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

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   321 Table 14.2: Green and Blue Infrastructure Themes for Cork County Theme 1 - Accessibility, Recreation, Health and Wellbeing Theme 2 - Natural and Cultural Heritage Theme 3 - Water Management Theme 4 – Climate Resiliency Accessibility, recreation and health and wellbeing, is concerned with the nature, quantity, quality and continuity of connections of green and blue infrastructure and the ease of access to open spaces, greenways and other recreational assets. Natural and cultural heritage is concerned with the range of natural and man-made assets of heritage value in the County. These include areas of importance for biodiversity, such as watercourses, woodlands, and coastline, and cultural assets such as important monuments, buildings and landscapes. Water Management is based on the role and potential of the green and blue infrastructure to better manage surface and flood water and to contribute to maintaining and improving the quality of water in the County. Climate Resiliency is based on the role and potential of green and blue infrastructure, particularly through the ecosystem services that they provide, to contribute to climate mitigation and climate adaptation. 14.2.4 Although these themes are focused on Green Infrastructure they are not necessarily considered in detail in this chapter and many of the key policy and objectives regarding these lie in other chapters of the Plan. For example, Natural Heritage is a core component of County Cork’s green and blue infrastructure and this is addressed in Chapter 11 Water Management and Chapter 15 Biodiversity and Environment, while is also addressed in its own chapter. 14.2.5 On a county wide level, the approach to green and blue infrastructure must be strategic or ‘big picture’. There exists considerable natural capital in County Cork and this plan promotes the strengthening and enhancement of the green infrastructure network focusing in particular on enhancing connections and removing barriers between urban areas and their surrounding rural hinterlands. Given the Plan remit as a land use framework its role has limitations, with the focus on providing objectives that facilitate the identification, and encourage the enhancement of, green and blue infrastructure through measures such as the incorporation of green and blue infrastructure into proposed schemes. 14.2.6 Natura 2000 sites provide a strategic focus for improving our natural environment and enhancing the quality of our lives. At the same time, implementing a Green Infrastructure approach beyond protected areas can help to strengthen the coherence of the Natura 2000 network by making the core areas more resilient, providing buffers against impacts on the sites, and offering practical real-life examples of how healthy protected ecosystems can be used in a way that provides multiple socio-economic benefits to people as well as to nature. Watercourses (rivers, streams, etc) and their wider riparian corridors are one of the natural foundations for multi-functional green and blue infrastructure corridors. In particular, this plan supports the strengthening of ecological linkages which watercourses have with other water dependent habitats as well as with hedges/treelines, woodland and scrub in the wider landscape. 14.2.7 Strengthening and enhancement of biodiversity and ecosystems is a fundamental of green infrastructure and is particularly relevant to the wider countryside/rural areas where it can have substantial impacts. As part of the European Green Deal to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050 the 2030 EU Biodiversity Strategy sets out a long term plan to protect nature and reverse degradation of ecosystems. It includes specific commitments to enlarge existing protected areas promoting the development of a truly coherent and resilient Trans European Nature Network to include ecological corridors to prevent genetic isolation, allow for species migration, and maintain and enhance healthy ecosystems. To support the long-term sustainability of both nature and farming, the strategy aims to work in tandem with the new Farm to Fork Strategy and the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), including by promoting ecoschemes and result-based payment schemes. If successful the different interventions arising from the delivery of this 2030 strategy at national/local level (County Biodiversity Plan) are likely to see a significant strengthening of the green infrastructure resource within the county (particularly in rural areas) with real potential to create a strong, coherent and well connected countywide network. See also Chapter 15 Biodiversity and Environment. 14.2.8 For green and blue infrastructure policy and strategies to be successfully implemented it is necessary to have the mutual support and cooperation of many diverse and separate agencies and individuals working closely together in an open and positive manner. The Council will support such engagement where possible and appropriate. 14.2.9 This Plan progresses the concept of green and blue infrastructure as integral to the planning process as follows: 1) Progression and mainstreaming of the green and blue infrastructure concept at the Countywide level taking into account the principles, themes and objectives set out in this chapter. 2) Identifying and highlighting green and blue infrastructure assets at settlement level and setting out appropriate objectives to further strengthen the resource. GO TO CONTENTS

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   322 14.2.10 The purpose of this is to highlight the importance of the identification, protection, sustainable management, and development of these environmental/recreational assets. A key element in this overall approach is to facilitate the development of linkages or green corridors between assets so that the value can be enhanced, and the network strengthened. These linkages could be a variety of sizes and scales and can be primarily ecological or can have a physical/ recreational connection such as a cycling or walking route. Countywide Objectives 14.2.11 Taking into account the principles and themes set out above key objectives have been set out for the Plan in relation to Green and Blue Infrastructure. County Development Plan Objective GI 14-1: Countywide Green and Blue Infrastructure Objectives a) Create an integrated and coherent green infrastructure for the County by encouraging the retention and strengthening of substantial networks of green space in urban, urban fringe and the wider countryside to serve the needs of communities now and in the future and as a key contributor to climate mitigation and climate adaptation. b) Develop the green infrastructure network (including green corridors) to ensure the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity, including the protection of Natura 2000 European Sites, the provision of accessible parks, open spaces and recreational facilities (particularly within settlements), the sustainable management of water, the maintenance of landscape character and the protection and enhancement of architectural and archaeological heritage. c) Capitalise on and highlight the multifunctional benefits/opportunities (ecosystem services) that green and blue infrastructure can present. Seek to advance the use of nature based solutions as an alternative to traditional infrastructure. Seek to advance an ecosystem services approach and ecosystem services valuation as a decision-making tool in plans and projects. d) Recognise rivers and streams (and their wider riparian corridors) as one of the natural foundations for multi-functional green and blue infrastructure corridors. Seek to strengthen ecological linkages which watercourses have with other water dependent habitats as well as with hedges/treelines, woodland and scrub in the wider landscape. e) Ensure that all settlements have an adequate level of quality green and recreational infrastructure (active and passive) taking into account existing deficits, planned population growth as well as the need to serve their surrounding hinterlands. f) Achieve a net gain in green infrastructure through the protection and enhancement of existing assets and through the provision of new green infrastructure as an integral part of the planning process. Encourage the provision of different green infrastructure elements, such as trees in urban areas and green roofs in town centres, so that a net gain in green infrastructure is achieved over the lifetime of this Development Plan. g) Seek to increase investment in green infrastructure provision and maintenance by accessing relevant EU funding mechanisms and national funding opportunities including tourism related funding. h) Integrate the provision of green infrastructure with infrastructure provision and replacement, including walking and cycling routes, as appropriate, while protecting biodiversity and other landscape resources. i) Support initiatives and programmes which seek to strengthen the green and blue infrastructure and work with communities and other stakeholders in furthering the green and blue infrastructure concept. 14.3 Green Infrastructure Approach at Settlement Level 14.3.1 Both the National Planning Framework and the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy require that Green Infrastructure is integrated into land use planning. It is at settlement level (main towns) where much of our future population growth is planned and where we have the greatest level of information on our green infrastructure assets. As urban life continues to attract people with legitimate expectations for a high quality of life, urban areas will face increasing pressure to provide access to well-designed open space and other amenities. The preparation of a new Recreation and Amenity Policy during the lifetime of the plan can also consider such matters. 14.3.2 The objective of the approach at settlement level in this Plan is to: • Highlight the principal areas of green and blue infrastructure within main towns on a green and blue network diagram (see note following). This diagrammatic map can be found for each main town as part of the settlement material in Volumes Three, Four and Five of the Plan. GO TO CONTENTS

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   323 • Promote rivers and streams (and their wider riparian corridors) as one of the natural foundations for multi-functional green and blue infrastructure corridors recognising these as the primary green and blue zones within settlements. • Identify opportunities through zoning/specific objectives at settlement level to strengthen the overall green and blue infrastructure network with a particular focus on the creation of connected physical and ecological green routes/ corridors. • Identify where possible deficits/issues arise or where further study/actions may be required to provide a particular green and blue infrastructure solution/recreational need. 14.3.3 Each Main Town in this plan includes a green and blue infrastructure network diagram which highlights the principle green and blue infrastructure resources in the town. Principally this identifies: • Primary green and blue infrastructure zones (generally river/riparian corridors, flood risk areas and other important areas of local biodiversity) • Parks/larger open spaces, outdoor recreational facilities/sports grounds, cemeteries, etc. • Areas reserved for future green infrastructure/conservation through zoning. 14.3.4 The purpose of these green and blue infrastructure network maps (which are diagrammatic in nature) is to highlight the existing and emerging network within main towns, to inform the zoning approach and drafting of specific objectives and to set out the green and blue infrastructure context in which future proposals within our towns should be considered. The diagrams are for spatial illustration purposes only and may not show every asset (particularly those at a smaller scale). They represent an important step in attempting to address green and blue infrastructure in a more holistic way at settlement level. 14.3.5 On our zoning maps the former open space zoning category has now been replaced by a new Green Infrastructure zoning (GI) based on the approach outlined. This new zoning seeks to capture and recognise the more multifunctional nature/ potential of many of the green and contiguous blue spaces present within our settlements. Further details in relation to this new category of zoning can be found in Chapter 18 - Zoning and Land Use. 14.3.6 The green and blue infrastructure network diagrams demonstrate that although our green and blue infrastructure is often fragmented that in many towns there exists opportunities to enhance connectivity and multifunctional capacity of existing spaces. Strengthening such connections whether physical/ecological or both is an important part of the green and blue infrastructure strategy at settlement level. The preparation of Pollinator Plans and/or Biodiversity Action Plans can be a useful means to assist in strengthening biodiversity/ecological connections in an area (see also Chapter 15 Biodiversity and Environment) County Development Plan Objective GI 14-2: Green Infrastructure Objectives for Main Towns and Settlements a) Ensure that all main towns have an adequate level of quality green and recreational infrastructure (active and passive) taking account of existing deficits, planned population growth as well as the need to serve their surrounding hinterlands. To ensure where possible that this green and blue infrastructure maximises its multifunctional capacity (ecosystem services). b) Promote the corridor concept, in particular using rivers and streams as one of the natural foundations for multi-functional green and blue infrastructure corridors. c) Seek to create new and improved connections (physical/ecological corridors) between open spaces/ green infrastructure and other important destinations as part of the enhancement of the overall network. d) Where other statutory plans/masterplans are being prepared it will be a requirement that they include detailed and integrated green and blue infrastructure proposals with a particular focus on nature based solutions to significant infrastructure and climate change challenges 14.4 Green Infrastructure and Development 14.4.1 Successful developments (particularly larger ones) should include a number of different green and blue infrastructure (GBI) components in order to contribute to the creation of attractive neighbourhoods and placemaking. Developers should consider how green/open spaces can work best to achieve this and form an integrated part of the overall scheme. 14.4.2 Any development should at a minimum seek to enhance the overall ecological value of the site. This should be informed by the best available ecological information and addressed from the start of the development process. There should be a net gain in green infrastructure. Where infrastructure is proposed proposals should demonstrate that due consideration has been given to nature-based solutions in the first instance. Where feasible this should be achieved through the protection and enhancement of existing assets/biodiversity and through the provision of new green infrastructure. GO TO CONTENTS

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   324 Initially the principal consideration should be to assess the potential impact of the proposed development on the existing biodiversity of the site and its surrounding context. In this regard, the Council has produced a useful guidance document ‘Biodiversity and the Planning Process – guidance for developments on the management of biodiversity issues during the planning process’. biodiversity and planning process.pdf (corkcoco.ie) 14.4.3 Proposals should seek to assess and integrate existing GBI by retaining and/or strengthening existing features particularly where these have the potential to function as connecting corridors or stepping stones to larger habitats/ core areas. Where this is not feasible mitigation may be considered where this can be justified. 14.4.4 The development should set out how it proposes to connect/link to other green and blue infrastructure and nearby developments (in both physical and ecological terms) to support residents, workers and visitors in accessing green and open spaces across towns and areas outside it (the wider green and blue infrastructure network). Linkages will help add to the new spaces within the development and help encourage travel by sustainable modes of transport. 14.4.5 Developments should seek to demonstrate how the use of green and blue infrastructure as a multifunctional tool is providing benefits/contributing to the design solutions on-site for example through the use of SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) (See Chapter 11 Water Management). Some elements of green and blue infrastructure can be introduced on any site, even if it’s a small rain garden or a green roof on an outbuilding whereas large infrastructure projects can bring opportunities for large-scale regeneration of urban ecosystems. 14.4.6 In residential/mixed use developments gardens and balconies can provide private areas for residents, new pocket parks and public open space can provide spaces at the heart of the community for shared enjoyment, and areas designed for nature can help ensure that people and wildlife both have space within an urban setting, provided long term maintenance arrangements are in place. 14.4.7 In employment locations, by creating and maintaining attractive green environments developers and employers will be helping to ensure that they have a motivated workforce with lower levels of sickness and improved health. Where sites are located next to or near to existing areas of greenspace new employment developments should look to link to and encourage access to these areas. In doing so staff can be encouraged to walk and cycle to work, take time to relax and de-stress during the working day, and use greenspaces for leisure, sport and recreation purposes. Developers should also consider opportunities for enhancing existing areas of green and blue infrastructure that staff will be able to enjoy, both in terms of investment as part of the development and in terms of its ongoing management and maintenance. 14.4.8 Schools/other community infrastructure, new builds or major refurbishments, provide the opportunity to enhance existing green and blue infrastructure on-site, improve access to nearby greenspaces, and incorporate new green and blue infrastructure as part of the building itself. Schools can offer a significant green and blue infrastructure resource within an urban area, including playing fields, nature conservation areas, and green linkages to the wider community. 14.4.9 All new developments will be expected to provide a green infrastructure statement outlining how the proposal enhances and contributes to green and blue infrastructure both within its environs as well as within the wider settlement/rural area. This may be part of the typical Design Statement submitted as part of planning applications. Larger developments (in excess of 30 units/medium/large non-residential type proposals) will be expected to prepare a Landscape/Green and Blue Infrastructure Plan including a Landscape Design Rationale (LDR). Such requirements should in general be determined at pre-planning stage. An LDR is an explanation of the thought process from which the design concept is derived. This should take into account: • a study of the natural ecosystems of the site • the recreational needs of the proposed and adjoining communities (see also Recreation and Amenity Policy) • the opportunities to create ‘a sense of place’ County Development Plan Objective GI 14-3: Green Infrastructure and Development a) Require new development and redevelopment proposals, to contribute to the protection, management and enhancement of the existing green and blue infrastructure of the local area in terms of the design, layout and landscaping of development proposals. b) Require all development to submit a green infrastructure statement outlining how the proposal contributes to green and blue infrastructure both within its environs as well as within the wider settlement or rural area. Larger developments (multiple residential developments including Part 8 applications, retail, industrial, mineral extraction, etc) will be expected to prepare a Landscape/ Green (and Blue) Infrastructure Plan including a Landscape Design Rationale. This Plan should identify environmental assets and include proposals which protect, manage and develop green infrastructure resources in a sustainable manner. c) Over the lifetime of the Plan the Council will prepare a guidance note/update on best practice in integrating green and blue infrastructure/biodiversity within development proposals. GO TO CONTENTS

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   325 14.4.10 As with all types of infrastructure, long-term management and maintenance is essential to ensure that it can contribute towards the creation of successful neighbourhoods. Developers will need to consider the arrangements that will work best for their scheme, including opportunities to work with local partners and communities to design sustainable solutions for the long-term. 14.5 Recreation and Amenity 14.5.1 Recreation and amenity facilities make a very important contribution to the quality of life of the communities they serve. The provision of facilities that cater for the demands of an increasing population and which are accessible to all sectors and age groups is a key component in the creation of successful sustainable communities. The Guidelines on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas recommend a strategic approach to open space provision, guided by “strategic city or county-wide policies for open space and recreational facilities (both indoor and outdoor), which are based on an assessment of existing resources and user needs, including local play policies for children”. 14.5.2 It is noted that the RSES includes a commitment to prepare a Metropolitan Cork Open Space, Recreation and Greenbelt Strategy involving the various relevant stakeholders which may include: • An enhanced network of regional scaled parks in Metropolitan Cork including neighbourhood and public parks in Metropolitan Towns; • Sustainable development of an interconnected network of green spaces; • Implementation of greenway initiatives; • Protect and proactively manage and integrate natural spaces; • Sustainable development of recreation and community facilities; • Development of a Metropolitan Greenbelt strategy. Recreation and Amenity Policy Approach 14.5.3 In 2006 Cork County Council prepared and adopted a Recreation and Amenity Policy. It is recognised that this policy needs to be reviewed. Pending a full review of the Recreation and Amenity Policy, a revised interim approach is currently in place. This interim approach however applies only to provisions of the policy as it relates to the provision of recreational infrastructure within new housing development - Policy Objective 7 and associated Appendix A of the policy. 14.5.4 Amongst the provisions included in the original policy were: • A commitment to the provision of recreational and amenity facilities, including sports and arts/culture, to serve, so far as it is possible, the recreational needs of the population the Council serves. • Ensure that all new developments make adequate provision for the full range of recreational and amenity activities sufficient to meet the needs of the development. • Endeavour to support the provision of recreational facilities which serve the needs of the entire community. • Promote the involvement of local communities in the provision of recreational and amenity facilities through community liaison and community partnership. 14.5.5 Despite the 2006 policy needing updating many of these provisions are still relevant and have been retained as objectives until such time as a revised policy approach is in place. It is the intention of the Council to prepare a new Recreation and Amenity Policy to replace the current Interim Policy within two years of the plan being adopted. Amongst other considerations it is expected that this will take into account the recreational and amenity needs of diverse communities across the County and examine appropriate mechanisms through which amenities can be most effectively provided. Replacement/Redevelopment of Leisure and Recreational Facilities 14.5.6 From time to time some recreational / sports club facilities can become either unsuitable in terms of size to cater for a growing membership or the premises may just become inadequate for modern needs. However, care must be taken in planning for new or replacement facilities to ensure that existing communities are not disadvantaged by the relocation of clubs and facilities. 14.5.7 In certain circumstances the long-term retention and viability of a facility may be best secured by a redevelopment of a portion of the site that will not affect its sporting, recreational or amenity value to the community whilst allowing the sports clubs to raise essential capital for improvement works. GO TO CONTENTS

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   326 County Development Plan Objective GI 14-4: Recreation and Amenity a) Support the provision of recreation and amenity facilities in new developments and ensure that the widest range of facilities is provided at locations which can serve the wider community and intergenerational activities, which are accessible to members of the community of all ages and abilities, through initiatives in partnership with community groups and sporting organisations. b) Seek opportunities to improve the quality and capacity of existing recreation and amenity facilities, through initiatives with both public and private sector (sports governing bodies, local community partnerships and private development proposals) and where appropriate the Council will use its powers under Section 48 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 to require development levies to achieve the enhancement of these facilities. c) Ensure the protection, and seek the enhancement and wise management of existing recreational facilities and public open space, and ensure that all new developments make adequate provision for recreational and amenity facilities in accordance with the requirements of the Council’s Recreation and Amenity Policy (Interim) and any successor policy and having regard to the Council’s policy regarding the management of Green Infrastructure assets. d) To work with the various relevant stakeholders in the preparation of a Metropolitan Cork Open Space, Recreation and Greenbelt Strategy. County Development Plan Objective GI 14-5: Replacement/Redevelopment of Leisure and Recreational Facilities Protect and improve existing areas of public and private open space, including sports grounds, or other recreational facilities in accordance with the Council’s Recreation and Amenity Policy and any successor policy and protect such areas from development or change of use. Where changes of use or redevelopment of existing leisure or recreational facilities are proposed, the following requirements must be clearly demonstrated: (i) That the existing facility is seriously inadequate and capacity constrained, and (ii) Suitable replacement facilities of a higher quality than the existing facility are identified that are both accessible and benefit the community served by the facility being replaced, and (iii) That the proposed alternative use(s) for the lands occupied by the existing facilities adequately address the loss of amenity to the area served by the existing facility and complies with the objectives of the County Development Plan. Partial Redevelopment of Leisure and Recreational Facilities: Afford protection to leisure and recreational facilities from changes of uses or redevelopment which may result in the loss of an amenity. In circumstances where retention or enhancement of a facility can only be achieved by the redevelopment of a small portion of the site, such developments will only be considered where the location is appropriate to the development proposed and where no adverse affects on the sites community and environmental amenity value occurs. Proposals will also be subject to normal planning and development considerations. Public Open Space 14.5.8 Public Open Space is a key element in defining the overall quality of the residential environment. As well as providing passive and active recreational benefits for residents, open space enhances the aesthetic and environmental quality of a neighbourhood or settlement and promotes social interaction. 14.5.9 The Guidelines on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas acknowledge use of the 2-2.5ha per 1,000 population standard but recognise that it is difficult to assess open space requirements purely on a population basis due to the unpredictability of occupancy rates. Additionally, where existing recreational facilities are available close to town centres, public open space requirements based purely on population is not appropriate as it is difficult to achieve the same level of provision as suburban or more rural locations. These factors will be taken into account when planning for public open space provision. 14.5.10 Open Space provision cannot be judged solely by reference to the amount of space provided, the quality of the space and range of uses it can accommodate are also critically important. At a settlement level this Plan has sought to be proactive in identifying key existing and future public open space/green infrastructure at settlement level and zoned accordingly. It supports the multifunctional usage of such infrastructure both now and into the future. It has sought to identify opportunities to connect existing and future assets via corridors, identify particular deficits and setting out a more strategic approach than heretofore to the provision of green infrastructure/open space at the settlement level. This approach can in time be further informed by any updated countywide recreation and amenity policy or other area focused green infrastructure/recreational strategies identifying the provision for future needs. GO TO CONTENTS

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   327 Public Open Space Provision – Quantitative/Qualitative Standards 14.5.11 The Guidelines emphasise qualitative standards to be considered in assessing the quality of provision (design, accessibility, variety, shared use, biodiversity, SUDs, allotments, etc). Normally all new housing developments need to provide some public open space. Generally, at least 12% to 18% of a site for development excluding areas unsuitable for house construction should be allocated to the provision of public open space. However, the need to achieve higher qualitative standards in terms of design and layout is particularly important as it is this which helps to achieve a highquality residential environment which fulfils the expectations of the users. In exceptional circumstances where there is a high standard of private open space and where public open space is designed to a very high-quality standard a reduced minimum value of 10% may be applied. 14.5.12 The requirements for individual developments will be assessed at planning application stage. Where residential developments are close to the facilities of town centres or in proximity to public parks or coastal and other natural amenities, a relaxation of standards may be considered. In small scale low density developments or in developments where providing such an amount is not possible such as infill developments, public open space may not be required to be provided on-site. 14.5.13 However, in such cases the Council may require a special development contribution to provide facilities in close proximity to development in lieu of on-site open space provision e.g. where it is considered prudent for architectural or normal planning considerations not to provide it on-site for example a streetscape infill development. 14.5.14 The minimum standards for the provision of recreational and amenity facilities are contained in the Council’s Interim Recreation and Amenity Policy which applies to Policy Objective 7 and associated Appendix A of the original 2006 policy. Private Open Space 14.5.15 In accordance with the Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas Guidelines 2009 all houses (terraced, semi-detached and detached) should have an area of private open space. However, this may not be practical in all developments for example apartment complexes and duplex style apartments. In those cases in particular, a high standard of public open space must be provided. 14.5.16 Alternatively, in developments where significant private open space is provided, the quantity and quality of same will be a consideration in determining the amount of public open space to be provided. County Development Plan Objective GI 14-6: Public/Private Open Space Provision a) Public Open Space within Residential Development shall be provided in accordance with the standards contained in Cork County Council’s Interim Recreation & Amenity Policy (2019) and any successor policy , the “Guidelines on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas” and “Making Places : a design guide for residential estate development. Cork County Council Planning Guidance and Standards Series Number 2”. b) Promote the provision of high quality, accessible and suitably proportioned areas of public open space and promote linking of new open spaces with existing spaces to form a green infrastructure network. c) Apply the standards for private open space provision contained in the Guidelines on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas and the Urban Design Manual (DoEHLG 2009) and Cork County Council’s Design Guidelines for Residential Estate Development. With regard to apartment developments, the guidelines on Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments will apply. 14.6 Countryside Recreation 14.6.1 The countryside of County Cork is a key natural asset and countryside recreation is an important component of modern living and has a valuable social, economic, health and educational role to play in modern society. Cork County Council recognises the considerable recreational potential which is available in the rural environment of County Cork and the potential role of this sector in terms of rural diversification and supporting the rural economy. The National Countryside Recreation Strategy was developed by Comhairle na Tuaithe (The Countryside Council) on behalf of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in 2018. The Strategic Objectives set out in the Strategy are: • To achieve sustainable and responsible recreation in the countryside. • To promote caring recreational use of the countryside. • To develop a national framework that promotes the rights and responsibilities of both owners and users. • To develop a suitable structure to deliver a national countryside recreation service in a strategic and co-ordinated way. • To secure a package of funding mechanisms to deliver on the objectives of the strategy. GO TO CONTENTS

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   328 14.6.2 The purpose of the strategy is to define the scope, vision and a suggested framework for implementation for Countryside Recreation. It sets out the broad principles under which sustainable countryside recreation should be managed over the coming five years. 14.6.3 The Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy 2040 outlines a Cycle Network Plan for the Metropolitan Area that is based on the Metropolitan Cycle Network Plan (2017). The towns of Youghal, Bandon, Kinsale and Fermoy are designated as ‘Active Travel Towns’ in County Cork, with the principal objective to achieve a significant change in travel behaviour from the current over dependency on car travel to walking or cycling. See also Chapter 12 Transport and Mobility. 14.6.4 Cork County Council has undertaken several feasibility studies on the potential to develop greenways along some of the abandoned rail networks in the south and west of the county. The Council are actively engaged in the development of these greenway routes, while also considering the potential for further routes in the county. 14.6.5 These issues are addressed further in Chapter 10 Tourism of this Plan, which includes detailed policies and objectives relating to sustainable tourism development. County Development Plan Objective GI 14-7: Countryside Recreation Support the diversification of the rural economy through the development of the recreational potential of the countryside in accordance with the National Countryside Recreation Strategy. Rights of Way 14.6.6 Public rights of way are an important amenity, economic and tourism asset to the County. The Council recognises the importance of maintaining established rights of way and supporting initiatives for establishing walking routes and general accessibility. It is also noted that routes such as pilgrim routes or mass paths can have a unique and local cultural heritage value. 14.6.7 Section 10(2)(o) of the Planning and Development Acts 2000 as amended states that a Development Plan shall include an objective for ‘the preservation of public rights of way which give access to seashore, mountain, lakeshore, riverbank or other place of natural beauty or recreational utility, which public rights of way shall be identified both by marking them on at least one of the maps forming part of the development plan and by indicating their location on a list appended to the development plan’. This is, by its nature, a lengthy process which will be considered through the lifetime of this Development Plan. 14.6.8 It is important to note that the existence or validity of any public right of way is not affected by its exclusion from the Plan and that the retention of existing public rights of way is a material planning consideration in assessing any proposals for development. County Development Plan Objective GI 14-8: Rights of Way To examine the feasibility of identifying and mapping Public Rights of Way across the county in the context of emerging national guidance over the lifetime of the plan. 14.7 Landscape Background 14.7.1 The coastal and countryside landscapes of County Cork are a key green infrastructure asset not only for their intrinsic value as places of natural beauty but also because of their importance in terms of recreation, tourism and other uses. They are also a source of pride and inspiration for many residents and visitors alike. All aspects of our natural, built and cultural heritage come together in the landscapes we experience every day. Landscapes are an important part of people’s lives, giving individuals a sense of identity and belonging, contributing to our wellbeing. 14.7.2 Landscape is the context in which all changes take place. Change can be driven by natural forces (e.g. climate) but is largely the result of the actions of many different people and agencies, which are often not co-ordinated. The challenge we face is to manage our landscapes so that change is positive in its effects, so that the landscapes which we value are protected and those which have been degraded are enhanced. Meeting this challenge is a key element in achieving sustainable development. Landscape Character Assessment is designed to assist in achieving this goal. 14.7.3 Ireland ratified the European Landscape Convention in 2002 and must adopt national measures to promote landscape planning, protection and management. The European Landscape Convention defines landscape as ‘an area, as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action and interaction of natural and/or human factors’. The Convention, in addition to the obvious environmental benefits from properly protecting, managing and planning landscape, highlights the economic and social benefits that accrue such as tourism potential, economic growth, employment and quality of GO TO CONTENTS

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   329 life enhancement. 14.7.4 A National Landscape Strategy for Ireland 2015-2025 has now been prepared. It is a high-level policy framework the purpose of which is to ensure compliance with the European Landscape Convention and to establish principles for protecting and enhancing the landscape while positively managing its change. One of the main actions of this is the commitment to develop a National Landscape Character Assessment following on from which it is the intention to prepare statutory guidelines on local Landscape Character Assessment and other appropriate assessment methodologies for Planning Authorities. The National Landscape Character Assessment and any associated guidelines have not yet been published. As such the Council considers that it would be prudent to await the completion of a National Character Assessment before embarking on a comprehensive review of the current Draft Cork County Landscape Strategy. 14.7.5 In the interim, the Council consider it appropriate to use the current Draft Strategy as a supporting background document to inform this Plan and to use its practical application in managing change in the County’s landscapes. 14.7.6 The importance of landscape and visual amenity and the role of planning in its protection is recognised in the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), which requires that Development Plans include objectives for the preservation of the landscape, views and prospects and the amenities of places and features of natural beauty. It also provides for Landscape Conservation Areas (LCAs), and Areas of Special Amenity (ASAs) and the assessment of landscape character. 14.8 Landscape Character Assessment of County Cork 14.8.1 The Government’s Draft Guidelines for Landscape and Landscape Assessment (2000) recommended a particular approach to ensuring the preservation of the character of Cork’s landscapes, which is ‘Landscape Character Assessment’. 14.8.2 Based on the Guidelines, Cork County Council prepared a Draft Landscape Strategy in 2007. The Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) of County Cork established a set of 76 landscape character areas reflecting the complexity and diversity of the entire County. Due to the expanse and variety of Cork County’s landscape the character areas have been amalgamated into a set of 16 landscape character types based on similarities evident within the various areas. These landscape character types provide a more general categorization of the County’s landscape. 14.8.3 The LCA methodology involved an evaluation of each landscape character type in terms of its Landscape Value, Sensitivity and Importance. The Value of each landscape character type is defined as the environmental or cultural benefits, including services and functions, which are derived from various landscape attributes. Value is evaluated using criteria ranging from Very High to Low. The assignment of values in the Draft LCA predated the designation of a number of nature conservation-sites in the County including the Hen Harrier SPAs and the Chough SPAs, therefore, the values as assigned have not taken account of these designations. 14.8.4 The Sensitivity of each character type is defined as the ability to accommodate change or intervention without suffering unacceptable effects to its character and values. Sensitivity is evaluated using criteria ranging from Very High to Low. A highly sensitive landscape is likely to be vulnerable to change whereas a landscape with a low sensitivity is likely to be less at risk to change. 14.8.5 In order to indicate the correlation between the sensitivity of a landscape and the degree to which it can be changed by development the Draft Landscape Strategy has categorised sensitivity as follows; • Low sensitivity landscapes are robust landscapes, which are tolerant to change, and which have the ability to accommodate development pressure. • Medium sensitivity landscapes can accommodate development pressure but with limitations in the scale and magnitude. In this rank of sensitivity, landscape elements can accept some changes while others are more vulnerable to change. • High sensitivity landscapes are vulnerable landscapes with the ability to accommodate limited development pressure. In this rank landscape quality is at a high level, landscape elements are highly sensitive to certain types of change. If pressure for development exceeds the landscape’s limitations the character of the landscape may change. • Very high sensitivity landscapes are extra vulnerable landscapes (e.g. seascape area with national importance) which are likely to be fragile and susceptible to change. 14.8.6 The Importance of a landscape character type is rated as Local, County, or National. The LCA will inform decision making in relation to the protection of the environment, natural resources and heritage and will be used to guide development. 14.8.7 The Table and Map in Appendix F Landscape Character Assessment attached, lists and shows the 16 Landscape Character Types and indicates their Landscape Value, Sensitivity and Importance. 14.8.8 Landscape Character Types which have a very high or high landscape value and high or very high landscape sensitivity and are of county or national importance are considered to be our most valuable landscapes and therefore are designated as High Value Landscapes (HVL), highlighted in green in the Table in Appendix F Landscape Character Assessment attached and shown in Figure 14.2. GO TO CONTENTS

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    330 Figure 14-2 – High Value Landscapes 14.8.9 Within these High Value Landscapes considerable care will be needed to successfully locate large scale developments without them becoming unduly obtrusive. Therefore, the location, siting and design of large-scale developments within these areas will need careful consideration and any such developments should generally be supported by an assessment including a visual impact assessment which would involve an evaluation of visibility and prominence of the proposed development in its immediate environs and in the wider landscape. 14.8.10 The key role of the Draft Landscape Strategy of Cork County is to assist in the achievement of sustainable development, by promoting an approach to landscape planning and management, which links objectives and recommendations for landscape character to existing planning policies. To recognise that the landscapes are dynamic and continuously evolving, the objectives do not attempt to prevent new uses or changes but to manage the change ensuring that the past remains visible for future generations. 14.8.11 The capacity of each landscape character type to absorb new development will largely depend on the sensitivity of the landscape type. Developments which are likely to create a significant environmental and particularly visual impact will best be absorbed in areas where the landscape is robust, i.e. has the capacity to absorb development without significantly changing its character. All developments should be assessed on a site-by-site basis to avoid, minimise or mitigate any potential environmental or visual impact. 14.8.12 Seascape Assessment is an extension of landscape character assessment and with 1,100km of coastline; seascape is a crucial element of the County’s history, identity and culture. A number of changes have been occurring along coastlines including the need for coastal protection works, upgrading and proposals for new ports, marinas, proposals for aquaculture schemes and investigation of wind energy and other renewable energy projects offshore. It would be premature to consider the feasibility of carrying out a seascape assessment for County Cork until the preparation of a National Landscape Characterisation has been completed and legislation on the future management of foreshore development has been enacted. 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.