Development plan · Clare County Council
Clare County Development Plan 2023–2029 (as varied)
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards.
Clare County Council · 2023–2029 · 568 pages
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- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 15 | Biodiversity, Natural Heritage and Green Infrastructure 15.2.23 Alien and Invasive Species Invasive species are species that have been introduced by humans (either accidentally or intentionally) to areas outside their normal habitat range. There is potential for the spread of such species through aquaculture and horticulture, during excavation and construction works, by boat users and from private gardens. Once such species become established, they can spread quickly and the economic and environmental costs can be considerable. The risk of accidental transfer of non-native invasive species requires adherence to current best practice protocol for avoiding the spread or transfer of all invasive animals and plants. Examples of invasive species include the Zebra Mussel, Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam Giant Hogweed and the Asian Clam. Bio-security measures are required to prevent the accidental spread of invasive species by people and to ensure that invasive species are not transported to or from different locations and it is important to consider potential pathways of introduction and for mitigation measures to be put in place to prevent their spread. Bio-security measures for working in or near water are also required to prevent the spread of Crayfish Plague. Development Plan Objective: Alien and Invasive Species CDP 15.29 It is an objective of the development plan: a) To raise awareness of the threat of alien invasive species and how they can spread, and take all necessary steps to prevent the spread of non-native invasive species and noxious weeds in the plan area, including requiring landowners, developers and boat operators to adhere to best practice guidance in relation to their control; b) To require all development proposals to address the presence of invasive alien species on the proposed development site and to require an Invasive Species Management Plan where such species are present; c) To carry out surveys of invasive species across the county; d) To implement the requirements of EU Regulations 1143/2014 on the Prevention and Management of the Introduction and Spread of Invasive Alien Species and to manage invasive hydrological connectivity issues to European Sites to prevent the spread of invasive species to sensitive sites; and, e) To facilitate the work of agencies addressing the issue of terrestrial and aquatic invasive alien species. 15.3 Green Infrastructure and Climate Change Green infrastructure is the integrated and interconnected network of green space and water capable of delivering ecosystem services and quality of life benefits to people and includes387
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 15 | Biodiversity, Natural Heritage and Green Infrastructure features such as parks, gardens, green roofs, green walls, rivers, lakes, canals, peatland, wetland landscapes, uplands, greenways, blueways, woodlands and farmlands in our countryside and settlements. The NPF outlines the importance of the interrelationships between biodiversity, natural heritage, landscape and green spaces and states that integrated planning for green infrastructure and ecosystem services is to be incorporated into land use plans. Green infrastructure is therefore interwoven throughout the chapters of this development plan. Green infrastructure can halt and reverse biodiversity loss, habitat fragmentation and degradation and improve ecosystem resilience. It can also facilitate climate change adaptation and mitigation by requiring the retention and strengthening of substantial networks of green space in urban and urban fringe areas and into the wider countryside. Green infrastructure also provides economic, educational, ecological and social benefits through natural solutions and helps us to understand the advantages that nature can offer to society. The protection of natural features such as floodplains, wetlands, woodlands and hedgerows provide multiple benefits including climate change adaptation and flood risk management. Whilst there will always be a need for traditional ‘grey infrastructure’, in many cases it can be reinforced with solutions provided by nature. Also while traditional ‘grey infrastructure’ typically only fulfils a single function, green infrastructure can provide multiple solutions that are cheaper, more robust and more sustainable from both economic and social perspectives. The settlement plans in Volume 3 of The development plan will protect, manage and provide, where possible, green infrastructure in an integrated and coherent manner. In urban areas green infrastructure enhances the public realm and increases the attractiveness of towns and villages as places to live, work and visit. This infrastructure can be used for a wide range of outdoor recreation, including walking and cycling, and also acts as a wildlife and biodiversity corridor. Within County Clare opportunities exist to expand and strengthen the green infrastructure network and to further explore its integration into both public and private developments in the future.388
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 15 | Biodiversity, Natural Heritage and Green Infrastructure Development Plan Objective: Green Infrastructure and Climate Change CDP 15.30 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To work to create an integrated and coherent green infrastructure network to enhance biodiversity and quality of life, to facilitate the movement of wildlife, to connect areas of high conservation value such as woodlands, hedgerows, earth banks, watercourses and wetlands, and to provide sustainable water management and a green setting for urban areas; b) To promote and facilitate the ongoing development and improvement of green infrastructure, green corridors and ecosystem services in the plan area, including green networks, green amenities and linked green corridors which ensure the provisions of recreational amenities, natural areas for the growth of wildlife and biodiversity, and a network of infrastructure which results in a better quality of life for visitors and inhabitants alike; c) To implement the adopted Green Infrastructure Plan for Shannon town and its environs and any subsequent plan; d) To prepare a green infrastructure plan for Ennis and Kilrush during the lifetime of this plan; e) To work with community groups to access funding for appropriate and beneficial green infrastructure projects including parks, woodlands, sports facilities, green areas, playground/play facilities, river corridors, walkways,389
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 15 | Biodiversity, Natural Heritage and Green Infrastructure cemeteries, churchyards, utility grounds, paths, seating and amenities; f) To require new amenity and/or recreational developments under the heading of green infrastructure to have regard to the recommendations as contained within the EU Biodiversity Strategy in the development of green infrastructure. g) To require the preparation and assessment of all planning applications associated with amenity and/or recreational uses under the heading of green infrastructure to have regard to the information, data and requirements of the Appropriate Assessment Natura Impact Report, SEA Environmental Report and Strategic Flood Risk Assessment Report contained in Volume 10 of this plan; h) To require projects to be fully informed by ecological and environmental constraints at the earliest stage of project planning and that any necessary assessment be undertaken, including assessments of disturbance to species, where required; and, i) To ensure compliance with all relevant legislation as outlined in objective CDP 3.3.390
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 16 | Architectural, Archaeological and Cultural Heritage Chapter 16 Architectural, Archaeological and Cultural Heritage Goal XV: A county that affords protection and conservation to buildings, areas, structures, sites and features of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest and recognises them as a social, cultural and economic asset to the county. Chapter 16 Table of Contents: 16.0 Introduction 16.1 Strategic Aims 16.2 Context 16.3 Architectural Heritage 16.3.1 Protected Structures 16.3.2 Industrial Heritage 16.3.3 Vernacular Heritage 16.3.4 Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs) 16.3.5 Protected Species 16.3.6 Supporting the Improvement of Architectural Heritage 16.4 Archaeological Heritage 16.4.1 Underwater Archaeology 16.5 Cultural Heritage 16.5.1 Museums, Heritage and Cultural Centres 16.5.2 Genealogy 16.5.3 Oidhreacht Theanga: Linguistic Heritage 16.5.4 Folklore and Oral Cultural Heritage391
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 16 | Architectural, Archaeological and Cultural Heritage 16.0 Introduction County Clare has a rich and diverse architectural and archaeological heritage and is also renowned as a centre of cultural heritage. This heritage contributes to the visual enhancement of our existing landscapes and streetscapes, the creation of a sense of identity and pride and the enrichment of daily life. This plan aims to support and enhance appreciation of the county’s heritage to ensure that it can be enjoyed by both current and future generations. The development plan includes a Record of Protected Structures and this record includes every structure which is, in the opinion of the Planning Authority, of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest. Volume 4 of this development plan comprises the Record of Protected Structures. 16.1 Strategic Aims The development plan objectives relating to the conservation and management of the architectural, archaeological and cultural heritage of the county are based on the following strategic aims: • To protect and enhance the character of the built environment by means of the Record of Protected Structures and Architectural Conservation Areas; • To enhance present and future environments by protecting the architectural heritage of the county and successfully integrating new development; • To protect the archaeology resource in the county for both its intrinsic and tourism value; • To promote and support cultural activities, facilities and services in County Clare; and, • To protect and enhance the vernacular built environment across the county. 16.2 Context County Clare is home to a wealth of architectural and archaeological heritage including some of the best examples of early settlement areas in Europe. Legal protections are provided by several statutory instruments including the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, and the National Monuments Act 1930-2004, whilst the development plan includes a Record of Protected Structures, Architectural Conservation Area designations and objectives in relation to architectural and archaeological heritage. The built environment is a dynamic entity which may need to adjust to meet the needs of today’s society. In the case of architectural heritage, proposed changes must be sensitive to the character and features of the existing built environment.392
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 16 | Architectural, Archaeological and Cultural Heritage 16.3 Architectural Heritage The built heritage of County Clare i.e. both archaeological and architectural heritage and its cultural heritage add to the distinctive character of the county, are a tangible link to its past, and contribute to the county being an attractive place in which to live, work and visit. Development Plan Objective: Architectural Heritage CDP 16.1 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To ensure the protection of the architectural heritage of County Clare through the identification of Protected Structures, the designation of Architectural Conservation Areas, the safeguarding of historic gardens, and the recognition of structures and elements that contribute positively to the vernacular and industrial heritage of the county; b) To ensure that the archaeological and architectural heritage of the county is not damaged either through direct destruction or by unsympathetic developments; and, c) To support and promote architectural vernacular skills training and facilities in the county. 16.3.1 Protected Structures The Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, requires each local authority to compile a Record of Protected Structures (RPS) as part of the development plan and this is included in Volume 4 of this plan. For each structure information is required on the ‘category of special interest’ for which it is listed. The Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, also removes exempted development rights where works to a Protected Structure (or a proposed Protected Structure) will materially affect the character of the structure or any element of the structure which contributes to its special interest. Planning permission would be required in such instances. As alterations to a Protected Structure may alter existing streetscapes or rural scenes, the assessment of works to such structures should also consider the potential effects on the wider context and setting. Protected Structures (or part(s) thereof) may include vernacular architecture, historic parklands and gardens and industrial artefacts or structures. Aside from buildings, other elements of interest include items such as pumps, fountains, lime kilns, post boxes, stone walls, gate piers, street furniture, paving, traditional shopfronts, carriage-ways and jostle stones etc.393
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 16 | Architectural, Archaeological and Cultural Heritage Development Plan Objective: Protected Structures CDP 16.2 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To protect, as set out in the Record of Protected Structures, all structures, which are of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social, or technical interest; and, b) To review the Record of Protected Structures periodically and add structures of special interest as appropriate, including significant elements of industrial, maritime or vernacular heritage and any twentieth century structures of merit. 16.3.2 Industrial Heritage Various buildings and structures throughout the county (such as mills, bridges, quays, railways, canals and warehouses) represent the evolution of industry in the county, provide a timeline from early industry to modern times (e.g. early watermills, hydro-electric generation to newer wind energy developments) and many, which are of special interest, contribute to Clare’s built heritage. This heritage extends to archaeological sites and objects which provide evidence of early tool production, metal works and mining activities. Development Plan Objective: Industrial Heritage CDP 16.3 It is an objective of Clare County Council: To protect and preserve buildings and features of industrial heritage such as mills, bridges, lighthouses and harbours, amongst others. Proposals for refurbishment works to, or redevelopment/conversion of, these sites will be subject to a full architectural and archaeological assessment together with an ecological assessment with respect to the presence of protected species. 16.3.3 Vernacular Heritage County Clare has a diverse range of historic buildings and structures in both urban and rural areas including cottages, houses, shops, farm complexes, outbuildings, mills, factories and forges which date mainly from the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries. These were the homes and workplaces of the local people and were built with local materials. These buildings and structures represent Clare’s Built Vernacular Heritage and comprise of “local or regional traditional building forms and types using indigenous materials, and without grand architectural pretensions” (James Steven Curl’s Encyclopaedia of Architectural Terms) and are in contrast with formal architecture e.g. demesne houses and public buildings, designed by architects and engineers.394
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 16 | Architectural, Archaeological and Cultural Heritage The form, scale, indigenous materials (such as use of limestone/sandstone masonry, Moher/Killaloe slate for roofs and so on) and orientation of local vernacular buildings often come to represent the distinctive character of a particular area and whilst many may not merit specific inclusion on the Record of Protected Structures, they do however make a positive contribution to that character. The Council recognises that many of these buildings are homes and workplaces that may need to evolve to facilitate ongoing use, and to address the loss of the existing built vernacular the Council will encourage the appropriate reuse and sensitive redevelopment of vernacular buildings rather than their replacement or dereliction where practicable. Development Plan Objective: Revitalisation of Vernacular Heritage CDP 16.4 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To seek the retention, appreciation and appropriate revitalisation of the vernacular heritage of County Clare, in towns, villages and rural areas, by discouraging the replacement of good quality vernacular buildings with modern structures and by protecting vernacular buildings where they contribute to the character of an area or settlement and/or where they are rare examples of a structure type; b) To support proposals to refurbish vernacular structures that are in a sub-standard or derelict condition, provided that: I. Appropriate traditional building materials and methods are used to carry out repairs to the historic fabric; II. Proposals for extensions to vernacular structures are reflective and proportionate to the existing building and do not erode the setting and design qualities of the original structure which make it attractive; III. Direction for the design is taken from the historic building stock of the area, though it can be expressed in contemporary architectural language; and, c) To ensure that visitor pressures from tourism associated with built and cultural heritage do not impact negatively on the capacity of local services (including water, waste water) or facilities such as car parking. 16.3.4 Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs) Architectural Conservation Areas are places, areas, groups of structures or parts of townscapes which are of special interest or contribute to the appreciation of Protected Structures. Historic street patterns, plot sizes, street furniture, shop and pub fronts all collectively contribute to the character of urban areas and should be recognised and retained. Architectural Conservation Areas have been designated in 30 historic town and village cores395
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 16 | Architectural, Archaeological and Cultural Heritage in Clare (listed in Appendix 4) to assist and encourage the retention and re-use of vernacular structures and historic elements and to address the gradual attrition of architectural details such as the replacement of existing finishes with modern materials, the removal of external render and inappropriate building extensions. ACA designations are intended to ensure that new developments make a positive contribution to an area that has been identified as being of significant importance. The aim is to retain the overall special architectural or historical character of an area or place. Unless a structure is also included on the Record of Protected Structures, the protected status afforded from inclusion in an ACA only applies to the exterior and streetscape. The exempted development rights for works to the exterior of a structure are removed by the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, where these works are located in an ACA and would materially affect the character of the area. Development Plan Objective: Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs) CDP 16.5 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To ensure that new developments within or adjacent to an ACA respect the established character context of the area and contribute positively to the ACA in terms of design, scale, setting and material finishes; b) To protect from demolition or removal and nonsympathetic alterations, existing buildings, structures, groups of structures, sites, landscapes and features such as street furniture and paving, which are considered to be intrinsic elements of the special character of the ACA; c) To ensure that all new signage, lighting, advertising and utilities to buildings within an ACA are designed, constructed and located in a manner that does not detract from and is complementary to the character of the ACA; and, d) To ensure that external colour schemes in ACAs enhance the character and amenities of the area and reflect traditional colour schemes. 16.3.5 Protected Species The ongoing use and upkeep of Clare’s built heritage must have regard to the potential use of these buildings and structures as habitats for protected species so as to ensure the appropriate conservation of these species.396
Source Clare County Council: Clare County Development Plan 2023–2029 (as varied) (2023–2029) · Licence the publisher's termsText read from the publisher’s PDF; tables, maps and drawings do not survive as text, and page numbers are the PDF’s (its first page is 1). Check the original before relying on a passage.