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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- 331 County Development Plan Objective GI 14-9: Landscape a) Protect the visual and scenic amenities of County Cork’s built and natural environment. b) Landscape issues will be an important factor in all land-use proposals, ensuring that a pro-active view of development is undertaken while protecting the environment and heritage generally in line with the principle of sustainability. c) Ensure that new development meets high standards of siting and design. d) Protect skylines and ridgelines from development. e) Discourage proposals necessitating the removal of extensive amounts of trees, hedgerows and historic walls or other distinctive boundary treatments. County Development Plan Objective GI 14-10: Draft Landscape Strategy Ensure that the management of development throughout the County will have regard for the value of the landscape, its character, distinctiveness and sensitivity as recognised in the Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy and its recommendations, in order to minimize the visual and environmental impact of development, particularly in areas designated as High Value Landscapes where higher development standards (layout, design, landscaping, materials used) will be required. County Development Plan Objective GI 14-11: Draft Landscape Strategy, Land Use Plans and Policy Guidance Have regard to the Draft Cork County Landscape Strategy (2007) in the preparation of plans and other policy guidance being prepared during the lifetime of the Plan. Review and update the Draft Cork County Landscape Strategy as soon as is practicable following the publication of a National Landscape Character Assessment as well as taking into account any associated guidelines. Whilst advocating the protection of such scenic resources the Plan also recognises the fact that all landscapes are living and changing, and therefore in principle it is not proposed that this should give rise to the prohibition of development along these routes, but development, where permitted, should not hinder or obstruct these views and prospects and should be designed and located to minimise their impact. This principle will encourage appropriate landscaping and screen planting of developments along scenic routes. 14.9 Landscape Views and Prospects 14.9.1 The County contains many vantage points from which views and prospects of great natural beauty may be obtained over both seascape and rural landscape. This scenery and landscape are of enormous amenity value to residents and tourists and constitutes a valuable economic asset. The protection of this asset is therefore of primary importance in developing the potential of the County. Therefore, the Plan identifies specific Scenic Routes consisting of important and valued views and prospects within the County. 14.9.2 Each of the scenic routes was examined individually and their location related to the landscape character type traversed and some of the features lending themselves to the attractive nature of these particular routes identified. Scenic routes highlight the quality of the overall environment and landscape experienced within Cork County. It is important to protect the character and quality of those particular stretches of scenic routes that have special views and prospects particularly those associated with High Value Landscapes. 14.9.3 All proposals should be assessed on their merits taking into account the overall character of the scenic route including the elements listed in Volume 2 Heritage and Amenity Chapter 5 Scenic Routes of the Plan and the Landscape Character Type through which the route passes. A map showing the location of each scenic route referred to in this Plan is shown on the County Development Plan Map Browser accessible through www.corkcoco.ie GO TO CONTENTS
- 332 County Development Plan Objective GI 14-12: General Views and Prospects Preserve the character of all important views and prospects, particularly sea views, river or lake views, views of unspoilt mountains, upland or coastal landscapes, views of historical or cultural significance (including buildings and townscapes) and views of natural beauty as recognized in the Draft Landscape Strategy. County Development Plan Objective GI 14-13: Scenic Routes Protect the character of those views and prospects obtainable from scenic routes and in particular stretches of scenic routes that have very special views and prospects identified in this Plan. The scenic routes identified in this Plan are shown on the scenic amenity maps in the CDP Map Browser and are listed in Volume 2 Heritage and Amenity Chapter 5 Scenic Routes of this Plan. County Development Plan Objective GI 14-14: Development on Scenic Routes a) Require those seeking to carry out development in the environs of a scenic route and/or an area with important views and prospects, to demonstrate that there will be no adverse obstruction or degradation of the views towards and from vulnerable landscape features. In such areas, the appropriateness of the design, site layout, and landscaping of the proposed development must be demonstrated along with mitigation measures to prevent significant alterations to the appearance or character of the area. b) Encourage appropriate landscaping and screen planting of developments along scenic routes (See Chapter 16 Built and Cultural Heritage). County Development Plan Objective GI 14-15: Development on the Approaches to Towns and Villages Ensure that the approach roads to towns and villages are protected from inappropriate development, which would detract from the setting and historic character of these settlements. 14.10 Prominent and Strategic Metropolitan Cork Greenbelt Areas 14.10.1 Successive County Development Plans have identified the importance of protecting prominent areas of the Metropolitan Cork Greenbelt which are of strategic importance to the purpose and function of the Greenbelt and greenbelt settlements. These areas within the Metropolitan Cork Greenbelt were formerly identified in past County Development Plans as A1 areas. They require the highest degree of protection because they are made up of the prominent open hilltops, valley sides and ridges that give Metropolitan Cork its distinctive character and the strategic, largely undeveloped gaps between the main Greenbelt settlements. This Plan recognises the importance of protecting these areas. 14.10.2 These areas are shown on Figure 14-3 the Prominent and Strategic Metropolitan Greenbelt Map. The detailed maps are available in Volume 6 Maps through the CDP Map Browser which is accessible through www.corkcoco.ie. 14.10.3 The detailed policies and objectives relating to rural housing and the rural housing policy areas, including the Metropolitan Cork Greenbelt are outlined in Chapter 5 Rural. County Development Plan Objective GI 14-16: Prominent and Strategic Metropolitan Greenbelt Map Protect those prominent open hilltops, valley sides and ridges that define the character of the Metropolitan Cork Greenbelt and those areas which form strategic, largely undeveloped gaps between the main Greenbelt settlements. These areas are shown on the Prominent and Strategic Metropolitan Greenbelt(Figure 14-3) and it is an objective to preserve them from development. GO TO CONTENTS
- 333 Figure 14.3 Prominent and Strategic Metropolitan Greenbelt Map GO TO CONTENTS
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- 335 CHAPTER 15 BIODIVERSITY AND ENVIRONMENT Aim of Chapter Ensure that the natural environment, biodiversity and ecosystems are protected, delivering benefits essential for all sectors of society and that Cork County contributes to efforts to reverse the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystems and the environment.
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- 337 CONTENTS Contents 15.1 Introduction 338 15.2 Policy Context 338 15.3 Protecting Sites, Habitats and Species – Legislative Context 339 15.4 Local Authority Plan Making 340 15.5 Managing Local Authority Developments and Projects 340 15.6 Protecting and Enhancing Biodiversity On Local Authority Land 341 15.7 Biodiversity Considerations for New Development or Other Activities 341 15.8 Working with Communities and Other Stakeholders 343 15.9 Soil 343 15.10 Air Quality 345 15.11 Noise and Light Emissions 346 15.12 Waste 346
- 338 15.1 Introduction 15.1.1 The biodiversity of Cork includes our native plant and animal species, and the places (habitats and ecosystems) where they live. Our landscape has been shaped by our geographical position on the southern coast of the country, our geology dominated by sandstone ridges and limestone valley floors, and the influence of the people who have settled here. These elements determine the range of native plants, animals, habitats and ecosystems that make up the unique biodiversity of the county. 15.1.2 The protection of our biodiversity matters for not just ethical reasons. Healthy functioning ecosystems clean our water, purify our air, maintain our soils, provide us with food, medicines and fuel and helps to regulate our climate. The National Biodiversity Action Plan estimates that these Ecosystem Services are worth €1 billion per annum to the Irish economy. A healthy environment provides places for recreational and spiritual enjoyment for the inhabitants of the county, and for those who visit here. It also provides attractive spaces for people to live and to do business. 15.1.3 Biodiversity is threatened globally and locally by the ever increasing demands of people for space, fuel, food and other resources. Loss or damage to sites and places of biodiversity value caused by changes in landuse practices and pressure for development, disturbance of places inhabited by wild plants and animals, pollution of watercourses and the spread of invasive alien species all affect the extent and quality of our natural environment. 15.1.4 The link between biodiversity loss and climate change is becoming better understood. Changing climate increases pressure on habitats and species, while the protection of biodiversity helps to mitigate some of the impacts of climate change. The extent of damage to our biodiversity has been acknowledged by the Dáil, which declared a Climate and Biodiversity Emergency in 2019. 15.1.5 As land use policy makers, development managers, landowners, land managers, developers and through our work with statutory agencies, community groups and other organisations, Cork County Council has an important role to play in ensuring the protection of biodiversity. This chapter sets out Cork County Councils key objectives for protection and enhancement of biodiversity resources in the areas of • policy; • land use planning; • managing local authority developments, projects and other works; • consenting development and other activities; • supporting community led biodiversity initiatives; and • co-operating with other partners and stakeholders working to protect biodiversity. 15.2 Policy Context 15.2.1 Ireland is a signatory to the worldwide Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) since 1992 and the Government is committed through this process to conserve and sustainably use biodiversity. The Convention aims, among other things, to secure a significant reduction in the current rate of loss of biodiversity. All parties to the Convention are required to develop national biodiversity strategies and action plans, and to integrate these into broader national plans. At EU level the most important habitats and species are protected through Natura 2000 which is the network of protected areas established under the Habitats and Birds Directives. In addition, Member States are called on to develop and implement wider countryside measures in their land-use planning and development policies that support the coherence of the Natura 2000 network pursuant to Article 10 of the Habitats Directive and Article 3 of the Birds Directive. 15.2.2 At European level, the 2030 EU Biodiversity Strategy sets out a long term plan to protect nature and reverse the degradation of ecosystems. The strategy includes specific commitments to enlarge existing Natura 2000 areas, with strict protection for areas of very high biodiversity and climate value; to restore degraded ecosystems by 2030 and manage them sustainably, addressing the key drivers of biodiversity loss; strengthening funding and the governance framework; and introducing measures to tackle the global biodiversity challenge. 15.2.3 At national level, biodiversity policy is set out in the National Biodiversity Action Plan 2017-2021 (NBAP) which identifies habitat degradation, climate change and spread of invasive alien species as significant factors negatively impacting on biodiversity in Ireland today. The Cork County Biodiversity Action Plan was adopted in December 2008. This Plan sets out County level policy and action in areas relating to increasing knowledge, raising awareness and protecting biodiversity. The Planning Authority intends to commence the process of reviewing the County Biodiversity Action Plan within 12 months of the adoption of the Plan. 15.2.4 The importance of protecting and sustainably managing our biodiversity and natural environment has become integrated and mainstreamed into National and Regional Planning Policy including the National Development Plan 2018-2027, the National Planning Framework 2040, the National Climate Action Plan and the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Southern Region. GO TO CONTENTS
- 339 County Development Plan Objective BE 15-1: Support and comply with national biodiversity protection policies a) Support and comply with the objectives of the National Biodiversity Plan 2017-2021 (and any future National Biodiversity Plan which may be adopted during the period of this Plan) as appropriate, b) Implement the current County Biodiversity Action Plan and any future updated Plan; c) Support and comply with biodiversity policy set out in other national and regional policy documents as appropriate. 15.3 Protecting Sites, Habitats and Species – Legislative Context 15.3.1 The Habitats Directive provides for the protection of biodiversity across Europe through the designation of Special Areas of Conservation. These sites are proposed or designated for protection because they support habitats and/ or populations of plant and animal species that have been identified to be rare or threatened at a European level. The habitats for which sites can be proposed for designation include coastal habitats such as sand dunes, upland habitats such as blanket bog and heath, freshwater habitats including lakes and rivers, and a number of different woodland types. The species for which such sites are proposed for designation include both plants and animal species e.g. Killarney Fern, Otter, Salmon and Freshwater Crayfish. Sites proposed and designated under the Habitats Directive are known as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). Many sites support more than one protected habitat type and they may also support protected species. These sites are selected because they support the best national examples of important habitats, or they support important populations of protected species. There are 30 SACs located either fully or partially in Co. Cork and they are listed in Volume Two of this Plan. 15.3.2 The Birds Directive provides for the protection of sites used (for breeding or feeding) by species of birds that are rare, or vulnerable or in danger of extinction. It also provides for the protection of areas that are particularly important for migratory birds, where they congregate in significant numbers. Sites designated under the Birds Directive are called Special Protection Areas (SPAs). There are 18 SPAs located either fully or partially in Co. Cork and they are listed in Volume Two of this Plan. 15.3.3 The network of sites designated or proposed for designation across Ireland and Europe under the Habitats and Birds Directives is known as the Natura 2000 Network. This network includes Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs), as well as sites that are proposed for designation as SACs or SPAs. The sites are also known as Natura 2000 sites or European Sites. 15.3.4 The protection of biodiversity is also a significant consideration in other EU Directives including the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, the Water Framework Direct, the Nitrates Directive and the Environmental Liabilities Directive. 15.3.5 Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) and proposed Natural Heritage Areas (pNHAs) are sites that are designated or proposed for designation under the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000. These are sites that are of national importance and they generally support a range of habitats, plant and animal species and, in some cases, geological features. Eight sites have been designated as Natural Heritage Areas and 115 sites are proposed to be designated as Natural Heritage Areas in Co. Cork. These are listed in Volume Two of this Plan. 15.3.6 Marine Protected Areas are marine areas that are managed over the long term, with a primary objective of conserving habitats and or species and associated ecosystem services and cultural values. Ireland has a number of protected areas within the marine environment including Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas, however these sites cover only 2.3% of Irelands total maritime area, which is short of the international targets to which Ireland is committed. A proposed approach for extending the Marine Protected Areas network is currently under consideration by Government, and it is likely that additional areas of the maritime environment will be proposed to be protected in the coming years. 15.3.7 Most native Irish mammals, amphibians and birds, and some native fish and invertebrate species are protected. Of particular relevance are plant species listed under the Flora Protection Order; plant and animal species listed in the Habitats Directive; birds listed in the Birds Directive; and plant and animal species protected under the Wildlife Act. A listing of protected plant and animal species known to occur in Co. Cork is included in Volume Two. 15.3.8 Nature Conservation legislation provides for the protection of sites and species of national and international importance. However, sites and species benefiting from statutory protection do not alone represent the full extent of our natural heritage. In fact, most of our biological diversity occurs in the wider landscapes. Rare and protected sites and species cannot survive independently of their surroundings. Features of our landscape can be of high natural value and often provide the vital links and corridors to allow the movement of plants and animals between protected sites. 15.3.9 These corridors and links are a critical component of a functioning ecological network, and their protection is advocated in Article 10 of the Habitats Directive and Section 10(2) (ca) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. 15.3.10 Wetlands include our watercourses and water bodies as well as other habitats types such as marshes, fens, reed beds, bogs and wet woodlands. These habitats tend to have high biodiversity value, as well as serving other essential services relating to the protection of water quality, flood protection, carbon capture and climate mitigation. While many protected areas include wetlands, most wetland areas occur outside protected sites. Work or development which involves the GO TO CONTENTS
- 340 drainage or reclamation of a wetland requires planning permission where the wetland is greater than 0.1ha and is subject to mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment where the wetland is greater than 2ha. 15.3.11 As part of the Irish Geological Heritage Programme, there is currently a process underway of auditing the Geological Sites of County Cork. In anticipation of the completion of this work in the lifetime of the Plan, the Planning Authority will seek to protect and maintain the conservation value of such sites from inappropriate development. County Development Plan Objective BE 15-2: Protect sites, habitats and species a) Protect all natural heritage sites which are designated or proposed for designation under European legislation, National legislation and International Agreements. Maintain and where possible enhance appropriate ecological linkages between these. This includes Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas, Marine Protected Areas, Natural Heritage Areas, proposed Natural Heritage Areas, Statutory Nature Reserves, Refuges for Fauna and Ramsar Sites. These sites are listed in Volume 2 of the Plan. b) Provide protection to species listed in the Flora Protection Order 2015, to Annexes of the Habitats and Birds Directives, and to animal species protected under the Wildlife Acts in accordance with relevant legal requirements. These species are listed in Volume 2 of the Plan. c) Protect and where possible enhance areas of local biodiversity value, ecological corridors and habitats that are features of the County’s ecological network. This includes rivers, lakes, streams and ponds, peatland and other wetland habitats, woodlands, hedgerows, tree lines, veteran trees, natural and semi-natural grasslands as well as coastal and marine habitats. It particularly includes habitats of special conservation significance in Cork as listed in Volume 2 of the Plan. d) Recognise the value of protecting geological heritage sites of local and national interest, as they become notified to the local authority, and protect them from inappropriate development e) Encourage, pursuant to Article 10 of the Habitats Directive, the protection and enhancement of features of the landscape, such as traditional field boundaries, important for the ecological coherence of the Natura 2000 network and essential for the migration, dispersal and genetic exchange of wild species. 15.4 Local Authority Plan Making 15.4.1 Cork County Council prepares land-use plans, local economic and development plans and many other plans and strategies to lead and support the development and improvement of places, transport links, infrastructure, business and industry at county and local level. The implementation of these plans and strategies has the potential to impact positively or negatively on the protection of our natural resources. Cork County Council will endeavour to ensure that consideration of biodiversity issues is integrated into the development of new land use plans as well as other plans and strategies it is responsible for making. County Development Plan Objective BE 15-3: Local Authority plan making a) Ensure that biodiversity issues are considered at the earliest possible stages of plan making; b) Ensure that plans and strategies comply with nature conservation legislation and policy as required (fulfil Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment requirements); and c) Carry out ecological impact assessment of plans and strategies as appropriate. 15.5 Managing Local Authority Developments and Projects 15.5.1 Cork County Council is a significant developer within the county and is responsible for delivering new housing and infrastructure projects, sustainable transport networks and projects to improve the public realm of towns and villages. The Council also supports tourism, recreational and amenity projects including the development of new greenways and blueways, many of which are located within areas of high biodiversity value. As a developer, Cork County Council has a responsibility to ensure that new development it progresses is carried out in a manner which is sustainable and does not harm our natural resources. 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.