Cavan County Development Plan 2022–2028 — Chapter 12

1. Page 11

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   FD 01 12.7 Agri Food Sector The Irish food sector is one of the most vibrant in the world and makes a significant contribution to employment in rural areas, being a pivotal source of enterprise creation and opportunities. County Cavan’s tradition of beef and dairy production has formed the basis of an expanding and vibrant agri-food sector. Although primary agriculture accounts for a small share of overall national output, the broader agri-food sector (including food processing) makes a sizeable output and employment contribution. Over the last two decades, a strong, diverse and vibrant food business community has started to emerge in County Cavan. There are now over 50 food production and 100 food service businesses based in the County Cavan food sector, between them, employing more than 1,500 people locally. Cavan County Council has helped to develop the local Cavan food sector through a range of supports such as; the provision of food incubation units, food training programmes, mentoring and various other financial supports. These include the hosting of the very successful Taste of Cavan food festival, which has grown exponentially since it first started in 2012. All of this has greatly assisted in establishing a vibrant Cavan food sector. The Cavan Food Strategy was commissioned by Cavan County Council in the summer of 2016. This strategy aims to build upon such individual events to support the ongoing emergence of a strong culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among food companies in County Cavan and to further support and nurture this important sector of the Cavan economy. Through the implementation of this food strategy, it is hoped to support, promote and develop local food businesses and raise the profile of County Cavan as a ‘home of great food’. The potential impacts of Brexit and COVID 19 cannot be underestimated and cognisance must be taken of this. It is a policy of the development plan to support the sustainable growth and expansion of food enterprises and associated development subject to the conservation and protection of the rural environment as appropriate. The RSES has acknowledged that the Agri-Food sector is vital to the region and particularly to Counties Monaghan and Cavan. “Whilst the sector is well established in the Central Border Region, there is undoubtedly room for further growth in the area with annual economic growth at 4%. Small and Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs) will provide much of this growth over the next 10 years, and these types of businesses must be supported. Given the majority of these companies are located outside of our main identified Urban Centre’s, sectoral expansion in agri-food must be facilitated in our Rural Towns, and Villages, where it is already well established in places such as Bailieborough and Virginia with the existing agri-food cluster of Glanbia and AW Ennis feeds”. Farm Diversification Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Support appropriate rural diversification and specialised agricultural practice and their associated development in the county.Rural 409

2. Page 12

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   AF 01 AF 02 AF 03 AF 04 AF 05 AF 06 AF 07 AF 08 AF 09 AF 10 AF 11 AF 12 Agri-Food Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Support the agri food sector and its associated development in the county at appropriate locations. Support and encourage growth of the rural economy and initiatives in relation to diversification, agri business, rural tourism and renewable energy so as to sustain employment opportunities in rural areas. Support the viability of farms and best quality land for agricultural and related uses, whilst at the same time supporting alternative employment in or close to rural areas to sustain rural communities. Ensure that proposals for economic development associated with the agri food industry give due consideration to the conservation and protection of the rural environment. Encourage and facilitate agricultural diversification into agri-businesses such as organic foods, rural tourism, ICT-based industries, those addressing climate change and sustainability and small to medium sized enterprises, subject to the retention of the holding for primary agricultural use and the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. Support agricultural development as a contributory means of maintaining population and sustaining the rural economy, whilst maintaining and enhancing the standing of the rural environment through application of the EU Water Framework Directive and EU Habitats Directive. Support the operation and expansion of Ballyhaise Agricultural College which is one of the five Teagasc colleges nationally, which provides Research, Development and Innovation support to the sector. Support Ballyhaise Agricultural College as a regional food incubation space with innovation to support employment growth. Support the implementation of the Cavan Food Strategy. Facilitate the development of environmentally sustainable agricultural activities, whereby natural waters and watercourses, wildlife habitats, conservation areas and areas of ecological importance and other environmental assets are protected from the threat of pollution, and where development does not impinge on the visual amenity of the countryside. Support those who live and work in rural areas and who wish to remain on the landholding. Favourable consideration will be given to on-farm based diversification, which is complementary to existing agricultural practices, is operated as part of the farm holding and is intended to supplement existing farm income such as: l Specialist farming practices e.g. horticulture, equine facilities, poultry, mushroom growing, specialised animal breeding and bee keeping and honey production; l Farm enterprises such as processing, co-ops, farm supply stores and agri-business; l Production of organic and speciality foods to meet the increase in demand for such products; l Conversion of redundant farm buildings of vernacular importance for appropriate ownerrun enterprises, such as agri-tourism. Encourage proposals for farm shops where it can be clearly demonstrated that: l the products to be sold are primarily produce grown on the farm holding; l the scale and scope of the retailing proposed will not harm the viability or retail facilities in any nearby town or village; and l the proposed shop is operated by the owner of the farm and is ancillary to the main use of the property for agricultural activities. Support sectoral expansion in agri-food, where it is already well established in places such as Lakeland Dairies in Bailieborough and Killeshandra, and Virginia with the existing agri-food cluster of Glanbia and AW Ennis feeds.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 410

3. Page 13

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   ABS 01 ABS 02 ABS 03 ABS 04 12.8 Agricultural Buildings and Structures The provision of well located structures and facilities necessary for good and environmentally sound agricultural practice shall be supported by the Council. In the assessment of this type of application, the Planning Authority will consider safe access, visual impact, environmental impact, waste management and need for the building. 12.9 Forestry It is the policy of Cavan County Council to promote the appropriate development of the forestry industry to a scale and in a manner, which maximises its contribution to the economic and social well-being of the county, but does not negatively impact the environment, local communities, heritage, landscape, natural waters or biodiversity of the area. Forests and woodlands play an important role in terms of supporting rural employment and rural diversity, climate change management and carbon sequestration, biodiversity and as a source of renewable/alternative energy sources. Forests and woodlands also have a significant recreational and amenity value, for example Killykeen and Dun na Rí. The introduction of large-scale forestry areas, particularly conifers can have negative impacts on an area if they are not in harmony with the surrounding environment. They provide low biodiversity and ecological value if dominated by one single species. Therefore, forestry activities must be appropriate in terms of nature and scale to the surrounding area, so they are not visually obtrusive or cause damage to important habitats or the ecology of the area. Planting of native woodlands will increase biodiversity value in the landscape. Accordingly, forestry is encouraged in appropriate areas, where it will not significantly impact upon designated habitats, archaeology, high amenity areas, protected views or scenic routes, be unacceptably obtrusive in the landscape, or present a risk to sensitive ecosystems or water quality. This plan aims to support the sustainable growth of forestry as an economic activity, whilst affording maximum protection to the rural environment, landscape and its ecological integrity. This plan acknowledges the tourism and amenity potential of afforested lands. This Plan supports the development of tourism and amenity facilities at such locations, subject to obtaining all relevant consents and the satisfaction of other technical planning requirements. In addition, the Council will encourage the provision of public access to new forests through walking and bridle paths, recreational areas and other similar facilities. Agricultural Buildings and Structures Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Facilitate the development of environmentally sustainable agricultural activities, whereby watercourses, habitats, areas of ecological importance and environmental assets are protected and development does not impinge on the visual amenity of the countryside. Ensure developments do not impact on archaeological or heritage features of importance. Require buildings to be of a design, appearance and material specification that is compatible with the protection of rural amenities. Require an effective means of farm waste management.Rural 411

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   F 01 F 02 F 03 F 04 F 05 F 06 F 07 F 08 F 09 F 10 Forestry Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Encourage the development of a well managed sustainable forestry sector, which is compatible with the protection of the environment including the avoidance of likely significant effects on European Sites (SACs and SPAs); and is planted, managed and harvested in accordance with the ‘Forest Service Guidelines for Landscape, Forest Harvesting and Environmental, Archaeology, Biodiversity and Water Quality’. Promote forestry development of appropriate scale and character while ensuring that such development does not have a negative impact on the residential amenity or the countryside, (including public access/rights of way, traditional walking routes and recreational facilities), or cause pollution or degradation of wildlife habitats, natural waters or areas of ecological importance. Avoid deforestation or commercial afforestation within European Sites unless directly relating to the management of the site for its qualifying interests. Encourage the provision of public access in conjunction with relevant stakeholders to new forests through walking and bridle paths, recreational areas and other similar facilities. Encourage private forestry developers to provide access through their forests for walking routes, bike trails, bridle paths, and other non-noise generating activities as part of an integrated development. Encourage the planting of diverse and native species to ensure rich and varied biodiversity value, particularly in areas where there is evidence of a dominant species planted cumulatively within the landscape. Ensure that buffer zones or exclusion zones are applied to aquatic zones and sites of archaeological importance respectively as deemed appropriate by the planning authority. Ensure that all applications for commercial afforestation clearly set out the following: l Impact of development on Local Biodiversity and the ecological balance of the area l Demonstrates the risk of and measures taken to ensure there is no increase to the risk of introduction of invasive species l Details the social and economic impact of the development on the area. l Detailed impact of the development on daylight and shadow projection of local communities and dwellings l Outline and assess the impact of the development on any resultant isolation of communities or dwellings arising from the development l Submit in detail the impact on visual amenities of area l Full details of felling proposals and treatment of site following same to ensure that the felling process does not endanger local habitats, be unsightly and injurious to visual amenities of the area l Have regard to existing levels of afforestation within a DED Ensure any commercial afforestation proposals in the Geopark area is cognisant of the unique biodiversity and ecology of the area. Support the development of appropriate and sustainable tourism development within forestry locations, while retaining adequate tree cover in the general area.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 412

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   H 01 H 02 H 03 12.10 Horticulture The production of fruit, vegetables and plants, or horticulture, is a significant element of the national economy, with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) sources estimating that the Horticulture Industry was worth €477m (farm gate value) in 2019. This is the 4th highest sector in terms of gross agricultural commodity output value with only beef, dairy and pigs larger sectors. This sector is expected to grow further as the demand for fresh local produce increases. Further development in horticulture and in value added food and agricultural production in the county could provide opportunities for growth in this highly sustainable sector. This is particularly the case in the context of traditional intensive farming practices coming under increased scrutiny in terms of carbon emissions and adverse environmental and ecological impacts from such practices. Cavan County Council acknowledges the importance and the growth opportunities of the horticultural industry to Cavan’s rural economy. Local farmer and country markets also make important contributions to the food sector and local economy with markets held throughout the county on a weekly basis. Horticulture Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Encourage the development of environmentally sustainable horticultural practices, to ensure that development does not impinge on the visual amenity of the countryside and that watercourses, wildlife habitats and areas of ecological importance are protected from the threat of pollution. Support the horticulture and nursery stock industry as a means of diversifying agriculture and contributing to maintaining population in the rural area. Support the development of country and farmers’ markets as key trading areas for the sale of local agricultural and craft produce and to support their role.Rural 413

6. Page 16

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   Q 01 Q 02 Q 03 Q 04 12.11 Equine Industry Although the equine and bloodstock industry is not a major employment sector in Cavan’s rural economy, this plan recognises the potential of the bloodstock industry, both in land use and in terms of direct and indirect employment generated by it. The Council will support and encourage the development of a vibrant bloodstock industry. Mineral extraction, such as working with stone, sand and gravel, can generate environmental capacity problems for the surrounding areas. As such, applications for mineral extraction must account for issues including noise, dust, vibration, visual intrusion, water pollution, traffic generation and rehabilitation proposals for the site. An Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) will be required as part of a planning application where certain thresholds are exceeded and in other cases where extraction is likely to have significant effects on the environment as determined by the Planning Authority. The cumulative effects of work in a given area will also be considered when assessing a planning application. 12.12 Quarrying The County contains a wealth of natural resources including many raw materials critical to the construction industry. The Council acknowledges the need for extractive industries in terms of supply of aggregate materials for the construction sector. This industry material yields an important contribution to the economy. Such material is a significant natural resource and it is important to safeguard this material for future use, whilst also ensuring that impacts on the environment and the community are acceptable. Cavan County Council will ensure that all natural resources are exploited in an environmentally sound and sustainable manner. Section 261 and 261A of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 as amended, afforded County Councils the opportunity to regularise the quarry industry, with regard to compliance with Planning Legislation, Environmental Impact Assessment Directive and the Habitats Directives. Quarrying Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Safeguard for future extraction of all identified locations of major mineral deposits in the County. Promote development involving the extraction of mineral reserves and their associated processes, where Cavan County Council is satisfied that any such development will be carried out in a sustainable manner, that does not adversely impact on the environment or on other land uses. Consideration in this regard shall be given to the impact of the development on the local economy. Facilitate adequate supplies of aggregate resources to meet the future growth needs of the County and the wider region while addressing key environmental, traffic and social impacts and details of rehabilitation. Ensure that projects associated with the extractive industry carry out screening for Appropriate Assessment in accordance with Article 6(3) of the E.C. Habitats Directive and comply with all relevant Environmental Legislation as required. E 01 E 02 E 03 Equine Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Support equine related activities (e.g. farriers, bloodstock sales etc.) of an appropriate size and at suitable locations. Ensure that equine based developments are located on suitable and viable landholdings and are subject to normal planning, siting and design considerations and related establishments. Protect the equine industry from inappropriate development which would adversely affect its continued operation.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 414

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   Q 05 Q 06 Q 07 Q 08 Q 09 Q 10 Facilitate the exploitation of the County’s natural resources and to exercise appropriate control over the types of development, including rural housing, taking place in areas containing proven deposits, whilst also ensuring that such developments are carried out in a manner which would not unduly impinge on the visual amenity or environmental quality of the area. Support the extractive industry where it would not compromise the environmental quality of the County and where detailed rehabilitation proposals are provided. Seek to ensure that the extraction of minerals and aggregates minimise the detraction from visual quality of the landscape and does not adversely affect the environment or adjoining land uses. Ensure that development for aggregates/mineral extraction, processing and associated processes does not significantly impact on the following: l Existing and proposed Special Area of Conservation and Special Protection Areas l Existing and proposed Natural Heritage Areas. l Areas of importance for the conservation of fauna l Areas of significant archaeological potential l Recorded Monuments l Sensitive landscapes l Public Rights of Way, Walking/ Cycling Routes l Drinking Water Supplies l County Geological Sites Ensure that all quarrying activities and projects associated with the extractive industry comply with all relevant Planning and Environmental Legislation including the Geological Heritage Guidelines for the Extractive Industry. To encourage the rehabilitation of disused quarries and extractive sites to possible uses including habitat restoration, agriculture, recreation/ amenities, commercial, industrial, and residential or a combination of same, subject to normal planning and environmental considerations. 12.13 Rural Housing Rural Areas for the purpose of this Plan are defined as areas outside of the designated Towns and Villages as per the Core Strategy. Rural Cavan is home to a diverse range of land uses including agriculture, local food production, recreational and tourist activities, established un-serviced villages and rural housing. It is a goal of this plan to respect the long tradition of people living in rural areas in County Cavan and promote sustainable rural settlements as a key component in achieving strong and vibrant rural communities. The Plan aims to: l Sustain and renew established rural communities in the small towns and villages and wider countryside areas. l Strengthen the established structure of villages and smaller settlements in rural areas to support local economies and to accommodate additional population in a way that supports the viability of local infrastructure and services. l Avoid the creation of additional access points from new development or the generation of increased traffic from existing accesses to national roads for single houses, to which speed limits greater than 60kmph apply. l Ensure that key assets in rural areas such as water quality and the natural and cultural heritage are protected to support quality of life and economic viability. l Review the Rural Housing Policy and Typologies pending updated Section 28 Guidelines for Rural Housing. It is necessary to carefully manage rural housing development. The provision of more sustainable housing options for rural communities will be facilitated by the plan through building up the capacity of our rural villages and Community Nodes to accommodate future housing needs of rural dwellers.Rural 415

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   12.13.1 Rural Community Nodes Rural Community Nodes are largely un-serviced rural areas with limited social and community infrastructure. Examples of these rural community nodes include Ballymagovern, Ballymahugh, Bunnoe, Canningstown, Cloverhill, Corlough, Cross, Drung, Finnea, Glangevlin, Killinkere, Killydoon, Larah, Lavey, Maghera, Maudabawn, Milltown, Mountainlodge, Munterconnaught, Tierworker and Tullyvin. These are designated for limited development at a sustainable scale for immediate local need through development of clusters. It is anticipated that each Rural Community Node can cater for a small population increase from their current population base over the period of the plan. The function of these settlements is recognised as a critical component of the social, community and cultural identity of the County. It is recognised that the strengthening of rural community nodes is essential to ensure the survival of their unique character. Rural Community Nodes comprise of a defined network of small unserviced settlements, within which there may be one or more of the following community facilities or local services; church, community centre, sports ground, school, small convenience shop. These areas provide valued local services to the surrounding agricultural community. The Planning Authority recognises the importance of a vibrant rural community and of sustaining such smaller community areas in the long term. Residential development in these areas is only suitable at a small scale, reflective of the character of the existing settlement where there is an identifiable physical association with such communities. Individual or small groups of dwellings and appropriate retail or service facilities may be suitably located within such communities. Rural community nodes have been identified as Tier 5 – Rural & Local Stores in the County Retail Strategy. Rural and local shops play a vital role in catering for the daily or casual needs of neighbouring residents or of those passing by. Primarily convenience outlets, they provide a readily accessible service to basic goods, especially for the less mobile members of the local communities. It is the policy of this development plan to support and maintain rural communities and local shops. RCN 01 RCN 02 RCN 03 RCN 04 RCN 05 Rural Community Nodes Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Support and encourage the development of Rural Community Nodes to ensure that local services are sustained in the rural community settlements. Support the viability of dispersed rural community nodes which have small scale clustering around one or more focal points which may include a crossroads, a shop or a church. It is considered that there is scope for some additional dwellings which may consolidate existing focal points and utilise existing services in the area subject to the normal planning considerations. It is anticipated that the majority of development taking place will be individual dwellings or small scale developments. Developments in Rural Community Nodes shall take cognisance of existing scale of development and comply with the County Cavan Rural House Design Guide. Promote new and expanded facilities in smaller community nodes like shops, childcare and community and recreational facilities. Continue to monitor and review rural community nodes in the County, across the lifetime of the Plan, in order to ensure compatibility with environmental protection objectives.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 416

9. Page 19

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   RH 01 RH 02 RH 03 RH 04 RH 05 12.13.2 Rural Housing Definitions - Rural and Urban Generated Housing In accordance with the ‘Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines for Planning Authorities,’ it is necessary to define rural and urban generated housing. l Housing in rural areas, within an established rural community sought by persons working in rural areas or in nearby urban areas can be described as rural generated housing. l Housing in rural locations sought by persons living and working in urban areas can be described as urban generated housing. Rural generated housing The Planning Authority considers that the following broad categories constitute a rural generated housing need. A. l Persons who are an intrinsic part of the rural community who have strong social or economic need to live in the area and who are an intrinsic part of the rural community, l That the dwelling is their first home in the locality. l Returning emigrants who lived for substantial parts of their lives in rural areas, then moved abroad and who now wish to return to reside near other family members, to work locally, to care for elderly family members, or to retire l Persons currently residing in the local rural area and who can demonstrate a social or economic requirement for a permanent residence there. l Persons who need to reside near elderly parents so as to provide security, support and care, or elderly people who need to reside near immediate family. B. Persons working full-time or part-time in rural areas l Persons working in fulltime or parttime farming, forestry or other agricultural related occupations. l Persons whose work is intrinsically linked to rural areas, or other persons whose work predominantly takes place within rural areas. l Persons who are employed in the rural area and can suitably demonstrate that they will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Subject to satisfying normal planning considerations relating to siting and design, the planning authority will look favorably upon an applicant’s proposal for an individual house in a rural area where the applicant comes within the development plan definition of a rural generated housing need. Rural Housing Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Ensure rural generated housing needs should be accommodated in the locality in which they arise and where the applicant comes within the development plan definition of need, subject to satisfying good planning practice in matters of location, siting, design, access, wastewater disposal and the protection of environmentally sensitive areas and areas of high landscape value. Ensure urban generated housing needs is accommodated in areas identified for housing in the adjoining towns and villages. Deliver at least 20% of all new housing in rural areas on brownfield sites. All rural housing planning applications, in all rural area types, shall be required to complete a “Rural Housing Application” form. The purpose of this form is to ascertain the need for housing in rural areas and to allow the Planning Authority to monitor trends to ensure effective decision making. Applications in rural areas shall be for individual dwelling houses only and must be made in the name of the person who is the intended occupier of the dwellinghouse.Rural 417

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    RH 06 RH 07 RH 08 RH 09 RH 10 RH 11 12.13.2.1 Rural Area Types In accordance with the NPF and the ‘Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines’, it is necessary to identify rural area types within the county that require tailored settlement policies in the development plan. These are as per Map in Appendix 21. 1. Areas under Strong Urban Influence 2. Stronger Rural Areas 3. Structurally Weak Areas 1. Areas under Strong Urban Influence These areas are located around Cavan Town and in the South East of the County and exhibit characteristics such as; l Proximity to the immediate environs or close commuting catchment of Cavan, Navan and the Greater Dublin Area. l Rapidly rising populations. l Evidence of considerable pressure for housing development due to proximity to such urban areas or to major transport corridors with ready access to urban areas. l Pressures on infrastructure such as local road networks, water supply etc. It is the aim of this Plan to facilitate the housing requirements of landowners and their immediate family only, subject to satisfying site suitability and technical considerations, whilst directing urban generated housing need in areas identified for housing in the adjoining towns and villages. Apply occupancy condition of 7 years Applicants shall submit evidence of their rural generated housing need at the particular location they are seeking permission. Rural generated housing need generally refers to l Persons who are actively engaged in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, bloodstock and peat industry. l Persons employed locally whose employment would provide a service to the local community l Persons who have a social or economic tie within the area, including returning emigrants. l Persons who wish to return to farming and who buy or inherit a substantial farm-holding which is kept intact as an established farm unit. Where there is already a house on the holding, reestablishment of this house is the preferred option. Ensure new rural housing comply with the Design Guide for Single One-Off Houses within Cavan Rural Countryside with respect to Site Selection, House Design, Landscaping, Sustainability and Design Statement. Implement a programme to monitor the operation of settlement policies on an ongoing basis to avoid excessive levels of inappropriately located development. Prevent ribbon development extending out along radial roads from the towns in this area. Urban generated housing development shall be directed into towns and villages.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 418

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