-2021 The purpose of the LECP is to promote the local and community development of each local authority area. This is done through a coordinated approach to planning and service delivery. The Economic elements of the LECP are driven by the Economic Development Strategic Policy Committee of the Local Authority. The LECP focuses on measures that will: l Enhance the quality of life and wellbeing of communities, including measures aimed at tackling poverty, disadvantage and social inclusion l Support training, upskilling and jobs creation l Enable the provision of infrastructure and community facilities l Support the capacity of local communities to improve their quality of life l Develop sustainable solutions that make the best use of existing local assets, strengths and opportunities l Support social enterprise, social capital, volunteering and active citizenship, and l Foster community involvement in policy development and decision-making processes relating to planning, development and delivery of services. This plan sets out the agenda, identifies objectives and implements actions to strengthen the economic and community development of the county for a six year period. A review of the Cavan Local Economic & Community Plan will commence in 2021, ultimately leading to the formation of a new LocalSustainable Communities 205

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   Economic and Community Plan. Central to the formation of an LECP is the understanding that economic, local and community development is mutually supportive in building sustainable communities with strong local economies. The Development Plan and the Local Economic and Community Plan effectively operate along parallel and support lines. The LECP provides a supportive structure for economic and local community development in Cavan, whereas the County Development Plan provides for an overarching strategy and statutory policy support for the proper planning and sustainable development of the County at spatial level. Subsequently, the statutory policies and objectives of the County Development Plan must be complementary to and consistent with the high level goals and objectives of the LECP. The foregoing goals are reflected in the policies and objectives of this chapter. The LECP is now also required to be compliant with the adopted RSES. The Department proposes to issue advice and guidance on the preparation of new LECPs in Q1 2021. In the interim they have indicated that local authorities can commence the process of preparing a new LECP. In Cavan this process has commenced. 4.3 Characteristics of an Effective and Successful Sustainable Community Throughout the NPF and the RSES, there is a strong emphasis placed on achieving and maintaining sustainable communities that will contribute to a high quality of life and meet the diverse needs of the people within existing and future communities. Effective sustainable communities are interlinked with improving the quality of life for everyone within the community providing a vibrant economy, while preserving the environment. Figure 4.1 indicates the factors involved in providing sustainable communities and factors influencing quality of life. 4.4 Quality of Life According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), quality of life can be defined as “The individuals’ perception of their position in the life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals”. There are many factors that can influence quality of life, some of which are difficult to measure and dependent on the individual concerned and include factors such as social well-being, health, family, housing, education, income, employment, recreation, safety and the environment.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 206

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   SC 01 SC 02 SC 03 Quality of life factors and “place-making” are increasingly recognised as key to developing attractive places in which to invest, live, study, visit and work including access to amenities, facilities, arts, culture and heritage. This is also linked to “Functionality” in terms of provision of suitable sites and property solutions to meet enterprises and labour force expectations. 4.5 Creating Sustainable Neighbourhoods The creation of sustainable neighbourhoods play an important role in the quality of life factors and foster a wider sense of community. Creating sustainable urban neighbourhoods to support sustainable communities requires the efficient use of land and sustainable densities to enable viable provision of the necessary range of facilities, services and good public transport connections – all of which should be within walking distance of residents and workers and of a high-quality urban design to create places where people will want to live. This development plan aims to ensure that all significant developments can only take place where sufficient schools, public transport, employment opportunities, parks, community facilities and resources are either in place or proposed. A good urban neighbourhood must also incorporate quality living spaces, amenity areas and green infrastructure, as well as fostering a distinctive sense of place and a safe environment. The creation of sustainable communities is based on the development of the following three pillars: l Sustainable Economy l Sustainable Housing l Social Infrastructure Sustainable Community Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Support sustainable transport infrastructure, by developing mixed use schemes, higher densities close to public transport hubs, safe walking routes in developments, promoting alternative modes of transport and reduce the need to travel. Support and promote the development of socially inclusive, sustainable communities in the County and seek to ensure that all citizens enjoy optimal health and well-being along with associated mental health supports and youth services. Encourage inclusive and active sustainable communities based around a strong network of community facilities. Figure 4.1 Elements Supporting Quality of Life Source: NPF, p.80 Material Living Conditions Economic and Physical Safety Overall Life Satisfaction Governance and Basic Rights Arts, Culture and HeritageNatural and Living Environment Employment Leisure and Social Interactions Education HealthSustainable Communities 207

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   4.6 Sustainable Economy Social and economic opportunities are identified as central determinants of health and wellbeing, with employment opportunities being closely related to education and skills. Building sustainable communities is difficult with the increase in mobility, with people leaving an area for employment creating a transient population in an area which makes it difficult to sustain a community. The provision of employment within the County and a robust social infrastructure is important in creating a ‘sense of place’ and belonging to an area. Furthermore, access to employment in a community provides an opportunity to access housing, education and culture and promotes staying within a community. 4.7 Sustainable Housing One of the challenges facing Cavan is to successfully accommodate people at different stages in their lifecycle, having regard to emerging demographic trends. Sustainable future housing should be located where people have the best opportunities to access a high standard quality of life, close to jobs, important services such as education and healthcare, close to transport networks and sustainable physical infrastructure. It is Council policy to prioritise the development of housing in existing towns and villages in the Settlement Hierarchy to help reduce the need to travel and reduce transport carbon emissions. Appropriate densities are outlined for each settlement to make more efficient use of land and energy resources, creating a consolidated urban form that supports the development of compact neighbourhoods which contribute to the viability of economic, social, and transport infrastructure. The Council will encourage and support varied housing typologies within neighbourhoods in order to encourage a diverse choice of housing options in terms of tenure, unit size, and building design in residential communities. The promotion of quality design and energy efficient design will result in more attractive places to live, provide for greater connectivity and integration of new housing within the existing urban fabric, provide positive spaces and assist in developing community spirit. The NPF provides that 30% of future residential development should be accommodated within the built footprint of existing urban areas. The NPF and RSES identifies ‘Compact Growth’ as the means to deliver sustainable growth in our urban settlements through consolidation, rather than the continued sprawl of urban development into the countryside, at the expense of town centres and smaller villages. The Council is committed to delivering compact growth through active land management together with the positive regeneration of urban areas. To facilitate population growth, a significant proportion of urban development will be accommodated on infill/brownfield sites through the redevelopment and regeneration of underused, vacant or derelict town centre lands. It is an objective of the Council to facilitate the continuous regeneration and redevelopment of existing built up areas, to create more desirable places in which people can live and work. Further, it is a priority of the Council to enable infill and appropriate brownfield redevelopment in order to maximise the efficient use of existing infrastructure and services and promote a positive modal shift towards sustainable transport use. Proposals for residential schemes shall have regard to the following statutory guidelines: l Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlement Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2024). l National Policy on Architecture (2022) l National Sustainable Mobility Policy (2022) l Urban Development and Building Height Guidelines (2018) l Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines (2005) SE 01 SE 02 Sustainable Economy Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Enhance the well-being and quality of life of the people of Cavan through sustainable economic and community development. Support the implementation of Local Authority Local Economic and Community Plans, in collaboration with Local and Economic Development Committees (LCDCs) and through the use of spatial planning policies, to seek to reduce the number of people in or at risk of poverty and social exclusion in the County.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 208

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   l Quality Housing for Sustainable Communities, Best Practice Guidelines for Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities, DEHLG 2007. l Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments (2023). l Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets, DECLG & DTTS (2013, updated in 2019) l Permeability Best Practice Guide (2015) 4.8 Lifetime Housing/Housing for Older People As previously outlined, one of the challenges facing the County is to successfully accommodate people at different stages in their lifecycle, having regard to emerging demographic trends. The Census 2016 identified a decline in the average household size of 2.7 persons per household and saw an increase in the elderly, dependent and single parent household population. With an increasingly older population within the County, it is likely that more people will spend more time in the area where they live, so local area aspects are likely to increase in importance for quality of life. A wide range of measures can contribute to facilitate longer and healthier lives in the community. A focus on building sustainable communities ensures better social integration which in turn enhances the vibrancy of communities. Furthermore, the Plan encourages a model of intergenerational step-down residence incorporated into family homes. Any new homes will have to accommodate changing needs over its lifetime. A liveable and adaptable housing development or house is one that is able to respond effectively to these needs without requiring costly and energy intensive alterations. It also requires active management of land and sites in urban areas where consolidation of residential areas will be encouraged and supported close to community services and amenities. Cavan Age Friendly County Initiative was launched in March 2012. The overall aim of the Cavan Age Friendly Programme is to make Cavan a great place for older people to live. To date the Age Friendly Alliance have successfully implemented two strategies to date 2013 to 2016 and 2017 to 2019. A third strategy will be produced to cover from 2020 to 2023 and will build on the work of the previous strategies in progressing to make County Cavan an Age Friendly County. Key focus areas for the new strategy will be on enabling older people to live independently within their homes and communities for longer and supporting a better quality of life in those senior years. SH 01 SH 02 SH 03 SH 04 Sustainable Housing Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Secure the provision of social and affordable housing accommodation, to meet the needs of all households and the disadvantaged sectors in the County, including the elderly, first time buyers, single person households on modest incomes, people with disabilities, and special needs etc. Achieve densities for new housing that respect the local character of surrounding areas whilst making efficient use of land. Provide for housing that is accessible for older people, the very young and people with disabilities and that residential buildings together with nonresidential buildings are accessible and usable by people with disabilities. Ensure that new residential development in town and village cores provide for family type accommodation with a satisfactory level of residential amenity to create vibrant living centres and to address the issue of dereliction and vacancy in town and village centres.Sustainable Communities 209

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    4.9 Social Infrastructure A significant contributor to sustainable communities is the provision and delivery of social infrastructure to support and achieve balanced communities. Facilities need to be inclusive so that communities in Cavan can integrate and socialise across different age, socio-economic and ethnic groups. Such social infrastructure plays an important role in developing strong and inclusive communities and includes facilities in relation to health, education, libraries, childcare, recreation, cultural facilities, burial grounds and emergency facilities. Social infrastructure should be easily accessible by walking, cycling and public transport. Shared use and co-location of facilities should be encouraged, in order to align service provision, use land more efficiently and facilitate opportunities for further inclusion and community participation. Over the lifetime of the Development Plan population growth and changing demographics will require a policy response to ensure positive health outcomes for children, young people, older people, and families to support the population throughout life stage development. In catering for the provision of adequate social and community infrastructure, the County faces a number of challenges in terms of placemaking and its demographic components. Understanding the County’s demographic structure is central to preparing a strategy which will address future community needs. The CSO figures highlight demographic pressures that will likely remain a feature in the County. LH 01 SI 01 LH 02 LH 03 LH 04 LH 05 LH 06 LH 07 Lifetime Housing/Housing for Older People Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Support the Cavan Age Friendly Programme and the Cavan Age Friendly Strategy 2020-2023 aimed at improving the quality of life of older people throughout the County. Deliver a sufficient supply of housing over the period of the Plan that is reflective of current and future demographic trends. Ensure that a suitable variety and mix of dwelling types and sizes is provided in developments to meet different needs, having regard to demographic and social changes. Ensure that suitable dwellings are provided in all housing developments to cater for people with disabilities and the elderly. Ensure that all new housing developments represent ‘Sustainable Neighbourhoods’ which are inclusive and responsive to the physical or cultural needs of those who use them, are well located relative to the social, community, commercial and administrative services which sustain them and are integrated with the community within which it will be located. Ensure all new residential schemes are designed so that units are easily adaptable in the future to accommodate housing for life. Identify and encourage development of age friendly accommodation, including independent living accommodation within walking distance to existing town and village, and close to primary health care facilities. Social Infrastructure Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Work collaboratively with relevant service providers and stakeholders to facilitate the provision of community services and social infrastructure, where appropriate, in order to meet the needs of new and existing communities.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 210

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