Development plan · Cork County Council
Cork County Development Plan 2022–2028 – Volume One: Main Policy Material
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards. Variations adopted since are not in this text.
Cork County Council · 2022–2028 · 564 pages
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- 131 Graveyards and other Burial Grounds 6.1.7 Most graveyards in County Cork are formally the responsibility of Cork County Council and local interest in the care and maintenance of the graveyards is welcomed and valued by the Council, particularly from community groups. A guide has been prepared by Cork County Council to outline how local groups can participate in the care of their local graveyard through appropriate maintenance and conservation. 6.1.8 Cork County Council also recognize that the requirements for new types of burial facilities including Green Burial Facilities/eco-cemeteries and other similar facilities may be required over the coming years and the Planning Authority will support the delivery of such facilities on their merits as and when the need arises subject to normal planning considerations. See Chapter 16 Built and Cultural Heritage and Chapter 18 Zoning and Land Use. 6.2 Multi-Use Community Facilities 6.2.1 Facilities within the community should be located to maximise their efficiency and to facilitate ease of access for users of all ages and abilities. Where appropriate, facilities should also be capable of adapting to changing needs over time. The timely delivery of such facilities to meet the needs of communities is a key priority of this Plan. 6.2.2 Currently many community groups share facilities/structures which can cater for a diverse range of activities. It is the aim of the Council to encourage the provision of multi-use facilities that community groups can share. New facilities should be designed for multi-use and future sharing. The clustering of facilities at appropriate locations will also be encouraged such as childcare facilities and schools sharing the same campus, as set out in the Universal Design Guidelines for Early Learning Centres (2019). County Development Plan Objective SC 6-3: Multi-Use Community Facilities Support the provision of Multi-Use Community Facilities which encourage sharing amongst community groups and are designed for multi-use activities and future sharing. 6.3 Childcare Facilities and Educational Facilities 6.3.1 As referred to in the National Planning Framework 2018 Children and Young People ESRI projections indicate that the numbers of people aged 15 or under will decline slightly, by around 10%, by 2040, to comprise approximately 17% of the increased population. This compares to 22% of the population in 2016, meaning that the average age of people in Ireland as a whole will increase, but the overall number of young people will not decrease significantly. In County Cork there were 76,270 children aged 0 to 14 in 2016 which accounts for 23% of the population. The projections indicated that the number of people aged 15 or under will continue to increase until the early 2020s and decline slowly thereafter. This means that the continued provision and enhancement of facilities and amenities for children and young people, such as childcare, schools, playgrounds, parks and sports grounds, remains necessary and will need to be maintained at similar levels for the foreseeable future. 6.3.2 The provision of Childcare facilities is a key component of social infrastructure integral to national economic and social well being as it allows for a wider participation in the workforce and the economy which would otherwise be precluded in the absence of such facilities. In addition to the economic benefits Childcare facilities generate in terms of employment creation, they may also serve as a social focal point for the local community. The National Planning Framework draws attention to the important role of childcare provision in terms of underpinning future patterns of labour force participation which will be crucial to sustaining employment growth and to the realisation of the economy’s growth potential over the period of the National Development Plan. Childcare provision is therefore considered under the National Development Plan along with housing, schools and health facilities as an integral part of national infrastructure with €400 million allocated to Childcare as part of Strategic Investment Priorities 2018–2027. 6.3.3 The 2001 Childcare Facility Guidelines for Planning Authorities place an emphasis on the role planning has to play in delivering childcare facilities. In having regard to the Guidelines on Childcare Facilities for Planning Authorities, the Council will take account of existing childcare provision when considering new childcare/crèche facilities provision as part of residential development in order to avoid over provision of these facilities. However, Ministerial Circular letter (PL 3/2016 Dept of Environment Community and Local Government) has changed planning authorities’ role whereby planning authorities are now requested to exclude matters relating to childcare facility standards outlined in Appendix 1 of the Childcare Facilities Planning Guidelines 2001 – including the minimum floor area requirements per child from their consideration of planning applications relating to childcare facilities and to solely focus on planning related considerations that fall within the remit of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, in the determination of such planning applications. GO TO CONTENTS
- 132 6.3.4 The Department of Children has published Universal Design Guidelines for Early Learning Centres (2019) which were developed from the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) to provide inclusive and accessible settings for all children. While the guidelines are not intended to be prescriptive, they provide a flexible approach that informs and inspires both designers and setting operators, through best practice, national and international exemplars and Universal Design quality features. These guidelines aim to inform the design of an accessible, usable and easily understood Early Learning Centre setting, but also play an important role in supporting key government policy aimed at providing inclusive, child and family centred Early Learning and Care in Ireland. 6.3.5 Childcare Facilities are acceptable in principle subject to normal planning considerations in all land use categories but must be developed in a sustainable manner and at an appropriate scale in the areas where they are needed. 6.3.6 Tusla keep an updated list of all registered childcare providers for the city and County areas. The latest version from January 2020 includes over 430 providers in Cork City and County with approximately 271 located within Cork County. The Cork County Childcare Committee has indicated over the years that services are generally at capacity. The Council is committed to working with the County Childcare Committee in developing optimum facilities at the right locations throughout the County. County Development Plan Objective SC 6-4: Childcare Facilities Support and facilitate the sustainable provision of childcare facilities in appropriate locations and seek their provision concurrent with development, having regard to population targets for the area and in accordance with the Childcare Facilities Guidelines for Local Authorities 2001 and regard to the Universal Design Guidelines for Early Learning and Care Centres 2019. 6.4 Education 6.4.1 Schools play a significant role in the development of sustainable and balanced communities and are often the focal point of community life. 6.4.2 Schools and educational facilities also have a crucial role in the development of an educated and skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of a modern economy. 6.4.3 A high birth rate naturally leads to an increase in the number of school places and in particular the amount of additional classrooms required. Where additional provision is required at primary or post primary level, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the particular circumstances and may be provided through either one, or a combination of the following: • Utilising existing unused capacity within a school (or schools) • Extending the capacity of a school (or schools) • Provision of a new school (or schools) • Utilising/re-purposing existing buildings within settlements which meet the requirements for a school (or schools) 6.4.4 While the East Cork Secondary Schools Crisis Report has identified East Cork as having a school places deficit and as an exceptionally fast growing and diverse area with insufficient school places to meet the growing needs and numbers of the area the Department’s most current analysis indicates that above that which is currently being planned and delivered there is no requirement for additional school accommodation provision in the Midleton/Carrigtwohill or Youghal school planning areas. The Department will however, continue to monitor the relevant metrics, including the volume, pace and location of residential development activity and keep school place requirements in the area under review. 6.4.5 Cork County Council will work with the Department of Education in addressing educational requirements. Information received from the Department as shown on Table 6.1 below indicating where additional new educational facilities will be required to meet future population targets which will be reflected and included as part of this Plan. This table is not exhaustive of all proposed future educational requirements in the County. Cork County Council will continue to work with the Department and other stakeholders regarding provision for future school requirements across the whole County throughout the lifetime of the plan. 6.4.6 Reservations will be made for new schools in the Plan in close proximity to existing or planned residential developments and community facilities such as sports facilities, public open space, libraries, etc so that these can be shared between the school and the wider community. Having access to off-site public amenities and facilities is essential in achieving the delivery of schools in the urban carbon-neutral model promoted by the NPF. The Planning Authority subject to public and road safety concerns also supports measures to facilitate reduced requirements for on-site parking and set-down areas. 6.4.7 The Planning Authority also supports the concept of multi-campus school arrangements such as 2/3 primary schools side by side or primary and secondary institutions sharing a site. This approach can lead to a more sustainable provision of schools in that it reduces the land take required for such developments. GO TO CONTENTS
- 133 6.4.8 The National Planning Framework (NPF) acknowledges that the provision of early childhood care and education (ECCE) settings, schools, colleges and universities will be critical in the spatial development of cities and regions. They will impact on individual and community development, quality of life, social cohesion, availability of amenities and will be important influencing factors in the areas of research and innovation, inward investment and access to labour markets. 6.4.9 National Policy Objective 31 states that the Government will prioritise the alignment of targeted and planned population and employment growth with investment in the expansion and consolidation of Higher Education facilities, particularly where this will contribute to wider regional development, and programmes for life long learning, especially in areas of higher education and further education and training where skills gaps are identified. County Development Plan Objective SC 6-5: Educational Facilities Facilitate the provision of educational services in the community such as schools, crèches and other educational and childcare facilities. Multiuse facilities which can accommodate both educational and childcare facilities are also encouraged. Provision of Educational Facilities in Planned Residential Developments 6.4.10 Schools are an essential community facility and demands for school places can rise significantly when new large residential developments come on stream. It is therefore vital that the planning system keeps pace with the scale of new residential development by ensuring that adequate school places are available or provided in a timely manner. Therefore, all substantial residential developments must be accompanied by a report identifying the demand for school places likely to be generated by the development. 6.4.11 The Guidelines on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas place the emphasis on the need to select school sites which maximize the potential for sustainable mobility patterns, offer the potential to share major public open spaces and can support other community uses outside of school hours. 6.4.12 Primary Schools in the first instance should be located in as close proximity as possible to existing or planned communities. Secondary schools should in the first instance consider locating on town centre or edge of centre sites. 6.4.13 The Plan includes policy objectives on both the provision of new schools and the protection of existing schools and the development of wider infrastructure and amenities objectives within the Plan to support both categories of schools serving your communities. 6.4.14 The inclusion of buffer zones and land use designations that support education development adjacent to existing and established schools (where required to facilitate potential future expansion) will be critical in meeting school accommodation requirements arising in Existing Residential/Mixed Residential and Other Uses Areas. In some instances, such provision may present the only viable solution for the provision of school places to meet the needs of the local community. 6.4.15 Cork County Council will consider potential synergies with adjacent public (and commercial) facilities in the proposed siting of schools or vice versa, particularly opportunities to locate schools adjacent to open space or recreation amenities, childcare provision and/or other community facilities. 6.4.16 The National Planning Framework and the Southern Assembly Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020 (RSES) have numerous objectives such as RPO 63 regarding Skills and Talent and RPO 185 regarding New School Facilities which have informed this Plan. GO TO CONTENTS
- 134 County Development Plan Objective SC 6-6: Provision of Educational Facilities in Large Residential Developments a) Provide new educational facilities in accordance with the guidance set out in Guidelines on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas. b) Recognise that new residential communities can generate demand for additional school places and that it is vital to the process of supporting sustainable communities, that the necessary increased capacity in school facilities, either in the form of new schools, or the expansion of existing schools, is provided, including adequate provision for special needs education facilities, such as dedicated autism units, special schools, etc., where appropriate. c) Work closely with the Department of Education to identify in the Plan, existing and future educational requirements, identify and reserve suitable sites for educational purposes and acquire, as appropriate and with the approval of the Department of Education, sites for future school provision in order to ensure that the necessary increased capacity in school provision is provided in a timely manner and as an integral part of the development of an area. Where a previously reserved site for educational purposes is no longer required the site will be capable of coming forward for alternative forms of development subject to the planning process. d) Facilitate the development of primary, post primary, third level, outreach, research, adult and further educational facilities to meet the needs of the County. e) Encourage, support and develop opportunities to open up new and existing educational facilities to wider community use, subject to normal proper planning and sustainable development considerations. f) Require that proposed new large scale residential developments, within existing residential or new residential areas, either as part of an individual development or a collective group of developments include an assessment of the demand for school places likely to be generated by the development and proposals to address any identified increase in demand which may arise. g) Where a designated school site forms part of a wider development it is critical that the granting of permission for that wider development be contingent upon the provision of infrastructure and services to the school site as part of that development and such infrastructure and services must be specified to the standard which is required for any future school provision at that location. Table 6.1: School Requirements in Main Settlements Area Primary Post Primary Carrigaline 2 * Carrigtwohill 2 1 (in addition to planned delivery of post primary school) Midleton 2 1 Cobh 1 * Monard 4 1 Kinsale 1 Bandon * Charleville 1 *School already planned for delivery GO TO CONTENTS
- 135 6.5 Healthcare Facilities Acute Hospitals 6.5.1 In Cork complex and acute medical services are being centralised at Cork University Hospital, Mercy University Hospital and South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital (elective day case surgery), which have a wide range of specialist services, expert staff and facilities required to deal with complex, life threatening injuries and medical conditions. The hospitals at Mallow and Bantry have a defined role in delivering less complex care as close as possible to patient’s homes. The National Planning Framework (NPF) has identified the Cork Metropolitan Area as a location for a new acute hospital. 6.5.2 Both the Cork University Hospital and Mercy University Hospital sites are intensely developed and as the population of the region grows a requirement to identify a strategy for the expansion of facilities at this level in line with this population growth will be needed. 6.5.3 A number of reports/documents have been published by the Department of Health in recent years including Committee on the Future of Healthcare Slaintecare Report 2017, Slaintecare Implementation Strategy 2018, Slaintecare Action Plan 2019, and Slaintecare Implementation and Action Plan Strategy 2021-2023. The main focus of these reports relates to the delivery of a health and social care service that meets the needs of our population while attracting and retaining staff. While acute hospitals remain an important part of Sláintecare’s Implementation Plan and the National Development Plan the focus continues to shift towards primary care and the need to move away from being overly hospital-centric and to provide increased infrastructure capacity in the community with additional infrastructure required such as primary care centres and community care beds to provide for respite, short stay and residential needs. 6.5.4 This reflects changes in health challenges with increased life expectancy, premature mortality reduced while however, being a greater prevalence of chronic conditions. While having one of the youngest population in Europe, the share of the population aged 65 and over in Ireland is projected to increase by 59% by 2031, while people aged 85 and over is projected to increase by 97%. The population in County Cork aged 65+ according to the Census 2016 was 13.8% (45,800 persons). In relation to health infrastructure older age cohorts are the highest users of most health and social care services (Sláintecare Implementation Strategy 2018). 6.5.5 The National Planning Framework and the National Development Plan 2018-2027 both highlight the changes in population and health needs and consequential changes in health infrastructure going forward. This investment programme is supported by the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020 (RSES). 6.5.6 The areas where investment in health infrastructure is to be made include new capacity of 2,600 acute beds to be delivered across all Hospital Groups, replacement and refurbishment of 90 Community Nursing Units across the country, replacement and refurbishment of long-term residential care units and housing in the community for people with disabilities at various locations across the country, 4,500 community care beds and three new elective hospitals one of which to be located in the Cork Metropolitan Area, the continuance of the construction programme across the country for Primary Care Centres which include provision of diagnostic facilities in the community so that people can receive better care close to home and avoid hospital unless it is necessary. Cork is expected to be the recipient of some of these investments. 6.5.7 The primary role of the Council with regard to healthcare facilities is to ensure that: (a) adequate land is available and protected from other forms of development in order to provide for new facilities and the expansion or adaptation of existing premises, (b) permit healthcare facilities subject to normal planning considerations. 6.5.8 New healthcare facilities can be developed by both the public and private sector. The Council invites healthcare providers to identify suitable sites for new facilities well in advance to allow for these sites to be secured during the County Development Plan process and to afford protection to them from inappropriate development. County Development Plan Objective SC 6-7: Healthcare Facilities Support the Health Service Executive and other statutory and voluntary agencies and private healthcare providers in the provision of healthcare facilities to all sections of the community, at appropriate locations within settlement boundaries (subject to exceptions), with good public transport links and parking facilities for both motor vehicles as well as bicycles. Primary Care Centres 6.5.9 Primary health care refers to the wide spectrum of health services which should be provided at community level, which were previously traditionally provided in hospitals, clinics and GP Surgeries. 6.5.10 Responsiveness to community needs is a key element of primary health care. Therefore, the range and configuration of services may vary from one community or settlement to another. GO TO CONTENTS
- 136 6.5.11 Sláintecare refers to Primary Care (PC) as still being the preferred mode of service provision. Expanding Community Primary Care is at the heart of the Government’s Sláintecare (2018) strategy and it will continue the programme of investment in Primary Care Centres (PCC). “This strategy includes an overall action to: Expand community-based care to bring care closer to home and a Sub-Action 4.2.2 to: Establish more primary care centres and develop a new programme of investment in community-based diagnostics facilities. The development of modern, purpose-designed Primary Care Centres is a key building block in enabling this vision to become a reality.” 6.5.12 It is also recognised that whether provided within Primary Care Centres or in GP surgeries themselves, GP Surgeries are a key healthcare facility which need to be provided in tandem with population growth in an area and the Council will support the provision of such services throughout the county in appropriate locations. 6.5.13 There are currently 12 Primary Care Centres in Cork County. 6.5.14 The Planning Authority will support the provision of Primary Care Centres (PCCs) subject to a number of locational factors which include the following; • Primary Care Centres should generally be located in town centres in the first instance or if a suitable site is not available then the alternative site selection process should be based on the sequential approach. • Primary Care Centres should be accessible to pedestrians and accessible by public transport and private car in order to maximise access for both urban and rural populations. • Proposals will need to be made for parking but location will be a determining factor in the amount to be provided. In cases where accessible public parking is provided off site a reduced standard may be acceptable. • All proposals must address parking as part of an overall mobility management plan. See Chapter 3 Settlements and Placemaking and Chapter 12 Transport and Mobility. • Consideration to the integration of Primary Care Centres into existing or new buildings or designed to incorporate other uses e.g. pharmacy, will be given. 6.5.15 The Council considers that future Primary Care Centres should be provided in the County’s main settlements subject to the criteria outlined above. County Development Plan Objective SC 6-8: Provision of Primary Care Centres Support the provision of Primary Care Facilities, in appropriate locations with good public transport links and parking facilities across the county while having regard to the livable town concept, subject to proper planning and sustainable development requirements. 6.6 Planning for Ageing 6.6.1 Census 2016 indicated that Cork County’s population is increasing in particular in the older persons sector with people living longer. Overall population trends show an ageing population with an increase in the age groups 60 - 80 (average 17% increase) and a decrease in the 20 - 40 age groups from 2011 to 2016 in County Cork. It is becoming increasingly important to plan for an ageing population but this necessarily involves changes in the way planning addresses the needs of the wider community. 6.6.2 It is important to assess the needs of an ageing community and of the particular needs of people now in the later stage of life. Equally important is to maintain a good quality of life as people grow older by implementing better management of resources to provide the facilities required. 6.6.3 The Healthy and Positive Ageing Initiative (HaPAI) is a national three year programme of research, data translation, health promotion and dissemination led by the Department of Health with the HSE and Age Friendly Ireland as key partners. Some of the key findings included the following: (a) 27.5% of people aged 65 and over live alone in County Cork (b) Over 75% of those participating in the audits said they would feel safe walking the route they took on their own (c) The available footpaths were not in good repair (68%) and some respondents said they were not ramped or easy to negotiate (53%). 6.6.4 The Positive Ageing in Age Friendly Cities and Counties; Local Indicators for Ireland 2018 report, provides evidence to support the development and monitoring of strategies and actions to help older people live healthy and active lives in supportive Age Friendly communities. 6.6.5 The Cork County Age Friendly Programme 2016 is the result of a process which began when County Cork committed itself to establishing a county where older people can live full, active and healthy lives by signing up to Ireland’s National Age Friendly Cities and Counties Programme, an initiative run by the World Health Organisation to encourage an age friendly society. GO TO CONTENTS
- 137 6.6.6 The Cork County Age Friendly Programme aims to make the county an age friendly county with all agencies working together to promote and maintain the best possible health and wellbeing for older people, and to make the county a great place to grow old. 6.6.7 As part of Cork County Council’s expansion of Age Friendly Initiatives, eight towns were successful in joining the Age Friendly network. These towns include Bandon, Cobh, Kinsale, Passage West, Mitchelstown, Bantry, Millstreet and Charleville. The Cork Age Friendly County Programme aims to support the development of a network of Age Friendly towns across Cork County. The current fund cycle will provide financial assistance for a further four towns to join the Age Friendly Programme. Age friendly initiatives implemented in towns include accessible public seating, promotion of age friendly businesses, age friendly parking and other public realm enhancements. Communication and Display Boards are an initiative to provide inclusive communication between all and will be located in certain parks and public settings and will benefit the process of ageing within towns and villages. 6.6.8 The age friendly approach will also benefit those people with impaired mobility, including those with physical disabilities, parents with young children and children themselves. The Plan also aims to develop lifelong communities with adequate housing, transport, preservation of local retail and services, and social and outdoor facilities for all age groups. 6.6.9 The Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020 (RSES) states that the region’s trend towards an ageing population will require future planning to ensure positive social integration and to safeguard the vibrant contribution of all age cohorts within our economy and communities. The changing character of household formation (trend to smaller household unit sizes) needs to be met with appropriate housing types and associated social and community services. Quality placemaking embodying inclusive and universal access design principles for our building stock, public realm, amenities and transport services area is key for citizens, while adding to the ease and quality of visitor’s experience to the Region. See Chapter 3 Settlements and Placemaking. The RSES supports the National Disability Strategy and implementation of its guiding principles on equality, maximising participation and enabling independence and choice, which is echoed throughout this Plan. County Development Plan Objective SC 6-9: Cork an Age Friendly County Support the implementation of the Cork Age Friendly County Programme and the Age Friendly Principles and Guidelines for the Planning Authority 2021 and recognise the demographic challenges that face the county and ensure the provision of suitable facilities and services in the future for all ages and abilities. County Development Plan Objective SC 6-10: Services and Infrastructure For Older Persons Strategy Support the implementation of the Services and Infrastructure for Older Persons Strategy 2014 as a step towards planning for ageing. Ageing in Place 6.6.10 At present the vast majority of older people (defined as 65+ in the Census) remain in the home in many cases for all their lives. This option is the choice and hope of many older people and is fundamental to realising the principle of independence. National policy supports ‘ageing in place’ whereby people live in their own homes as long as possible. However, many existing houses often pose design challenges for older adults and the choice of suitable or adaptable housing is limited. To provide a broader choice it is recognised that the particular needs of ageing people should be incorporated into the design, housing mix and location of new housing development. See Chapter 4 Housing. 6.6.11 Six Principles for Housing for our Ageing Population were established in the Housing Options for our Ageing Population by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and the Department of Health 2019. The principles are intended to inform strategic thinking and practical planning in developing housing options and supports for older people. This is not an exhaustive list and will be built upon to develop new thinking and innovative solutions. The principles are as follows: 1. Ageing in Place 2. Supporting Urban Renewal 3. Using Assistive Technology 4. Staying Socially Connected 5. Working Together 6. Promoting Sustainable Lifetime Houses GO TO CONTENTS
- 138 6.6.12 A second type of accommodation for older persons relates to the need for more supported group/community housing (sometimes referred to as sheltered housing) which incorporates a household model approach and which is integrated and not segregated or isolated from the community. To date the majority of this type of accommodation is provided by the voluntary and Private Housing sector. Cork County Council will continue to support the provision of accommodation for older persons and encourage new models of accommodation for older persons in an effort to enhance quality of care. 6.6.13 Nationally over 5% of the 65+ age group reside in long stay residential care. It is significant to note that only a small number of persons aged 65-69 are usually resident in residential care. However, this proportion increased considerably for persons aged 85 plus. 6.6.14 Census 2016 indicated that County Cork had approximately 52,659 persons with disability, which was an increase of 11.4% on the 2011 figure of 47,274. According to the Healthy and Positive Ageing Initiative (HaPAI) findings, 5.6% of those aged 55+ are permanently sick or disabled in Cork County and 47% of people aged 55-69 and 60% of people aged 70+ in Cork County have a long standing illness or health problem. Among these people, 23% of the over 70s and 11% of the 55-69 age group are severely limited in their everyday activities because of this health problem. In addition, the 80 plus age group is expected to double in number by 2026. With this in mind, although there is an even greater emphasis on care in the home (in 2016 Cork County had 18,269 (9.4%) carers), the demand for residential care is likely to increase significantly. 6.6.15 The Cork Age Friendly Strategy 2016-2021 states that more than one quarter (27%) of those aged over 70 and 20% of those aged 55-69 have some difficulty with facilities in their homes – this includes shortage of space, or home being too big to manage, lack of downstairs toilet, bath/shower facilities not suitable etc. 6.6.16 The National Development Plan 2018 refers to how our ageing population will require the delivery of significant additional step-down and long-stay facilities, and it is expected that approximately an additional 4,500 of these beds will need to be delivered by the public system within the country. 6.6.17 Consideration also needs to be given to the idea of having a multifaceted residential care provision or other flexible care models which would incorporate the various levels of accommodation from high dependency, to assisted living (medium dependency) to independent living (low dependency) when new residential care accommodation is being developed and to encourage existing single use facilities where appropriate to expand availability of types of accommodation. The HIQA (Health Information and Quality Authority) estimates that about 30% of nursing home occupants are inappropriately housed. 6.6.18 The Council will support the principles as set out in the Age Friendly Principles and Guidelines for the Planning Authority 2021 to ensure that our ageing population has a range of options for living independently and alternatives to long-term residential care to support ageing as mentioned above in Housing Options for Our Ageing Population. The essential message within this guidance is that the Irish local government system is playing a central role in equipping Irish society to fully use the opportunities that come with having an ageing population which is fully engaged and integrated with succeeding generations. Thinking on how to meet the future needs of our communities is an essential feature of the planning process. The simple non-statutory guidance within these guidelines will enable the planning system to acknowledge the role which our older people can play in the future, reinforcing the importance of having an active older community at the heart of the many cities, towns, villages and rural places of a vibrant and sustainable Ireland. 6.6.19 Cork County Council will work with the private, public and voluntary housing providers to facilitate, design and deliver a greater range of residential options (including residential care) for older people wishing to remain in their own communities. 6.6.20 This Plan seeks to allow more people to age in their present location by: • Having an adaptable housing stock, • Encouraging the provision of more housing units closer to facilities, • Encourage the provision of facilities in areas where housing already exists, • Addressing accessibility issues for physically disabled or pedestrian access i.e. footpaths, • Consider the provision of ancillary family accommodation where appropriate. 6.6.21 While providing for specialised accommodation for those who can no longer live at home in the form of; • Group /community housing, • Assisted living accommodation, • Residential care accommodation. See Chapter 3 Settlements and Placemaking and Chapter 12 Transport and Mobility. GO TO CONTENTS
- 139 Guidance for Residential Care Accommodation 6.6.22 The following is a list of criteria for consideration in the provision of residential care accommodation; • These facilities should be located within settlements and in order to enhance overall quality of life increase their links with, and accessibility to, local amenities, and therefore reduce the likelihood of social isolation while providing easy access to staff and visitors. • That any new provision should be multifaceted or include flexible care models to include long stay care for persons with high dependency, assisted living accommodation for persons with medium dependency and some independent living accommodation for persons with low dependency where appropriate. • Recognition should also be given to particular requirements of specialised residential care accommodation (i.e. dementia). Provision of Ancillary Accommodation 6.6.23 Ancillary accommodation units provide a step down residential accommodation model option for older or disabled persons and consideration can be given to building ancillary accommodation either as an extension to an existing house or as a separate dwelling unit in cases where it can be shown that such is required for an older or disabled family member. This would include circumstances where a member of the family requires separate living space which is on the same property as the main dwelling. Such units can be established in conjunction with a dwelling house either within or attached to the house but within the bounds of the site. 6.6.24 This provision allows families to provide accommodation for older or disabled relatives. These units should be permitted where the following criteria can be met: • There is only one dwelling and one ancillary accommodation unit on the same site. • The ancillary accommodation should not exceed 80sqm in floor area. • Normally the ancillary accommodation should be single storey only. However, in exceptional circumstances, i.e. where the curtilage is too small or too restricted, consideration may be given to the provision of a two storey ancillary accommodation having regard to the design, scale and form of the existing dwelling and the impact on its residential amenity. • Provision for shared vehicular entrance only. • The ancillary unit should not impact adversely on either the residential amenities of the existing property or the residential amenities of the area. • The property and ancillary accommodation unit should not be subdivided. • Additional parking, sewage treatment units or private amenity space is not required. • The unit should not be sold off separately from the existing dwelling and a Section 47 agreement should be entered into by the property owner to ensure that any physically separate unit be retained as part of the existing property in perpetuity as a burden on the title. County Development Plan Objective SC 6-11: Accommodation for Older Persons Support the provision of residential care, assisted living, group/community housing and other forms of accommodation for older persons. County Development Plan Objective SC 6-12: Age Friendly Policies To implement Age Friendly policies in the refurbishment/adaptation of existing housing stock, and to consider the needs of the older generation in terms of design and lifelong living. GO TO CONTENTS
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