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

1. Page 341

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   341 County Development Plan Objective BE 15-4: Local Authority development and projects a) Ensure that biodiversity protection is considered at design stage for works and development planned and progressed by Cork County Council and that all such projects comply with nature conservation legislation and policy as required; b) Fulfil Appropriate Assessment and Environmental Impact Assessment requirements and carry out Ecological Impact Assessment in relation to Local Authority plans and projects as appropriate. 15.6 Protecting and Enhancing Biodiversity on Local Authority Land 15.6.1 Cork County Council is also an owner and manager of land. This includes land which is designated for the protection of biodiversity, public parks and other spaces which have biodiversity value or the potential to be managed to improve/ enhance their biodiversity value. The Council already actively manages some sites specifically for nature conservation (e.g. Harpers Island Wetlands), and is seeking to improve its approach to the management of other public spaces in towns and villages and elsewhere to enhance their biodiversity value where possible. County Development Plan Objective BE 15-5: Biodiversity on Council owned and managed land and property a) Protect biodiversity and support the principle of biodiversity net gain on land and property owned and managed by Cork County Council. b) Support the implementation of positive conservation management on lands and property which are owned or managed by Cork County Council; c) Support and implement best practice in the management of roadside boundaries including tree lines and hedgerows managed by Council; d) Support national policy to create new woodlands on public land and participate in the Creation of Woodlands on Public Lands Scheme and any successor schemes; e) Where possible, develop and implement Pollinator Plans and/or Biodiversity Action Plans for lands managed by Cork County Council in accordance with the National Biodiversity Action Plan (and any future National Biodiversity Plan which may be adopted during the lifetime of this Plan) and the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan; f) Support the use of natural approaches to flood management and control on lands owned or managed by or on behalf of Cork County Council. g) The Council will incorporate primarily native planting into new landscaping schemes within its own developments 15.7 Biodiversity Considerations for New Development or Other Activities 15.7.1 Cork County Council has a significant role to play in the protection of biodiversity through its roles in the management and control of new development as well as its roles in licensing discharges to water courses and issuing waste management permits. This role emanates from legal requirements as set out in planning and nature conservation legislation which provide strict protection to European and nationally important sites, wetlands, protected species as well as protection to features of the countryside which act as ecological stepping stones linking designated areas. The Planning Authority 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). The Planning Authority intends to update these guidelines during the lifetime of the Plan. See Chapter 11 Water Management for more extensive policies in relation to development in proximity to watercourses/ riparian zone and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS). GO TO CONTENTS

2. Page 342

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   342 County Development Plan Objective BE 15-6: Biodiversity and New Development Provide for the protection and enhancement of biodiversity in the development management process and when licensing or permitting other activities by: a) Providing ongoing support and guidance to developers on incorporating biodiversity considerations into new development through preplanning communications and the Council’s guidance document ‘Biodiversity and the Planning Process – guidance for developments on the management of biodiversity issues during the planning process’ and any updated versions of this advice; b) Encouraging the retention and integration of existing trees, hedgerows and other features of high natural value within new developments; c) Requiring the incorporation of primarily native tree and other plant species, particularly pollinator friendly species in the landscaping of new developments; d) Fulfilling Appropriate Assessment and Environmental Impact Assessment obligations and carrying out Ecological Impact Assessment in relation to development and activities, as appropriate; e) Ensuring that an appropriate level of assessment is completed in relation to wetland habitats subject to proposals which would involve drainage or reclamation. This includes lakes and ponds, watercourses, springs and swamps, marshes, heath, peatlands, some woodlands as well as some coastal and marine habitats; f) Ensuring that the implementation of appropriate mitigation (including habitat enhancement, new planting or other habitat creation initiatives) is incorporated into new development, where the implementation of such development would result in unavoidable impacts on biodiversity - supporting the principle of biodiversity net gain. Control of Invasive Species 15.7.2 Invasive alien species are animals and plants that are introduced accidentally or deliberately into the wild where they are not normally found, which have adverse impacts on the environment. Invasive alien species can have significant impacts on conservation and economic interests, and may in some cases pose threats, directly or indirectly, to human safety. Current legislation makes it an offence to plant, breed, disperse, allow dispersal or cause to grow, a range of plant and animal species, or to import or transport these or vector materials such as soil or spoil from which they can grow. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is part of the Heritage Division of the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage and is tasked (though not the sole authority) with securing the implementation and enforcement of legislation relating to invasive species. All landowners are obliged to meet regulatory requirements where invasive species are present on their own land. County Development Plan Objective BE 15-7: Control of Invasive Alien Species Implement best practice to minimise the risk of spread of invasive alien species, on Council owned or managed land, and require the development and implementation of Invasive Alien Species Management Plans for new developments where required. Trees and Woodlands 15.7.3 Trees make a valuable contribution to the landscape and to local visual amenity across the County and they also have significant economic and wellbeing benefits. They can provide shelter from wind, and act as a barrier providing privacy or helping screen out otherwise intrusive sights, movement, dust and noise. They are also important for their production of oxygen and absorption of carbon dioxide and other pollutants. Trees will play an increasingly important role in urban environments as a means of providing for urban shading and cooling to mitigate climate change impacts. Living trees and dead wood are also important components of functioning ecosystems and contribute to the County’s biodiversity. 15.7.4 Particular trees, or more often groups of trees, can be important components of the local landscape/ townscape, the setting of buildings, or to the successful integration of new development into the landscape. 15.7.5 Development can, if not sensitively designed, located and built, result in loss of or damage to important trees. The Council has a presumption in favour of retaining existing trees as a first preference in the formulation and assessment of development proposals. Where trees or groups of trees are of particular value and may be at risk from development or other activities, consideration should be given to the making of tree preservation orders in accordance with the Tree Preservation Guidelines. 15.7.6 It is important that new planting is promoted to ensure the continued regeneration of tree cover generally, and avoid key groupings becoming increasingly aged, over-sized and unhealthy. GO TO CONTENTS

3. Page 343

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   343 County Development Plan Objective BE 15-8: Trees and Woodlands a) Protect trees the subject of Tree Preservation Orders. b) Make use of Tree Preservation Orders to protect important trees or groups of trees which may be at risk or any tree(s) that warrants an order given its important amenity or historic value. c) Encourage the provision of trees for urban shading and cooling in developments in urban environments and as an integral part of the public realm. d Preserve and enhance the general level of tree cover in both town and country. Ensure that development proposals do not compromise important trees and include an appropriate level of new tree planting. e) Where appropriate, to protect mature trees/groups of mature trees and mature hedgerows that are not formally protected under Tree Preservation Orders 15.7.7 A key aim of the Council’s Green Infrastructure policy is to manage the green infrastructure assets of the County to protect and enhance biodiversity. See objectives GI 14-1, 14-2 and 14-3 in Chapter 14 Green Infrastructure and Recreation. 15.8 Working with Communities and Other Stakeholders 15.8.1 Many government departments, national bodies, groups and organisations are working nationally and locally to protect biodiversity. In March 2021 the National Biodiversity Data Centre published the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2021-2025, a five year road map that aims to help bees, other pollinating insects and our wider biodiversity The Plan sets out actions intended to improve the management of habitats to make them more attractive for pollinating species including bees, butterflies and other insects. Actions to improve habitats for pollinators are generally complementary to biodiversity protection. Cork County Council supports this Plan by developing and implementing Pollinator Plans for a number of its towns and is continuing the roll out of these plans to more towns and villages. 15.8.2 Cork County Council also actively engages with community organisations, the business community, and other groups across the county in its many areas of work and responsibility. 15.8.3 Where possible, the Council will actively support local communities, groups and others in their endeavours to protect and enhance biodiversity at a local, county and regional level where possible and appropriate. County Development Plan Objective BE 15-9: Support for Communities and Other Stakeholders Support community organisations and other stakeholders as follows: a. Implement the County Biodiversity Action Plan and any future updated Plan; b. Support the implementation of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan. c. Where possible, support community led initiatives to protect biodiversity including the development of community led Biodiversity Action Plans and Pollinator Plans. d. Work with statutory agencies, educational institutes and other organisations to address the issues relating to the protection of biodiversity in the County where possible and as appropriate. 15.9 Soil 15.9.1 Soil is defined as the top layer of the earth’s crust and is a biologically active mixture of weathered minerals, organic matter, organisms and water which provides the foundation of life in terrestrial ecosystems. Soils are a fragile nonrenewable natural resource and are particularly vulnerable to contamination, compaction and erosion by wind or water. Issues such as climate change threaten to increase this fragility and may possibly reduce soil’s ability to accommodate change without significant or lasting damage. Soil supports natural ecosystems and human life and by providing raw materials, food production and land for facilitating development. Soil also stores, filters, transforms and acts as a buffer to substances that are introduced to the environment which is particularly important in the production and protection of water supplies and for regulating greenhouse gases. 15.9.2 This Plan recognises the key role that soil plays on the environment of the County, dictating the land cover and land use and the extent and intensity of both. Accordingly, all aspects of life are influenced either directly or indirectly by soil types; including agricultural practices, settlement patterns, transport routes, communications infrastructure, location of archaeological deposits and economic activity. They play a key role in many areas including food production, surface water/flooding management and providing the key ingredient for supporting a wide range of ecosystem habitats and enhancing biodiversity. Therefore, the need to conserve and manage the soils in the County is a key consideration. GO TO CONTENTS

4. Page 344

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   344 15.9.3 The Council will encourage the reuse of brownfield land where possible in preference to developing green field sites in order to reduce the loss of the county’s more agriculturally productive soils. The protection of our natural assets as part of the County’s Green Infrastructure resources will also assist in maintaining soil permeability levels which are important for drainage functions and ecosystem habitats. Importation of Soil 15.9.4 The reuse and recycling of Construction and Demolition (C&D) Waste has resulted in positive outcomes such as diverting this waste stream from Landfill. However, there has been an increase in planning applications for soil importation to marginal farmland of inert C&D waste. Careful consideration needs to be given to the impacts of soil importation to areas with poorer soil and dis-used quarries. This process needs to be carefully managed to limit impacts to the environment. Any applications will be subject to robust assessment which will be managed through the development management process. The following are just some of the details which should be provided as part of any planning application for soil importation. • details relating to the nature and extent of historical works/filling of the land where appropriate; • the sources of the materials to be imported; • quality controls to be employed during the works phase and ongoing monitoring provisions; • final capping of the site; • calculations of the estimated volumes of materials for importation; • the transportation of materials and the likely haul routes; • a comprehensive drainage management system; • the duration, phasing and timing of operations; • end use intent; • embankment/bund design and stability; • flooding and leachate management; • invasive species management; and • an Ecological Impact Assessment where wetland or sensitive habitats and/or species occur. 15.9.5 This information would be expected to be incorporated into an Environmental Impact Assessment Report where it is determined that EIA is required. In addition, it may be determined that Natura Impact Statement will be required, where potential for significant negative effects on European Sites are not screened out. See also objective BE 15-14: Waste Prevention and Management. County Development Plan Objective BE 15-10: Soils a) Ensure the protection and conservation of the soils in County Cork by encouraging sustainable management practices and the reuse of brownfield lands. b) Identify areas of poorer soil in the County acknowledge their potential value for wildlife, and respect their limitations, particularly in terms of their assimilative properties to prevent pollution. Contaminated Land 15.9.6 The EPA has prepared a National Hazardous Waste Management Plan (2014-2020) which is referenced at the waste section of this chapter. One of the more significant parts of the National Hazardous Waste Management Plan is that the issue of contaminated soils should be addressed in City, County and Local Area Development Plans, where these plans include the redevelopment of docklands or other brownfield sites. 15.9.7 The Council requires that all undeveloped, contaminated sites be remediated to internationally accepted standards prior to redevelopment (i.e. brownfield development). Soil Contamination generally arises as a result of spillages, leaks and improper handling of raw materials, manufactured goods and waste products. Any unearthed contaminants will require varying degrees of remediation measures, which may require a licence from the EPA. The EPA have published guidance in relation to the management of contaminated land and groundwater at EPA licensed sites. These measures will ensure that contaminated material will be managed in a manner that removes any risk to human health and ensures that the end use will be compatible with any risk. 15.9.8 Where the previous history of a site suggests that contamination may have occurred, developers will be responsible for the following: • Undertaking a detailed site investigation, soil testing and analysis to establish whether contamination has occurred GO TO CONTENTS

5. Page 345

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   345 • Provide a detailed written report of investigation and assessment (including recommendations for treating the affected ground) to Cork County Council. • The decontamination of sites prior to new development works taking place, and the prohibition of development until Cork County Council is satisfied that the affected ground has been satisfactorily treated. • Decontamination activities should ensure that there is no off-site migration of contaminants via run-off, soils or groundwater and this includes invasive species. • Furthermore, Appropriate Assessment (AA), or screening for AA, may also be required. 15.9.9 The Council will also seek to prevent the spread of invasive alien species through the control of movement of contaminated soil where such movement is regulated or undertaken by the Local Authority. County Development Plan Objective BE 15-11: Contaminated Land a) Require that prior to permitting development on contaminated sites, developers will carry out a full contaminated land risk assessment to demonstrate: - How the proposed land uses will be compatible with the protection of health and safety (including the durability of structures and services) during both construction and occupation; and - How any contaminated soil or water encountered will be appropriately dealt with. b) In the case of development which requires the removal of soil, stones and invasive species, any removal requires the appropriate permits and disposal to authorised sites. 15.10 Air Quality 15.10.1 Poor air quality, both in the urban and rural environment, is a major health risk. As well as health impacts such as lung and cardiovascular diseases, air pollution can also have adverse economic and environmental impacts. The need to ensure the highest standards of air quality is recognised. 15.10.2 Cork County Council will have regard to European Union, National and Regional policy in all matters relating to air quality and, where appropriate, take steps to reduce the effects of air pollution on people and the environment. 15.10.3 The quality of the air we breathe is getting worse, resulting largely from human activities. The EPA carries out ambient air quality monitoring and manages the national air quality monitoring network. Air quality monitoring is undertaken to assess compliance with national air quality standards and to implement EU Directives on Air Quality. Pollutants that are of most concern are those derived from traffic including Particulate Matter and Nitrogen Dioxide. Air quality monitoring and assessments are only undertaken at three locations within Cork County; at Cobh, Cork Harbour and Macroom. Consideration should be given to the provision of further air quality monitoring infrastructure for urban areas in County Cork as well as long term monitoring of air quality along major roads. 15.10.4 The Council supports the ‘Polluter Pays Principle’ and will have regard to the EU Framework Directive on Air Quality Assessment and Management and the Local Government (Planning and Development) General Policy Directive 1988 (or as may be amended from time to time) issued by the Minister for the Environment relating to air quality standards nationally. 15.10.5 Radon, a radioactive gas formed in the ground by the radioactive decay of uranium, which is present in all rocks and soils, is categorised by the World Health Organisation as a carcinogen. It is important to comply with best practice in the implementation of radon prevention measures in partnership with other relevant agencies. County Development Plan Objective BE 15-12: Air Quality a) Monitor air quality and air quality trends in accordance with EU policy directives, preserve good air quality where it exists, and take appropriate action, where required, including the provision of additional air quality monitoring infrastructure in urban areas and along major roads. b) Radon barriers should be provided in all new developments in compliance with best practice and relevant Building Regulations. c) Air emissions associated with all new development are to be in line with Environmental Quality Standards as set out in the Air Quality Standards Regulations 2011, or any updated/superseding documents. GO TO CONTENTS

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   346 15.11 Noise and Light Emissions 15.11.1 Cork County Council has produced two finalised Noise Action Plans, in accordance with the European Noise Directive 2002/49/EC, which impacts the Cork County functional area. These Noise Action Plans are 5 year strategic plans covering the period to 2023: 1) Cork County Noise Action Plan for Major Roads 2018-2023; and 2) The Cork Agglomeration Area Noise Action Plan 2018 – 2023. 15.11.2 The purpose of these Noise Action Plans is to act as a means of managing environmental noise, and to meet the aims of the European Noise Directive of preventing, and reducing where necessary, environmental noise through the adoption of the Plans. The planning authority will have regard to the Noise maps in the Action Plans, when assessing planning applications. The planning authority will also give careful consideration to the location of noise sensitive developments so as to ensure they are protected from major noise sources where practical. 15.11.3 While artificial lighting is essential for a safe and secure night-time environment, the Council recognises the impacts light pollution (glare, skyglow, light trespass, clutter and spillage) can have on the visual, wildlife and residential amenities of surrounding areas. Dark skies and unpolluted night skies are an asset to the County. The Planning Authority will explore how best to identify and manage areas of dark sky/unpolluted sky in the County during the lifetime of the Plan. In general lighting should: • Only be on when needed; • Only light the area that needs it; • Be no brighter than necessary; • Minimise blue light emissions; • Be fully shielded and pointing downward. County Development Plan Objective BE 15-13: Noise and Light Emissions a) Seek the minimisation and control of noise pollution associated with activities or development, having regard to relevant standards, published guidance and the receiving environment. b) Ensure noise-sensitive developments are adequately protected from potential sources of noise (e.g. national roads). New developments should take account of, and mitigate against, any existing noise sources. c) Support the implementation of Noise Action Plans prepared for the Cork County area. d) Seek the minimisation and control of light pollution associated with activities of development, having regard to relevant standards, published guidance and the receiving environment and Dark Sky principles. e) Review and update Cork County Council Policy Guidelines for Public Lighting to take account of impacts of public lighting on wildlife and night skies. 15.12 Waste 15.12.1 Self-sufficiency in the management of waste will grow in importance given the significant growth targets outlined in this Plan. Cork County Council’s waste policies and objectives aim to minimise waste using the Circular Economy concept; mitigate where possible and adapt to the impacts of climate change; protect and improve ground and surface waters; and provide a clean natural environment. 15.12.2 Our national Climate Action Plan outlines that our current, linear production and consumption model – based on produce, use and dispose – is significantly carbon and resource-intensive and that ‘Making more with less’ is key to preventing wastage in a modern economy. Waste management practices generate greenhouse gases, both directly (i.e. emissions from the management process itself) and indirectly (i.e. through energy consumption) and it is important to develop more effective policies on waste prevention, choice of material and recycling to reduce the impact of waste. Policy Context 15.12.3 The EU’s Waste Framework Directive, sets out to prioritise waste prevention, followed by re-use, recycling, and recovery (where combustible waste through incineration is a waste resource for energy extraction) and finally disposal into landfill. GO TO CONTENTS

7. Page 347

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   347 15.12.4 The publication of the European Green Deal in 2019 sets out the aim of the European Union to be carbon neutral by 2050. A key element of the Green Deal Action Plan is to boost the efficient use of resources by moving to a clean, circular economy, to minimise waste going to landfill and maximise waste as a resource. A recycling rate of 65% has been proposed by the European Commission for 2030 as part of the Circular Economy Package aiming to make sustainable products, services and business models the norm, whilst transforming consumption patterns so that no waste is produced in the first place. 15.12.5 In September 2020, the government published ‘A Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy – Ireland’s National Waste Policy 2020-2025, which sets out the measures through which Ireland will become a circular economy, with a clear focus on resource efficiency. The benefits of the Circular Economy highlighted include job creation, limiting habitat loss, biodiversity loss and slowing down global warming. 15.12.6 The overarching aim of the policy framework is one that discourages the wasting of resources and rewards circularity, achieved by shifting the focus away from waste disposal and treatment and instead ensuring that materials and products remain in productive use for longer. The delivery of the policy is through mandatory regional waste management plans. The policy framework also seeks to support clear and robust institutional arrangements for the waste sector, including through a strengthened role for Local Authorities. 15.12.7 The current Southern Region Waste Management Plan 2015 – 2021 (WMP), is the framework for the prevention and management of wastes in a safe and sustainable manner. The strategic vision of the WMP is to encourage a rethink in our approach to managing wastes, by viewing our waste streams as valuable material resources which can lead to a healthier environment and sustainable commercial opportunities for our economy. In order to achieve this vision, the WMP sets out three specific performance targets which are: • Aim to achieve a 1% reduction per annum in the quantity of household waste generated per capita over the Plan period; • Reduce to 0% the direct disposal of unprocessed residual municipal waste to landfill (from 2016 onwards) in favour of higher value pre-treatment processes and indigenous recovery practices; and • Aim to achieve a recycling rate of 50% of managed municipal waste by 2020. 15.12.8 There is currently in preparation a draft of the National Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy and this new national plan will be the successor to the current regional waste management plans. The upcoming National Waste Management Plan will incorporate guidance entitled ‘Waste Management Infrastructure – Guidance for Siting Waste Management Facilities’ which the planning authority will support the implementation of once adopted. 15.12.9 The Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Southern Region, 2020 echoes these sentiments and aims to move away from the traditional unsustainable linear model where we consume resources and generate high waste volumes to be sent to processed as waste. As at national level, policy is now focused on building a circular economy. 15.12.10 Through the development of a circular waste economy, there will be opportunities for enterprise and employment which the council will support and this is further discussed within Chapter 8 Economy and Employment. County Development Plan Objective Objective BE 15-14: Waste Prevention and Management a) Support the policy measures and actions outlined in - ‘A Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy Ireland’s National Waste Policy 2020-2025’, and - Southern Region Waste Management Plan 2015 – 2021, or any successor plans b) Support circular and climate resilient economy principles and associated strategic infrastructure, prioritising prevention, reuse, recycling and recovery, and to sustainably manage all types of waste by ensuring the provision of adequate waste recovery, recycling and disposal facilities for the county. Cork’s Recycling and Waste Infrastructure 15.12.11 Cork County Council has a network of 120 Bring Centres and there are 12 civic amenity sites in the county which are located in Bandon, Casteltownbere, Clonakilty, Derryconnell, Kanturk, Macroom, Mallow, Millstreet, Raffeen, Rossmore, and Youghal. They accept a wide variety of domestic materials from the general public. The Council will continue to encourage the provision of recycling infrastructure where it is considered necessary and will assess requirements for recycling facilities on a case by cases basis as part of the development management process. For new developments of a large scale, where possible, on-site recycling facilities such as bring centres should be provided. 15.12.12 There is an opportunity to encourage more reuse and repair activities in the county particularly at civic amenity facilities. The council will support the provision of space at civic amenity facilities for waste that can be reused or repaired by other local residents. Repair Cafes are a use which will be supported by the Council through the development management process. GO TO CONTENTS

8. Page 348

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   348 15.12.13 It should be noted that the provision of strategic large scale waste treatment facilities to support the aims of the European Green Deal and National Policy will be considered in ‘Industrial Areas’ designated as Strategic Employment Areas. See Chapter 8 Economy and Employment and Chapter 18 Zoning and Land Use. Bottlehill 15.12.14 The Bottlehill Landfill site has been subject of considerable strategic investment to date by Cork County Council. This significant piece of infrastructure has approximately 660,000 tonnes of landfill space built, from a total estimated available space of 5,400,000. As a result of national and regional policy, which included the introduction of a landfill tax, there has been a shift away from the use of landfill, resulting in the Bottlehill Landfill site not becoming operational. However, it is recognised that Bottlehill could be reconfigured to meet other waste management infrastructural needs to deliver the aims of the Circular Economy Action Plan with scope for a specialised role in the area of integrated waste management and waste to energy. Across Europe there are established integrated waste management developments, including waste to energy, which combine a number of facilities on a single site. Litter Management 15.12.15 Street cleaning and litter management is an important service provided by the Council. There is an opportunity to encourage recycling throughout the county by the provision of segregated smart bins. This would mean that waste collection could be enhanced to ensure regularly used bins are collected on a more frequent basis. Clean streets are a key source of pride for communities around the county and their contribution is seen through the Tidy Towns teams which work tirelessly to ensure their local areas are at their best. Food Waste 15.12.16 All households living in a population agglomeration of more than 500 people are entitled to a Food Waste Recycling service from their waste collector. Food waste is potentially the largest un-tapped recyclable component of the municipal waste stream and there are mature and available recovery techniques in place to deal with it, such as composting and anaerobic digestion. The Council will work with the Southern Waste Region to consider the delivery of such waste infrastructure where appropriate through the Development Management process, subject to environmental assessment County Development Plan Objective BE 15-15: Waste Prevention and Management of Waste Facilities a) The expansion of existing waste facilities and the creation of new waste facilities shall comply with the criteria of the Southern Region Waste Management Plan set out above and be assessed through the development management process. b) Support the sustainable development of the Bottlehill facility for specialised and appropriate uses primarily associated with achieving the aims of the circular waste economy. Waste Management Assessments 15.12.17 In order to provide sustainable waste management practices, the County Council will normally require all development proposals to include on-site provision for the management of waste materials that are likely to be generated from the proposed use. 15.12.18 For small scale developments basic information of the proposed location of bins, composting etc will be required while a greater level of detail may be required for larger developments. 15.12.19 For commercial, industrial and multiple residential proposals, effective waste management should be incorporated into building design and layout e.g. specific provisions should be made for segregated space to allow for the separation of waste consistent with the type of development in question. Sufficient waste storage for the type of development proposed shall be provided. It shall be of a high quality design and shall be suitably located to encourage households and commercial users to maximise recycling and composting whilst avoiding on street storage of waste bins. For apartments specific provisions should be made for segregated space to allow for the separation of waste consistent with the type of development in question. 15.12.20 It is important that sludge from drinking water treatment and/or wastewater treatment is appropriately managed. 15.12.21 Consideration should be given to the provision of individual composting facilities for self-build projects. For large scale developments of a suitable scale, consideration should also be given to the provision of group composting facilities. GO TO CONTENTS

9. Page 349

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   349 15.12.22 For mixed use large scale developments consideration should be given to the provision of ‘bring centres’. If considered at an early stage this could ensure the ‘bring centre’ is well designed, suitably sited and integrated into the development reducing issues around anti-social behaviour. It is noted that a greater level of detail may be required for larger developments. County Development Plan Objective BE 15-16: Waste Prevention and Management: Drinking Water Treatment and/or Wastewater Treatment Ensure that sludge from drinking water treatment and/or wastewater treatment is appropriately managed, optimising potential for circular economy gains. Construction and Demolition Waste (C&D) 15.12.23 A significant amount of waste generated in Cork County is as a result of construction activity. The Council recognises the inherent sustainability of retention and refurbishment, compared with the whole life energy costs and waste impacts that would result from demolition and replacement. The reuse of existing structures preserves the embodied energy expended in the original construction, minimises waste and reduces the use of new materials. The Council will, therefore, promote circularity by seeking to avoid demolition and encourage re-purposing of existing buildings in the first instance. Since the last Development Plan there has been a shift in line with regional and national policy with regard to how C&D waste is treated. The most recent figures from the Southern Region Waste Management Plan indicate that 95% of C&D waste is being re-used or recycled. 15.12.24 In order to continue to achieve the target with regard to reuse or recycling of C&D waste, the Council will have regard to and require compliance with the Environment Protection Agency ‘Best Practice Guidelines for the Preparation of Resource Management Plans for Construction and Demolition Waste Projects’, ( April 2021 or as subsequently updated) in the management of waste from construction and demolition projects. A Construction and Demolition Waste Management Plan shall be required for projects in excess of the following thresholds: • New residential developments of 10 houses or more, • New developments (other than the bullet point above), including institutional, educational, health and other public facilities, with an aggregate floor area in excess of 1,1250m2, • Demolition/renovation/refurbishment projects generating in excess of 100m3 in volume of construction and demolition waste, • Civil engineering projects producing in excess of 500m3 of waste, excluding waste materials used for development works on the site. 15.12.25 In circumstances where it has been agreed that demolition is appropriate, developers should seek to reuse excavated material from their development sites for landscaping, land restoration or to be reused in the building process. Where it is demonstrated this is not possible, they will need to establish clear proposals for the reuse, reduction and recycling of waste at the outset of the development. Further, they will need to demonstrate how C&D waste is segregated at site so that it can be reused, recycled or disposed of in an appropriate way. Where construction or demolition wastes cannot be reused or recycled, that waste must be transported to authorised waste facilities using the services of authorised waste collectors. Waste Management Facilities 15.12.26 The Southern Region Waste Management Plan makes provision for waste collection facilities, waste transfer stations and other waste facilities and the Council will continue to facilitate their development where appropriate. 15.12.27 With the exception of Bring Sites, these facilities raise different levels of environmental and social concerns and impacts and require licensing from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or certificates/permits from the local authority. It is important to ensure they are located where these impacts are minimised as much as possible. 15.12.28 In the consideration of planning applications for new waste facilities and/or the expansion of existing waste facilities; consideration shall be given to the ‘general environmental’ criteria set out in the Southern Region Waste Management Plan and any subsequent updates. GO TO CONTENTS

10. Page 350

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    350 Hazardous Waste 15.12.29 The EPA has prepared a National Hazardous Waste Management Plan (2014-2020) which sets out the priorities to be pursued to improve the management of hazardous waste. 15.12.30 Hazardous waste management in the region needs to be addressed from the perspective of the most environmentally sustainable approach and in line with best international practice. County Development Plan Objective BE 15-17: Waste Prevention and Management a) Planning applications for infilling of marginal land through soil importation will be supported where it can be demonstrated that the developments accord with proper planning and sustainable development, ensuring that they are compatible with the protection of environmental resources including water quality, Natura 2000 sites, biodiversity, archaeological and landscape resources. b) Support will be provided for locating suitable sites within the county for the safe disposal of construction and demolition waste in conjunction with the Southern Waste Region. c) Construction and Environmental Management Plans (CEMPs)/ Construction and Demolition Management Plans shall be prepared for larger scale projects as set out in paragraph 15.12.24 and this requirement shall be assessed on a case-by-case basis as part of the development management process. d) Support the implementation of the recommendations and policies of the National Hazardous Waste Management Plan 2014-2020. 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.