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 18 | Design and Placemaking Chapter 18 Design and Placemaking Goal XVII: A county that promotes buildings, urban spaces and public realm of the highest quality and ensures all development adheres to the principles of good design and contributes to the establishment of distinctive buildings and areas with a ‘sense of place’. Chapter 18 Table of Contents 18.0 Introduction 18.1 Strategic Aims 18.2 The Design Process 18.3 Strategy 18.3.1 The Importance of Place and the Public Realm 18.3.2 Urban Design 18.3.3 Placemaking and Amenity in Settlements 18.3.4 Placemaking and Amenity on the Wild Atlantic Way 18.3.5 Rural Design 18.3.6 Universal Design 18.3.7 Design Statements 18.4 Regulations and Guidelines 18.4.1 Energy Efficiency and Sustainability 18.5 Collaboration417
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 18 | Design and Placemaking 18.0 Introduction “The built environment influences every aspect of our lives, the houses we live in, the schools we learn in, the offices or factories we work in, the public buildings we enter, the places where we spend our leisure time and even the streets in which we move about. While few people think consciously about architecture, everyone experiences it. Good design contributes to our sense of well-being, both as individuals and as a community and has a positive role to play in mitigating social exclusion. Poor standards of design and construction represent a waste of effort, energy, materials and opportunity.” The above quotation from Government Policy: Action on Architecture 2004, summarises the importance of design in the built environment. Achieving a good quality built environment is essential to ensure that County Clare is an attractive place to live, work and visit. The built environment of County Clare ranges from the historic towns of Ennis, Ennistymon, Kilrush and Killaloe and the new town of Shannon to a variety of attractive smaller towns and villages. The built form is also evident in the countryside with an array of building types including farm buildings, houses, churches, schools and historic ruins. New places and buildings of all kinds will be constructed within this context and this ever-changing built environment will form the setting for people’s present and future lives. 18.1 Strategic Aims In accordance with the overall ‘Vision’ for the plan, this chapter is based on the following strategic aims: • To ensure that each structure or group of structures, whether in an urban or rural setting, will enhance the environment; • To ensure that structures or groups of structures in urban areas are designed to create spaces between buildings which are attractive places for people to occupy; • To ensure that structures or groups of structures in rural areas are designed to protect and enhance the quality of the landscape particularly in the case of extensions to, or reuse of, vernacular buildings; and, • To ensure that each structure or group of structures is designed and sited to maximise conservation of energy, water and resources and to facilitate flexible and sustainable use. 18.2 The Design Process In urban areas it is mainly buildings which shape the environment, likewise in the countryside, buildings form part of the rural landscape. Whether a building or development is set in an urban or rural context, it has the ability to enhance that environment. A key tool in achieving the desired enhancement of the environment is the proper use of the design process.418
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 18 | Design and Placemaking Any development is essentially about translating an idea into reality and adequate preparation is required to ensure that the reality matches the idea. The development of projects, even those of limited scale, can be complex, given the range of inputs necessary. The diagram below suggests a typical set of factors that must be considered in the design process. These various elements must be reconciled and balanced if a project is to be successful in terms of enhancing the receiving environment. Figure 18.1 Inputs to Development to be Managed Through the Design Process The design process is a disciplined and methodical technique for finding solutions to complex interrelated issues as illustrated in Figure 18.1. The objective of the design process is to produce a building or development which is ‘fit for purpose’ and which meets many requirements including those of the end-user. The purpose of the development may vary for example a family home, a hotel, a medical centre or a mixed-use development containing shops, offices and apartments, however, the basic design process can be summarised as a three-stage process (complex projects may require additional sub stages) as outlined in Figure 18.2 below.419
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 18 | Design and Placemaking Figure 18.2 Basic Stages of Design Process: Survey, Analysis, Solution The following are typical but non-exhaustive lists for the stages. Stage 1 – Survey This stage of information is often referred to as ‘The Brief’ and it needs to include all relevant issues which include: • Adaptability; • Accessibility; • Budget; • Carbon footprint; • Civic aspect; • Climate change adaptability; • Functions (both private and public); • Governing legislation; • Psychological/emotional requirements; • Resources; • Spatial requirements; • The number of users; • The site; and, • Timeframe. Stage 2 – Analysis The analysis stage involves the processing of the information gathered at survey stage, the examination of the spatial relationships between issues, and the examination of circulation patterns, siting options, implications for character of area, construction options, planning considerations, costs and aesthetic priorities. Stage 3 – Solution420
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 18 | Design and Placemaking Having carried out the analysis on the gathered information, Stage 3 involves the progression to a ‘best fit’ solution. Once this is achieved the solution evolves through the resolution of competing issues and testing against the criteria established for the project. Bulk, scale, massing, proportion and other visual elements including materials are refined. After final refinements to ensure the proposal enhances its environment, the project is ready for the submission of the planning application. In summary, analysis and fact gathering are essential initial steps in the design process which should logically precede moving to the final design. Unless this is understood, ‘design’ can be seen as just the outward appearance of the building based only on subjective opinion. The preparation of a design statement at the culmination of the survey - analysis - solution process is highly important. The design statement can clearly convey the designer’s meaningful engagement with the three stages of the process and help the planner to understand the design rationale in an objective way. A key element to be examined within the design process is the relationship of an individual building or development to the ‘Public Realm’ (also referred to as ‘Place’). 18.3 Strategy 18.3.1 The Importance of Place and the Public Realm Place is that part of the external environment which people recognise, and which has significance for them. People visit places for functional reasons, for example home to be with family, church for service and a hotel for lunch. The quality of public space outside the building being visited can enhance the visitor’s experience. The objective of urban design is to enhance the experience of spaces outside buildings and to develop them into places of character in their own right. Place can also be a unique selling point of an area i.e. the special features and qualities that make it different from other places. To support the delivery of its compact growth agenda the NPF targets the delivery of 30% of all new homes within the existing built-up footprint in the main urban settlements (NPO3c). The settlement plans for Ennis, the Service Towns and Small Towns, contained in Volume 3 of this plan, provide for up to 30% growth within the existing built-up footprint where possible and the achievement of a successful public realm is of significant importance to ensure that these settlements are attractive places in which to live and work. Although natural features often play a significant role, the physical and visual form of ‘place’ in urban areas is created principally from the enclosure of space by buildings. Spaces which are clearly defined tend to be memorable as places. For example, a street in a historic town such as Ennistymon, lined by buildings that form a ‘wall’ of facades on either side. A person in such a street, enclosed on both sides and unable to see beyond the facades because of the height and width of the street, feels a very strong sense of place. However, in lower density421
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 18 | Design and Placemaking developments such as suburban housing estates, creating a ‘sense of place’ can be challenging due to the distance of the viewer from the buildings. In such developments, there is weak ‘enclosure’ of their line of sight, therefore spatial definition needs to be achieved by a variety of other means. Spatial definition is the first necessary step in creating a sense of place. However, the character of ‘place’ and the quality of the public realm is influenced by many other elements. In relation to towns and villages, public realm improvements will be focused on six key areas: 1. Quality of the Public Realm; 2. Sense of Place; 3. Placemaking; 4. Legibility and Wayfinding; 5. Permeability and Connectivity; and, 6. Inclusivity and Universal Design. This plan aims to use these six defining qualities of successful urban places. These headings are derived from the 12 criteria set out in the Urban Design Manual – A Best Practice Guide (2009). The six headings have been tailored here to apply to sustainable urban design in general. The Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS) is also relevant and contains mandatory guidance in relation to these issues. Quality of the Public Realm A quality public realm is characterised by safe, secure and enjoyable public areas with welldefined and distinctive places and recognisable landmarks. A quality public realm will also have an appropriate selection of facilities, a good balance between pedestrians and vehicles, defined with quality materials and street furniture, and will incorporate trees and other natural elements. Clear definition between private, semi-private and public space is required using well designed boundaries and materials. Sense of Place Sense of Place refers to the personal perception of an area by individuals. The human experience of ‘place’ comes through the sense of sight. People react quickly to visual signals and can decide in seconds if the place they are in, or approaching, is attractive or off-putting. Subconscious reactions nevertheless influence choices and behaviour which can have real impacts, positive or negative, on the place in question. A positive reaction is more likely to result in people choosing to return to that place, whether to shop, attend community and cultural events or to do business, and can therefore play a key role in the sustainability of a settlement. Clare County Council is committed to enhancing public realm throughout the county and the preparation of the Ennis Public Realm Enhancement Scheme and the development of Shannon Town Park are two recent examples of this commitment.422
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 18 | Design and Placemaking Placemaking Placemaking is implementing a vision to develop both a ‘quality public realm’ and a ‘sense of place’ by attention to the containment of urban spaces, highlighting unique features, appropriate use of colour, use of good quality materials and street furniture, suitable tree planting and landscaping, dealing with visual clutter and appropriate traffic management. Successful placemaking is the result of multi-agency and multidisciplinary involvement and commitment. This approach is mandatory under the provisions of the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets. Development Plan Objective: Sustainable Place Framework CDP 18.1 It is an objective of Clare County Council: To support the development of a sustainable place framework to ensure the development of quality places through integrated planning and consistently excellent design. The role of education, learning and health in providing inclusive, dynamic and adaptable urban environments should be included and the importance of consultation with local communities is supported and recognised. Legibility and Wayfinding Legibility and wayfinding refers to the ease with which visitors can navigate a street network using visual cues such as buildings, landscape elements, materials and finishes. Distinctive landmarks at key locations, street furniture and variation to surfaces can greatly enhance the legibility of a town. The connections between the main facilities in a town or village should be clear. Junctions and roundabouts at the outer areas of towns can be lacking in visual features that offer a welcome and help to orientate the visitor by distinguishing one roundabout from another. A carefully chosen palette of materials can also give places a sense of identity i.e. where one area ends, and another begins. It can also help to convey a hierarchy of place. Permeability and Connectivity Permeability and Connectivity refers to the degree to which an area has a variety of pleasant, convenient and safe routes through it. Urban areas are enriched when people use walking to move around. Walking is efficient, healthy and facilitates good social contact. Smaller ‘block’ sizes facilitate better permeability which is good for ‘walkability’. Research has shown that a lack of connectivity is one of the key factors that discourages people from walking. In less central areas where block sizes are larger, which adds significantly to walking times, pleasant and safe short cuts need to be provided in accordance with national guidance such as the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets to create good walkability.423
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 18 | Design and Placemaking Inclusivity and Universal Design Inclusivity refers to how easily all people can access, understand and use the public realm regardless of age, size, gender, race, mental health or physical, sensory and intellectual ability or disability. In its broadest sense it means places can be positively enjoyed by people from all cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. The public realm should be accessible to all by removing clutter and avoiding unnecessary barriers and changes in level. It should also be easy and logical to understand and navigate. Development Plan Objective: Achieving Quality in the Public Realm CDP 18.2 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To require both public and private developments to make a positive contribution to the public realm to ensure the creation of attractive, liveable, well designed, high quality urban places that are home to diverse and integrated communities that enjoy a high quality of life and wellbeing; b) To require all proposals for developments in excess of 3 residential units or 300m2 to be accompanied by a design statement demonstrating how the 12 criteria set out in the Best Practice Urban Design Manual have been addressed. A design statement may be required for smaller developments in instances where the proposed development is situated in a key location in the town or village (see also Appendix 1 Section A1.4.4 of this Volume); and, c) To promote the use of Health Place Audits (HPA) and develop projects that support the creation of attractive, enterprise development friendly, liveable, well-designed, high quality places that are home to a diverse enterprise base mix and integrated communities that enjoy a high quality of life and wellbeing. New developments can only succeed in creating ‘place’ if the principles required are incorporated into their planning and design. These concepts are explained fully in government publications Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas 2009 and the Urban Design Manual: A Best Practice Guide and the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets 2013. ‘Place’ in rural areas is formed, physically and visually, by features of natural landscape, overlain with patterns of historic development. Traditional buildings of various types sit comfortably in the rural context providing landmarks. Public thoroughfares can themselves be places of character, defined by boundaries of hedgerow, stone walls or low banks and trees. In visual terms, the character of the landscape is formed by a variety of shapes in informal patterns.424
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 18 | Design and Placemaking Figure 18.3 Visual Integration of Buildings to the Receiving Landscape 18.3.2 Urban Design Good urban design should create places for people that are safe, comfortable, varied and attractive. New development should enrich the quality of existing spaces and a mixture of different building forms, uses, tenures and densities should provide vitality. The design of streets, for example, needs to strike the right balance between the different functions of the street, including a sense of place. In terms of residential development in urban areas, housing developers, their design teams, the Planning Authority, and the community, share a common goal to create high quality places that: • Prioritise walking, cycling and public transport and deliver a high quality of life; • Incorporate the ‘Balance of Needs’ principle as set out in the National Disability Authority Guidelines on Universal Design; • Provide a good range of community and support facilities; • Present an attractive well-maintained appearance with a distinct sense of place and a quality public realm which are easy to access, use and navigate; • Promote the efficient use of land and energy; • Provide a mix of land uses to minimise transport demand; • Promote social integration; and, • Enhance and protect the built and natural heritage.425
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 18 | Design and Placemaking The Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets 2013 (DMURS), provides a statutory framework and guidance for key factors of best practice in the formation of public spaces. Design Guidelines are outlined in the government publications Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas 2009 and its accompanying document Urban Design Manual - A best practice guide 2009. Also of relevance is the Department’s guidance document Quality Housing for Sustainable Communities 2007. Furthermore, the National Cycle Framework 2009-2020 indicates that buildings for human occupancy should, in their design and layout, enable the creation of safe, efficient and attractive networks of cycle routes to promote active travel and reduce the dependence on the private car, especially in urban areas. 18.3.3 Placemaking and Amenity in Settlements In the towns and villages across County Clare the main public spaces, in most cases, occur in the historic core of the settlement. Many of these spaces contain specific structures which have a protected status (either as Protected Structures or as part of an Architectural Conservation Area). These structures form part of the public spaces and places which themselves need to be valued. All work in these ‘spaces between buildings’ needs interdepartmental and stakeholder engagement. Sites identified as Opportunity Sites (see Chapter 17 for further details) can, if properly developed, make an important contribution to the sense of place of the town or village. While site specific enhancement objectives are detailed in the individual settlement plans contained in Volume 3 of this plan, there are a number of overarching priorities that apply to all settlements. Master-planning and technical assistance from the local authority will be necessary to achieve many of the following priorities. Main Public Spaces Priorities for the main public spaces in the towns and villages in County Clare are: • To protect distinctive spaces by retaining, replacing and enhancing the defining elements* and edges particularly those between private and public space; • To select lighting, bollards, seats, surface finishes and other street furniture in consultation with relevant designers; • To examine the selective planting of appropriate trees to enhance and define spaces; • To use materials of appropriate quality and limit visual clutter; • To implement best practice in traffic management for all modes of transport; • To ensure adequate signage and linkages to parking; • To identify public/community transport stopping points; • To examine causes of vacancy/dereliction; • To promote infill street development of accessible ‘step down’ type homes, private or public; • To improve access to buildings; enhance pedestrian mobility, crossing areas and comfort;426
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.