Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements: Guidelines for Planning Authorities

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   4.0 Quality Urban Design and Placemaking

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   4.0 Quality Urban Design and Placemaking 4.1 Introduction This chapter focuses on planning and design at settlement, neighbourhood and site levels. This includes an overview of the process of design and placemaking and of key indicators of good urban design and placemaking. Further information and examples of the application of this guidance is contained within the companion Design Manual. 4.2 Role of Statutory Development Plans (i) Development Plans The development plan has a key role in setting the strategy for the creation of sustainable and compact settlements across the plan area, as part of the core strategy. The development plan should address the role and function of settlements at all levels in the settlement hierarchy and the interactions, interdependencies and connections between settlements. For larger settlements, the strategy should support the creation of strong and vibrant centres surrounded by an integrated network of well-designed mixed-use neighbourhoods. In smaller settlements, the strategy should be to create smaller neighbourhoods around a central core that caters for day-to-day needs and to strengthen connections to higher order settlements that provide a greater range of services and employment, such as Regional Growth Centres and Key Towns. The development plan should also set design principles for residential development that can be expanded in more detail in local statutory plans and (where appropriate) in other guidance documents. It is important that the development plan policies and objectives support high quality urban design and placemaking that reflects the guidance in Section 4.4 and the SPPRs in Chapter 5. In doing this, the development plan should highlight issues that should be addressed in planning applications and the related performance criteria to be met, without being overly prescriptive in relation to how performance criteria are to be achieved. This will ensure that each proposal can be considered on its own merits, having regard to the particular characteristics of the location.Sustainable and Compact Settlements | Guidelines for Planning Authorities | Chapter 4 Page 36

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   (ii) Local Plans (Local Area Plans and Planning Schemes) The 2000 Act introduced local area plans within the hierarchy of plans. Local area plans provide detailed planning policies and objectives at a local level, in particular for areas that require renewal or are likely to be subject to large-scale development over the plan period. In areas that will be subject to large-scale development or change, the local area plan will generally include a masterplan that indicates the manner in which the area will be developed. This will usually include detail of the types of development, the extent of any such development envisaged, proposals in relation to the overall design and layout of the area and a phasing strategy for the delivery of the cross cutting infrastructure, amenities and services needed to support the development. The Local Area Plan Guidelines (2013) set out in detail the policy context, key requirements and qualities for local area plans. A companion document to the Guidelines, the Local Area Plan Manual provides detailed advice with respect to best practice outcomes, including a number of case studies. While local area plans do not generally contain as much design detail as a Planning Scheme, many best practice examples incorporate detailed design frameworks that outline the physical form of development, such as a masterplan or urban design framework, and provide greater certainty in relation to the future physical form of development, for both communities and perspective applicants. When preparing local area plans it is important to consider the role of an area in its wider context and to set a vision and a framework for development or regeneration that translates the policies and objectives of the development plan to a local level. The vision will vary depending on the context but should address the main priorities for the area (see Section 4.3 also) The 2000 Act also introduced Planning Schemes for Strategic Development Zones (SDZ). The planning scheme is required under Section 168 of the Act to include a plan indicating the manner in which it is intended that the site (or part of the site) is to be developed. This includes detailed proposals in relation to the types of development, the extent of development and the overall design of the proposed development. The scheme is required to include proposals for transportation and services and for the provision of amenities and services for the community where there is residential development. Once the scheme has been adopted by the elected members of the Council and approved by An Bord Pleanála (in the case of an appeal of the adopted planning scheme or amendment), development that is consistent with the scheme must be granted permission by the planning authority, without the possibility of an appeal being made to An Bord Pleanála. Beyond statutory plans, documents such as village design statements, framework plans or individual site development briefs may be drawn up. These plans do not have a legal status as part of the decision making process but can be used to inform specific development proposals or future statutory plans. Page 37Sustainable and Compact Settlements | Guidelines for Planning Authorities | Chapter 4

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   4.3 Urban Design and Quality Placemaking Processes Successful placemaking is the outcome of a careful process of consultation, planning, design and delivery that should work in an integrated way. To this end, the following general steps should be followed when preparing a masterplan or urban design framework for an area (Figure 4.1 also refers) and in the preparation of a development proposal. (i) Analysis and Appraisal The design process should start with analysis and appraisal to establish the characteristics of the area and its surrounds, including information on the function, form and qualities of an area. The nature and extent of information collected will depend on the scale and complexity of the plan area or the site. It will generally include information on natural features and ecology and on the physical and socio-economic characteristics of the area. In the case of a planning application, the statutory development plan and associated studies, strategies and environmental reports (including SEA and Appropriate Assessment) will provide a high-level context. However, it will usually be necessary to undertake more detailed/up-to-date surveys and assessments to get a full understanding of the site. This information will support an analysis of options and inform decisions in relation to how the features of the area should shape future development and how new development will integrate within its context. (ii) Vision and Strategy The vision for a plan area or a site should detail a set of goals for the area, while the strategy should include a set of objectives and actions to achieve that vision, for example, in relation to the nature of development and the extent of development envisaged and how it relates to the surrounding context. The development objectives in statutory plans are generally place-specific and spatially orientated, while the strategy for an individual site will focus on the specifics of the site. (iii) Detailed Design A masterplan that is derived from a process of analysis and the vision and strategy for the area will add greater certainty to the development process and serve to reassure both communities and developers of the future physical form of development as part of a planled process. The masterplan should address the conservation and restoration/enhancement of natural heritage features and biodiversity within the area, the design of development, including block layout and the street network, the provision of services and where there is residential development the provision and location of amenities and services for the community (e.g. schools, crèches and other community services). It can also be useful to publish supporting design strategies such as public realm, landscape, street design, architectural and/or materials and finishes strategies alongside the masterplan to give additional detail. When part of a statutory development plan the masterplan will be binding for decision making and more robust from a legal perspective. If it is not part of a statutory development plan, it is not binding for decision making and is indicative only. In the case of a planning application, the site layout and design statement will need to show how the development proposal has evolved in response to the surrounding context and demonstrate how it is consistent with any statutory masterplan that has been prepared for the area. The design and placemaking process for the application should be detailed in the urban design statement submitted in support of a planning application.Sustainable and Compact Settlements | Guidelines for Planning Authorities | Chapter 4 Page 38

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   Key Theme: Connect Key Theme: Protect Key Theme: Create C C A B B D A Connect to the City LUAS High Frequency Bus Connect to Dublin Port Connect Green Spaces Green Links Port Access Route Connect to Dublin Bay Create a Permeable/Legible Street Network Protect sensitive areas from Port Activities Commercial buffer Height Transitions Green Buffer Protect Dublin Bay from Development Protect Established Areas Create a Community Hub Clanna Gael Fontjoy GAA New School New Community Centre Create a Neighbourhood Centre Neighbourhood Square Neighbourhood Shops Neighbourhood Park Sean Moore Park Ringsend Park Irishtown Nature Park Key Theme: Connect Key Theme: Connect Key Theme: Protect Key Theme: Create C C A B B D A Connect to the City LUAS High Frequency Bus Connect to Dublin Port Connect Green Spaces Green Links Port Access Route Connect to Dublin Bay Create a Permeable/Legible Street Network Protect sensitive areas from Port Activities Commercial buffer Height Transitions Green Buffer Protect Dublin Bay from Development Protect Established Areas Create a Community Hub Clanna Gael Fontjoy GAA New School New Community Centre Create a Neighbourhood Centre Neighbourhood Square Neighbourhood Shops Neighbourhood Park Sean Moore Park Ringsend Park Irishtown Nature Park Key Theme: Create Key Theme: Connect Key Theme: Protect Key Theme: Create C C A B B D A Connect to the City LUAS High Frequency Bus Connect to Dublin Port Connect Green Spaces Green Links Port Access Route Connect to Dublin Bay Create a Permeable/Legible Street Network Protect sensitive areas from Port Activities Commercial buffer Height Transitions Green Buffer Protect Dublin Bay from Development Protect Established Areas Create a Community Hub Clanna Gael Fontjoy GAA New School New Community Centre Create a Neighbourhood Centre Neighbourhood Square Neighbourhood Shops Neighbourhood Park Sean Moore Park Ringsend Park Irishtown Nature Park Key Theme: Protect Figure 4.1: Extracts from the Poolbeg West (SDZ) Planning Scheme showing the progression from concept and vision to detailed design. Page 39Sustainable and Compact Settlements | Guidelines for Planning Authorities | Chapter 4

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   4.4 Key Indicators of Quality Design and Placemaking This section is concerned with indicators of quality urban design and placemaking, which should inform the development strategy for settlements, neighbourhoods or an individual site. Achieving quality urban design and creating a sense of place is contingent on the provision of an authentic identity that is specific to the settlement, neighbourhood or site in question. Appendix D sets out a Design Checklist that supplements this section with a series of questions that can be used to guide the refinement and review of detailed plans (such as masterplans or urban design frameworks) and in the consideration of individual planning applications (Figure 4.1 also refers). Responsive Built Form Sustainable and Efficient Movement Mix and Distribution of Uses Green and Blue Infrastructure Ensuring places are well connected and accessible by sustainable modes. Also acknowledging that quality of journey is equally important and that places are perceived as safe and are not dominated cars. Placing and emphasis on the protection of natural assets and biodiversity, whilst also taking a more strategic view as to how open space networks are formed to balance the needs of communities. Placing an emphasis on the creation of a coherent urban structure and design approach that responds to local character and is attractive. Promoting the integration of land uses and transportation and a diverse and innovative mix of housing that can facilitate compact housing and provide greater housing choice. Figure 4.1: Key Indicators of Quality Design and Placemaking that informs the development of settlements, neighbourhoods and/or an individual sites.Sustainable and Compact Settlements | Guidelines for Planning Authorities | Chapter 4 Page 40

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   (i) Sustainable and Efficient Movement In order to meet the targets set out in the National Sustainable Mobility Policy 2022 for reduced private car travel and increased active travel, it will be necessary to design settlements at every level to support the transition away from private car use and to support ease of movement for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport. Local authorities should plan for the development of well-connected neighbourhoods and a distribution of activities to ensure that day-to-day services and amenities are accessible within walking distance of homes and workplaces. In addition to sustainable travel objectives, this will ensure that settlements are vibrant, and when applied alongside the principles of Universal Design, will allow vulnerable users to move about and access services with ease. The following key principles should be applied in the preparation of local plans and in the consideration of individual planning applications (Figure 4.2 also refers): (a) New developments should, as appropriate, include a street network (including links through open spaces) that creates a permeable and legible urban environment, optimises movement for sustainable modes (walking, cycling and public transport) and is easy to navigate. (b) New developments should connect to the wider urban street and transport networks and improve connections between communities, to public transport, local services and local amenities such as shops, parks and schools, where possible. (c) Active travel should be prioritised through design measures that seek to calm traffic and create street networks that feel safe and comfortable for pedestrians and cyclists. (d) The quantum of car parking in new developments should be minimised in order to manage travel demand and to ensure that vehicular movement does not impede active modes of travel or have undue prominence within the public realm. Chapter 5 Development Standards includes a specific planning policy requirement (SPPRs) that addresses car parking rates in new residential developments. The Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS) sets out statutory guidance and standards in relation to the design of individual streets and the use of traffic management and placemaking measures to manage traffic and promote safer and more vibrant streets (Section 2.3 refers). The application of DMURS in all new developments will be key to ensure that strategic movements are catered for along desire lines and that all street networks offer route choice and maximise the number of safe and attractive walking and cycle routes between key destinations. The application of DMURS is key to ensure sustainable mobility and the creation of high quality and attractive settlements. Local Authorities should also consider preparing active travel plans or sustainable mobility plans that focus on improving ease of movement in established areas to important destinations such as schools, parks, shops and public transport. This can be of particular benefit where a new transport service or new destination such as a school is proposed. Policy and Objective 4.1 It is a policy and objective of these Guidelines that planning authorities implement the principles, approaches and standards set out in the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets, 2013 (including updates) in carrying out their functions under the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and as part of an integrated approach to quality urban design and placemaking. Page 41Sustainable and Compact Settlements | Guidelines for Planning Authorities | Chapter 4

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   Enhanced local connections (for sustainable modes) (Image base: JFOC Architects) Traffic calmed streets/Ease of movement for vulnerable users Reduced parking/integrated design solutions Figure 4.2: Key quality urban design and placemaking outcomes in relation to sustainable and efficient movement. Highly permeable and connected network (Image base: Google Maps)Sustainable and Compact Settlements | Guidelines for Planning Authorities | Chapter 4 Page 42 New Estate Established Estate Shopping Centre Extended Park

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   (ii) Mix and Distribution of Uses These Guidelines promote a move away from segregated land use areas (residential, commercial and employment) that have reinforced unsustainable travel in favour of mixeduse neighbourhoods. Ensuring that there is a good mix and distribution of activities around a hierarchy of centres has many benefits in terms of reducing the need to travel and creating active and vibrant places. The following key principles should be applied in the preparation of local plans and in the consideration of individual planning applications (Figure 4.3 also refers): (a) In city and town centres and at high capacity public transport nodes and interchanges (defined in Table 3.8), development should consist of high intensity mix-use development (residential, commercial, retail, cultural and community uses) that responds in scale and intensity to the level of accessibility. At major transport interchanges, uses should be planned in accordance with the principles of Transport Orientated Development. (b) In city and town centres, planning authorities should plan for a diverse range of uses including retail, cultural and residential uses and for the adaption and re-use of the existing building stock (e.g. over the shop living). It is also important to plan for the activation of outdoor spaces and the public realm to promote more liveable city and town centres. Much of this can be achieved though the implementation of urban enhancement and traffic demand management measures that work together to free up space for active travel and create spaces that invite people to meet, mingle and dwell within centres. (c) In areas that are less central, the mix of uses should cater for local services and amenities focused around a hierarchy of local centres that support residential communities and with opportunities for suitable non-residential development throughout. (d) In all urban areas, planning authorities should actively promote and support opportunities for intensification. This could include initiatives that support the more intensive use of existing buildings (including adaption and extension) and under-used lands (including for example the repurposing of car parks at highly accessible urban locations that no longer require a high level of private car access). (e) It will be important to align the integration of land uses and centres with public transport in order to maximise the benefits of public transport. (f) The creation of sustainable communities also requires a diverse mix of housing and variety in residential densities across settlements. This will require a focus on the delivery of innovative housing types that can facilitate compact growth and provide greater housing choice that responds to the needs of single people, families, older people and people with disabilities, informed by a Housing Needs Demand Assessment (HNDA) where possible. Development plans may specify a mix for apartment and other housing developments, but this should be further to an evidence-based Housing Needs and Demand Assessment. Page 43Sustainable and Compact Settlements | Guidelines for Planning Authorities | Chapter 4

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    Bringing Back Homes 34Dwelling No.1 Dwelling No.2 Shop 35 Bringing Back Homes Ref Element (dwelling) Main Requirements (non-exhaustive)1, 2, 3, 4 1 External wall > Confirmation that existing walls are structurally sound > Confirmation of Class 1 (or Class C-s3,d2) Internal fire spread of flame > Confirmation of Class 1 (or Class C-s3,d2) External fire spread of flame > Confirmation that existing walls are not showing evidence of ingress of moisture from ground or external source > U-value – 0.35 W/m2K for solid walls 2 Separating wall > Confirmation that existing wall is structurally sound > Confirmation of Class 1 (or Class C-s3,d2) Internal fire spread of flame > 60 minute fire-resisting construction with fire stopping at roof level and at eaves (No penetrations or openings) > Confirmation that existing walls are not showing evidence of ingress of moisture from ground > Sound Insulation – Airborne 53 DnT,w dB (min) 3 Windows > Purge ventilation – total openable area ≥ 1/20th floor area > Background ventilation may be provided via trickle vents or wall vents > U-Value ≤ 1.6W/m2K 4 Separating floor between dwellings > Confirmation that existing floor is structurally sound > 60 minute fire-resisting construction with no penetrations. Service zone to be provided below floor construction for lower dwelling. Vertical pipes to be fire stopped at floor level > Sound Insulation - Airborne 53 DnT,w dB (min), Impact 58 L’nT,wdB (max) 5 Separating floor above shop > Confirmation that existing floor is structurally sound > 60 minute fire resisting construction with no penetrations. Service zone to be provided below floor construction for shop; vertical pipes to be fire stopped at floor level and pipes > 40 mm ø (PVC) fitted with fire collars > Sound Insulation - Airborne 53 DnT,w dB (min) 6 Protected Stairwell > 60 minute fire resisting construction to plane of roof or fire resisting ceiling throughout > Confirmation of Class O (or Class B-s3,d2) Internal fire spread of flame > 30 minute self-closing fire door at entrance to dwellings > All doors on escape route to be readily openable (incl. dwelling entrance door and main entrance door) > Sound Insulation - Airborne 53 DnT,w dB (min) > Reverberation control in common area > Fire detection and alarm system to common area > Emergency escape lighting and smoke ventilation 7 Dwelling No.1 and No.2 > Travel distance within apartment protected corridor with self-closing fire doors up to 9 m long > Integrated mains powered smoke/ heat alarms (with battery back-up) in living room, kitchen and entrance hallway > Potable water to sink with water storage serving appliances > Dual flush toilets with adjacent wash-hand basin and appropriate drainage system > Heating system (boilers) to comply with minimum energy efficiency of 90% > Where there are existing open-flued appliances (fireplace, stoves etc.), CO alarms should be fitted in the room and the corridor 8 Roof > Confirmation that roof is structurally sound, with no moisture ingress > Confirmation that existing slates/ tiles meet AA, AB or AC (National Class) or Broof t4 for roof covering > U-value – 0.16 W/m2K (pitched roof) for insulation at ceiling level > Adequate roof ventilation at eaves level 9 Shop/ Commercial unit > See Figure 9 and associated table of requirements for shop unit NOTE: 1. As this is a material change of use to the whole building, requirements for the shop are as specified in Figure 9 and the associated table. 2. For renovations involving thermal upgrades, see S.R. 54 Code of Practice for the Energy Efficient Retrofit of Dwellings. 3. Rental regulations apply where a dwelling(s) is proposed to be rented. See Appendix 3 for Minimum standards in rented accommodation. 4. Where more than 25% of the surface area of the building envelope undergoes renovation, the energy performance of the whole building should be improved to cost optimal level in so far as this is technically, functionally and economically feasible. Adaptation and re-use (Image source: Bring Back Homes, DHLGH, 2018) Inviting/livable public realm (Image source: Cork Co. Co.) Diverse and innovative range of houses (Image source: Shay Cleary Architects) Figure 4.3: Key quality design and placemaking outcomes in relation to a mix and distribution of uses (including diverse and vibrant communities). Higher densities/mixed use development in centres and on transport corridors/nodesSustainable and Compact Settlements | Guidelines for Planning Authorities | Chapter 4 Page 44

Source Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage: Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements: Guidelines for Planning Authorities (January 2024) · 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.