Cork County Development Plan 2022–2028 – Volume One: Main Policy Material

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   31 development needs of the County in accordance with relevant environmental legislation and guidance such as the Water Framework, Floods, Habitats and Birds Directives, Our Sustainable Future – a Framework for Sustainable Development in Ireland (DECLG, 2012), the National Biodiversity Plan and the National Climate Change Strategy. 2.2.5 Background data and further information for many of these topics is set out in a series of Background Documents published by the County Council in early 2020 as part of the Section 11 Pre-Draft Public Consultation Process. They can be found on the County Council’s Website www.corkcoco.ie. 2.3 Preparing the Core Strategy 2.3.1 The following sets out a comprehensive and detailed evidence-based analysis which examines a range of inter-related factors that are relevant in devising the Core Strategy for the County Development Plan. It is acknowledged that the Core Strategy sits firmly within the broader parameters for growth set out at a national and regional level, and as such, the Core Strategy must be consistent with the detailed higher-tier settlement strategy of, in particular, the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy and the Cork Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan. Notwithstanding, the following provides an overview of the main considerations and evidence-based analysis which has informed the Core Strategy. Each of these factors is considered in turn hereunder: 1. Overview of Population Growth 2. Population Targets for the Core Strategy 3. Housing Completions 4. Evaluation of Housing Demand 5. Housing target for the Core Strategy 6. Tiered Approach to Land Use Zoning 2.4 Overview of Population Growth 2.4.1 The 2016 Census population data for Cork shows a continuation of strong growth with an increase of population from 399,802 to 417,211 (17,409) or a 4.3% increase from the 2011 Census. This overall figure was adjusted following the County boundary change in 2019 estimating the population of Cork County to be 332, 015. It is anticipated that the results of Census 2022 will confirm ongoing strong population growth in line with previous trends. 2.4.2 The following population pyramid shows how the population of County Cork is structured in terms of males and females and the proportion of younger and older people and at each age in between. At present the State ODR (Old Dependency Ratio i.e. the number of older people as a percentage of the working age population) is 20.4% while Cork County is 20.2%. When comparing population growth, the 65+ age group is one of the age groups which experienced the greatest growth over the 2011 to 2016 period. It is anticipated that the percentage of older people relative to the working age population will continue to grow during the lifetime of the Plan. The number of older people over 65 is expected to increase from 45,800 (2016) to 72,822 (2031) and 93,212 (2041). Figure 2.1 Population Pyramid for Cork County www.census.ie GO TO CONTENTS

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   32 Population Targets for the Core Strategy 2.4.3 As stated in previous sections of the Plan, a key requirement for this Plan is to demonstrate how its policies and objectives are consistent with national and regional population targets. This further strengthens the role of the Cork County Development Plan as the fundamental link between national, regional, and local policy. This section of the Plan sets out the population and housing requirements of each Strategic Planning Area within Cork County and when combined, how they seek to comply with the National and Regional targets.1 2.4.4 Future population projections for County Cork are a primary input to the Core Strategy. The adoption of the NPF and the RSES now means that there are statutory national and regional growth strategies which include detailed population targets based on 2016 Census data. The NPF prescribes population growth targets for each Region and City within the State and the RSES further analyses and sets out, in turn, the future population target for each County and City. Calculation of the population target parameters for use in the Core Strategy comprises a three-stage process based upon national, regional provisions, Section 28 Guidelines and includes: assessment of the RSES County population targets; application of additional ‘headroom’ as prescribed in the ‘Implementation Roadmap for the National Planning Framework’ (2018); and, comment on ‘relocated growth’ as provided for under NPO 68 of the NPF. Each of these stages is set out in turn below. Population Projection Calculation Stage 1: RSES Population Targets 2.4.5 Appendix 1 of the RSES includes phased population targets for each Local Authority area in the Southern Region, setting out both a low and high growth scenario up to 2026 and 2031 and the Uplift in population. Table 2.1: Cork County Population Projection from RSES for the Southern Region [Appendix 1] 2016 2026 (Low and High) Uplift 2016- to 2026 2031 (Low and High) Uplift 2016 to 2031 332,000 367,000 - 377,000 35,000- 45,000 382,000 – 398,000 50,000 – 66,000 Stage 2: Application of Additional ‘Headroom’ 2.4.6 The NPF, its accompanying Implementation Roadmap and the Southern Region RSES, also refer to further qualified allowances regarding population growth which can be applied to the target population of Cork County. This provides scope for an additional 25% headroom or an additional 11,250 people (to 2026) which may be applied locally at Development Plan stages in Cork (City and County). The additional 25% headroom refers to population and not zoned lands. It is further noted that this additional headroom is located in areas where it is justified, in compliance with the objectives of the NPF and the RSES especially in the achievement of Compact growth targets. The Planning Authority have proportionately allocated this additional 25% over the four Strategic Planning Areas of the County in accordance with the overall Core Strategy policies for the County following the guidance in the RSES for the Southern Region and the Cork MASP. Stage 3: Relocated Growth 2.4.7 The RSES states that the NPF, (NPO 68) includes provision that a Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan may enable up to 20% of the phased population growth targeted in the principal city and suburban area, to be accommodated in the wider metropolitan area, i.e. outside the city and suburbs or contiguous zoned area, in addition to growth identified for the Metropolitan Area. This is subject to the following: • Any relocated growth being in the form of compact development, such as infill or sustainable urban extension. • Any relocated growth being served by high capacity public transport and /or related to significant employment provision; and • NPO 9 of the NPF. 2.4.8 Given the ambitious targets applied to the MASP, it is unlikely that this will be required during the lifetime of this RSES. However, this will be subject to review. Also refer to Chapter 3 and RPO 32 Support for Compact Growth in the application of these targets. 1 It is important to note that this plan is informed by proposed ‘population targets’ rather than a ‘population forecast’. The key difference between the two concepts is that a ‘target’ is intended to be used for infrastructure planning purposes. To help avoid a shortage of future infrastructure, ‘target’ figures are normally set at a level above the predicted or expected ‘population forecast’ GO TO CONTENTS

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   33 2.4.9 Consultation with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) and the Local authorities will be part of the implementation mechanisms to be established for the MASP following adoption of the RSES. Review processes on how targets are being achieved will be part of the implementation mechanism for each MASP. These review processes, in consultation and agreement with the Local authorities and the DHPLG, will inform the application of NPO 68. 2.4.10 The Council will continue to work with the other stakeholders to ensure that this provision in the NPF is used to deliver the population, housing and jobs targets envisaged for Metropolitan Cork. Population Projection for the Cork County Development Plan 2022-2028 2.4.11 Table 2.1 details the low and high population projections for County Cork up to 2031. These population projections, which inform the Core Strategy of the County Development Plan, are directly informed by the provisions of the NPF and RSES and are in effect a trickle down from these higher-tier planning policy strategies. In order to take account of the variation between plan timeframes (the County Development Plan covers the period Q3 2022 to Q 2 2028 whereas the RSES covers the period up to 2031) the population targets set out in the following graph incorporate 1.5 years of the 2026- 2031 population growth. The following graph sets out the overall population targets for County Cork up to 2040. 0 50000 100000 150000 200000 250000 300000 350000 400000 450000 2016 2026 Q2 2028 2031 2040 332,015 377,015 391,185 397,999 436,988 11,250 POPULATION TARGETS CORK COUNTY Figure 2.2 Population Targets for County Cork up to 2040 GO TO CONTENTS

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   34 Historical Growth Compared to Projected Growth 2.4.12 Table 2.2 below sets out the average annual population growth experienced in County Cork since 1951 and looks at a range of intercensal periods. Table 2.2: Average Annual Rate of Population Change in Cork County 10 year 20 year 35 year 65 year Average Average Annual Rate of change 2006-2016 Average Annual rate of change 1996-2016 Average Annual rate of change 1981-2016 Average Annual rate of change 1951-2016 Total Cork County 1.43% 1.78% 1.30% 0.69% 1.30% CCC calculations based on data from www.cso.ie 2.4.13 What is clear is that Cork County has performed exceptionally well with growth rates of 1.43% (10 year average annual rate from 2006-2016) and 1.78% over the 20 years from 1996-2016. Looking to the future then firstly, to 2026, over the 10 year period from the last census in 2016, Table 2.5 shows growth of additional 45,000 people in Cork County would require a growth rate of 1.28% per annum. Table 2.5 also outlines the growth rates for 2031 (1.21%) and 2040 (1.15%). Based on past performance these targets are wholly achievable. Also noteworthy is the average Irish growth rate of 1.1% (2017) which is nearly four times the average annual rate of growth in Europe at 0.3% (2017). While this performance was based on the “old” county boundaries which included large areas within the city suburbs, it is considered reasonable to expect that the future rates of growth within the new county area can be achieved in the period to 2040, provided they are supported with the necessary investment in infrastructure needed to facilitate development. Table 2.3: Annual Average Growth Rates to achieve Population Targets Population Target Population Growth Average Annual Growth Required Years 2026 Population Cork County 377,016 45,000 1.28% 2016-2026 2031 Population Cork County 398,941 66,000 1.21% 2016-2031 2040 Population Cork County 436,488 104,473 1.15% 2016-2040 Average rate of growth (National) CSO 2017 -- -- 1.10% -- Average rate of growth (Europe) CSO 2017 -- -- 0.30% -- Based on data from www.southernassembly.ie Housing Completions 2.4.14 Figure 2.3 sets out the housing completions for Cork County from 2011 to Q3 2020. The dataset for 2019 also reflects the recent boundary change which came into effect on the 31st of May, 2019. It is clear that from the low point in 2013 (411 units) that there has been a marked and gradual increase in housing completions to last year 2018 (1,155 units). While the single house figures have also increased very gradually during this period, it is interesting to note that the scheme houses figure has increased more markedly doubling output between 2016 to 2017 and with significant increase again in 2018. This trend continued for 2019 with a steady increase over the 2018 completions. In 2020 the impact of Covid 19 has reduced the level of completions. It would be expected that Covid 19 will also impact the level of Completions in 2021 as well. GO TO CONTENTS

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   35 Figure 2.3 Completed Housing Units in Cork County www.cso.ie 2.5 Evaluation of Housing Demand – Joint Housing Strategy and Housing Needs Demand Assessment (HNDA) 2.5.1 The Planning and Development Acts require all planning authorities to include a Housing Strategy in any Development Plan and this plan includes an objective to give effect to the policies contained in the Joint Housing Strategy. 2.5.2 National Policy Objective 37 of the NPF requires each Local Authority to prepare a ‘Housing Need Demand Assessment’ (HNDA). A HNDA is defined in the NPF as a database to allow Local Authorities to run a number of different scenarios to inform key decisions on housing need and supply. HNDA’s are designed to give broad, long term estimates as opposed to precision estimates. The RSES indicates the Cork County Council and Cork City Council prepare a Joint HNDA/Housing Strategy. 2.5.3 The Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage have published Guidance on the Preparation of a Housing Need and Demand Assessment and associated circular 14/2021 (April, 2021) which states that it is expected that HNDA will be integrated into the development plan review process where planning authorities give notice of review of a development plan in accordance with section 11(1) of the 2000 Act, after the date of the Circular (14th of April, 2021). 2.5.4 Cork County Council prepared a Joint Housing Strategy and HNDA with Cork City Council (see Appendix E: Policy Objectives for the Joint Housing Strategy 2022-2028). The strategy informs the housing policy in this plan. The Housing Strategy element is based on the overall population and housing land requirements set out in the Core Strategy. 2.5.5 In addition, and further to the publication of the Government’s ‘Housing for All’ Plan, and Circular 28/2021 regarding Amendments to Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 arising from the Affordable Housing Act 2021 - the requirement on developers in Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 to provide 10% of zoned residential land to the State will be increased to a mandatory 20% and will now include provision for affordable and cost rental housing, as well as social housing. In accordance with this new measure, this plan requires that 20% of units on all land for residential uses (or for a mix of residential and other uses) to be reserved for the purpose of social and affordable housing, cost rental housing and specialised housing needs. See Chapter 4 Housing for more information on Housing for All and the Affordable Housing Act 2021. GO TO CONTENTS

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   36 2.6 Compact Growth 2.6.1 The Plan aims to support and implement the underlying theme of the NPF regarding providing for more consolidated urban cores at the heart of our settlements. This core strategy aims to deliver at least 30% of the overall net housing requirement in or contiguous to the town centre or core and to identify key locations and opportunity sites, which are capable in terms of physical and social infrastructure of being delivered over the lifetime of the plan period, in a manner that supports the achievement of wider national and regional planning policies and objectives. In many settlements there are sites close to the town centre which are greenfield and are zoned for residential development. These sites will contribute significantly to the delivery of compact growth. This approach applies to the main towns and other settlements which were identified as having a population of 1,500 or greater in the last census, (2016). 2.6.2 It is clear that the introduction of significant infill/brownfield targets for residential development within existing settlement ‘footprints’ in the NPF reflects a greater desire by Government as well as many key stakeholders, to move away from an excessive reliance on greenfield development to meet our development needs and encourage more city, town and village centre renewal. This has resulted in the extent of zonings on peripheral greenfield development sites being critically evaluated with regard to their compatibility with the renewal and regeneration targets set out in the NPF. These sites are identified in the settlement volumes (Volumes Three North Cork, Volume Four South Cork and Volume Five West Cork) of this Plan. This also requires projected population growth to be planned in accordance with NPF National Policy Objectives 3a, b and c, which target infill and brownfield development within the existing built footprint of urban settlements. Approach to Residential Density 2.6.3 In assessing the potential yield of individual site’s the appropriate housing density was reviewed sometimes resulting in the residential zonings been capable of delivering additional housing units. Impact of Pandemic 2.6.4 The impact of the Covid 19 Pandemic and the residual impact will need careful consideration. The shift to working from home and re-orientation to local centres has sparked a renewed interest in the role of local centres in local economies which has in turn impacted on the policy trends regarding 10/20-minute neighbourhoods and ‘Town Centre First’ initiatives which have been identified as a key areas of focus for governments, organisations and communities and it forms a central tenant of Chapter 3 ‘Settlements and Place-Making’, Chapter 9 'Town Centres and Retail’ and Chapter 12 ‘Transport and Mobility’ in this Plan. 2.7 Tiered Approach to Land Use Zoning 2.7.1 The Council completed a Draft Housing Land Availability Study to help inform residential zoning decisions. Using the methodology set out in Appendix 3 of the National Planning Framework Plan the zoned land supply across the county in the current 8 Municipal District Local Area Plans, 2017 and the 9 former Town Council Town Development Plans was classified on the basis on whether it falls in Tier 1 or Tier2 from a servicing perspective and assumptions were made as to how many housing units the zoned land is likely to yield. This study helped to identify suitable residential lands that were needed to deliver the Core Strategy Targets set out in this Plan. 2.7.2 The detailed assessment of strategic enabling infrastructure requirements for Tier 1 and Tier 2 lands across the County is provided in Appendix D and in Volumes 3, 4 and 5 of the plan. Appendix D2 sets out for each residential and mixed use zoned site in the County the tiering and a detailed analysis of the infrastructure requirements of each site. While the NPF tiered approach to zoning does not focus on community infrastructure, the provision of same is considered to be of central importance in the creation of sustainable neighbourhoods in the County and is covered in detail in Chapter 3 Settlements and Placemaking and Chapter 6 Social and Community. In addition, Volumes 3, 4 and 5 of this plan sets out at an individual site level, the site area, appropriate density range of each residentially zoned and mixed use site which includes a residential component in this plan. GO TO CONTENTS

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   37 2.8 Household Projections 2.8.1 Following on from the population targets for County Cork for the period of the plan up to Q2 2028 the overall population increase is divided up into the four strategic planning areas as follows: • County Metropolitan Cork Strategic Planning Area /County Cork MASP (47%) • County Cork (excluding the County Metropolitan Cork Strategic Planning Area) which is made up of Greater Cork Ring (30%), North Cork (11%) and West Cork (12%) County Metropolitan Cork Strategic Planning Area/County Cork MASP 2.8.2 The County Metropolitan area, that is, the part of the Cork MASP area that is within the functional area of Cork County Council as of the 31st of May 2019 is the only Strategic Planning Area where there is a defined target growth in population of 20,000 people to 2026. This arises from the RSES which states that Cork County (in total) will uplift by 45,000 people by 2026. It is important that the 20,000 figure for the County Metropolitan Area is ring-fenced so that this area can actively participate in the promotion of the MASP area. As indicated in the previous sections of this plan in order to align with the NPF and provisions for headroom for County Cork as outlined in the NPF Roadmap a portion of the additional 25% increase on the 2016-2026 overall population was also applied to the County Metropolitan Strategic Planning Area. The rationale for its location to the County Metropolitan Cork Strategic Planning Area follows the long-term strategic vision for Metropolitan Cork as discussed elsewhere in this chapter. Finally, in order to align with the operational period of this County Development Plan to Q2 2028 1½ years growth was interpolated from the 2026-2031 Tranche as set out in the NPF and RSES resulting in a population growth target for the County Metropolitan area of 27,514 people to 2028. County Cork (excluding the County Metropolitan Cork Strategic Planning Area) 2.8.3 County Cork, excluding the County Metropolitan Cork Strategic Planning Area, comprises the Greater Cork Ring, the North Cork and West Cork Strategic Planning Areas. This area will grow by 25,000 supporting the delivery of the overall population increase for County Cork of 45,000. The next matter to address was how to apportion the 25,000 people to the three remaining Strategic Planning Areas, the Greater Cork Ring, the North and West. 2.8.4 Following analysis of previous planning strategy, census and current target delivery in the remainder of the County, it was considered reasonable and appropriate to apportion similar percentages to these areas both as demonstrated by their past and current targets, that is to take the 25,000 additional people and attribute 53% in the Greater Cork Ring, 22% in the North and 25% in the West Strategic Planning Areas. Similar to the Metropolitan area, in order to align with the operational period of this County Development Plan to Q2 2028 1½ years growth was interpolated from the 2026- 2031 Tranche as set out in the NPF and RSES which lead to an overall growth for the Greater Cork Ring, North and West Strategic Planning Areas of 31,656 people to 2028. Housing Supply Target Methodology (2020) 2.8.5 In December 2020 following the publication of the ESRI Report entitled, “Regional Demographics and Structural Housing Demand at County Level” the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage published the ‘Housing Supply Target Methodology’ Guidelines for Local Authorities issued under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Acts which required a step change in the methodology used in previous Core Strategy population and housing calculations. The new Guidelines are intended to assist in providing the required consistent and coherent approach to be taken by Planning Authorities in incorporating national and regional population and housing projections into their statutory plans. 2.8.6 The ESRI research applies the projection model to four different development scenarios, namely the Baseline, the NPF 50:50 City, the High Migration and finally the Low Migration Scenario. The NPF 50:50 City scenario is broadly consistent with the National Planning Framework strategy, the 2018 NPF ‘Roadmap’ document and the population parameters specified therein, and it is therefore the recommended housing demand scenario to be used. It is required that this Plan demonstrates general consistency with the NPF, ESRI – NPF housing demand scenario, subject to the methodology as set out in the guidelines and within the parameters of potential adjustments to 2026. 2.8.7 In order to achieve this, and to guide each Planning Authority in applying the methodology, background data (on a ‘per annum’ basis) was required for the methodology calculation in Table 1 of the Guidelines. Using this background data, the projected households for County Cork from Q3 2022 to Q2 2028 were calculated. Further to this, the additional households arising from the 25% population boast were calculated (4,318) and added to the baseline plan housing demand (D). This resulted in an overall requirement for the plan period of 22,611 units as set out in the following table. GO TO CONTENTS

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   38 Table 2.4 Household Projections for County Cork Q3 2022- Q2 2028 Cork County Council Q2 2022-Q2 2028 Total Households Number of Relevant Years Annual Average Households A ESRI NPF scenario projected new household demand 2017 to end Q2 2028 24,910 11.5 2,166 B Actual new housing supply 2017 to end Q2 2022 (estimated future delivery projected pro rata from year to date) 6,783 5.5 1,233 C Homeless households (latest data), and unmet demand as at most recent Census 166 - - D Plan Housing Demand = Total (A-B+C) (Projected ESRI NPF demand - new completions) = Unmet demand 18,293 6 3,049 D1 25% Population Allocation to 2026 4,318 - - Total Plan Housing Demand = Total (A-B+C) (Projected ESRI NPF demand - new completions) = Unmet demand 22,611 6 3,769 2.8.8 The 22,611 unit requirement was then apportioned to the four Strategic Planning Areas using the same allocations provided for during the population allocation in order to draw a logical parallel between the NPF Roadmap Population Targets and the ESRI and HST Guidelines. 2.9 Housing and Jobs Requirement for the Plan Period 2.9.1 The Core Strategy Table which deals with the plan period to Q2 2028 makes provision to accommodate population growth of 59,170 requiring delivery of 22,611 net housing units. The Core Strategy shows that it is intended to deliver 6,343 of those units on brownfield/infill/existing built footprint sites combined with greenfield sites within 800m of the town centre to support the delivery of compact growth. The Plan intends to deliver 16,453 units on zoned lands within Main Towns and Key Villages over 1,500 population. 2.9.2 These houses will be accommodated on 648 ha of lands zoned for residential and mixed use, of which 252 ha is Tier 1 and 396 ha is Tier 2. 2.9.3 The balance of 6,203 units will be accommodated in the Key villages, smaller villages, and rural areas, with 1,393 in the Key Villages (with less than 1,500 population), 4,810 in the villages and rural areas outside development boundaries. GO TO CONTENTS

9. Page 39

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   39 Table 2.5 Cork County Overall Population Growth Units Required and Housing Supply at a Strategic Planning Area Level Requirement Estimated Units Supply Estimated Land Supply (Ha) Strategic Planning Area Pop 2016 Census Pop Targets to 2028 Pop Increase 2016-2028 Net New Units Required for the Plan Period 2022 Q3-2028 Q2 Units from Zoned Sites in Main Towns and Key Villages over 1,500 Units from all other Key Villages, Villages and Rural Area Estimated Units Yield from Compact Growth Other Zoned Residential and Mixed Use Sites (incl Additional Provision) Total Estimated Net area zoned in this plan (incl Additional Provision) (Ha) Tier One (Ha) Tier Two (Ha ) County Metro Cork 94,553 122,067 27,514 10,514 9,482 1,077 2,366 9,008 336 136 200 Greater Cork Ring 124,970 142,856 17,886 6,835 4,053 2,782 1,901 2,842 170 76 94 North Cork 51,601 58,345 6,744 2,577 1,398 1,179 1,340 278 64 33 31 West Cork 60,891 67,917 7,026 2,685 1,520 1,165 736 1,018 78 7 71 County Excl County Metro 237,462 269,118 31,656 12,097 6,971 5,126 3,977 4,138 312 116 196 Total County 332,015 391,185 59,170 22,611 16,453 6,203 6,343 13,146 648 252 396 Due to rounding, numbers presented throughout this table may not add up precisely to the totals provided in other tables contained in the plan there may be a +1 / -1 difference 2.9.4 Using the RSES Jobs target the following population increase for the plan period results in an overall growth of 35,502 Jobs. GO TO CONTENTS

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    40 Table 2.6: Cork County Core Strategy Overall Population and Jobs Growth Population Jobs Population 2016 Census Population Projection to 2028 Population Increase 2016-2028 Growth in Jobs within the whole SPA County Metropolitan 94,553 122,067 27,514 16,509 Greater Cork Ring 124,970 142,856 17,886 10,732 North Cork 51,601 58,345 6,744 4,046 West Cork 60,891 67,917 7,026 4,216 County Excluding Metro 237,462 269,118 31,656 18,994 Total New County 332,015 391,185 59,170 35,502 County Development Plan Objective CS 2-1 Core Strategy Support the delivery of the Core Strategy in accordance with the Core Strategy Table 2.9 and the Core Strategy Map illustrated in Figure 2.6. County Development Plan Objective CS 2-2 Supply of Zoned Land Ensure that sufficient zoned land continues to be available to satisfy the housing requirements of the County over the lifetime of the Plan. 2.10 Additional Provision 2.10.2 The Draft County Development Plan Guidelines from the Department of Housing, Heritage and Local Government were published on 9th August 2021 for public consultation until 8th October 2021. The Draft Guidelines include a number of provisions to ensure sufficient provision of housing lands/sites such as Additional Provision. In providing housing sites for development within settlements, it may be necessary to zone more serviced land and sites for residential (or a mixture of residential and other uses), than would equate to meeting precisely the projected housing demand for that settlement. This approach recognizes that a degree of choice in development sites to be provided locally is desirable to avoid restricting the supply of new housing development through inactivity on a particular landholding or site. The extent of any Additional Provision must be comprehensively identified, quantified and explained in the core strategy and shall not exceed 20-25% of the required quantum of zoned land and sites in settlements in any planning authority area as a whole, for any six-year plan period. 2.10.3 The Core Strategy for this plan, after identifying the site/land requirements to meet the housing supply target for that settlement, also identifies additional sites/lands to ensure sufficient choice for development potential is safeguarded. 2.10.4 The Planning Authority take the view that Additional Provision will apply as required to most Main Towns and Key Villages (>1,500 population) as it is critically important that the maximum amount of residentially zoned land is available to ensure an adequate supply of housing given the current severely dysfunctional housing market where supply of new houses is trailing well behind demand and there is significant unmet demand in the market all cross the county which remains to be satisfied. The supply of new houses has been significantly impacted by constraints in water services infrastructure across the county, many of which are due to be addressed under the Irish Water Investment Programme over the lifetime of the next County Development Plan in the period to 2028. Supply has also been disrupted by a range of economic and financial considerations, and most recently by the Covid-19 pandemic. Where a settlement meets the criteria for the allocation of additional provision, then the amount of land and equivalent unit supply is outlined in the overall Core Strategy with further detail in the respective Core Strategy Statement and Volume Three, Four, and Five of this plan. It is intended that these sites are available for residential development throughout the lifetime of this plan, subject to proper planning and sustainable development. GO TO CONTENTS

Source Cork County Council: Cork County Development Plan 2022–2028 – Volume One: Main Policy Material (2022–2028) · 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.