Development plan · Donegal County Council
County Donegal Development Plan 2024–2030 (As Varied)
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards.
Donegal County Council · 2024–2030 · 783 pages
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- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 208 Chapter 11 Natural, Built, and Archaeological Heritage whitethorn, gorse, holly, ash, beech, birch, oak, rowan, willow, bramble, wild flowers and aquatic plants) and fauna (e.g. badgers, hedgehogs, hare, deer, wild birds, fish and insects). These features act as vital ecological corridors for wildlife and species, collectively deliver crucial ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration/storage, nutrient cycling, water purification and flood attenuation, and represent key components of our rural landscapes and townscapes and thus represent essential components of our overall biodiversity. The importance of this wider biodiversity is reflected in the protection of all bird and a variety of animal and flora species protected under the Wildlife Act, and the requirement to manage natural heritage features such as rivers, field boundaries, ponds, and small woods as ecological corridors linking Natura 2000 sites under Article 10 of the habitats directive. This biodiversity has come under significant development pressure in recent decades including from agricultural clearance, urban sprawl, rural housing development etc which often results in the direct loss of these natural features and the associated habitats and species. Consequently, this plan will protect existing features of local biodiversity value, and otherwise maximise their retention and enhancement of biodiversity in new public and private developments. 11.1.5 Peatlands Donegal has extensive peatlands consisting of both upland and Atlantic blanket bog types. These peatlands act as a unique wetland habitat, contain a variety of plant and animal species (e.g. Hen Harrier, Red Grouse, Curlew, Greenland White-fronted Goose, sphagnum mosses, rushes and sedges, bog cotton, ling heather) and are a key component of Donegal’s Biodiversity. They also provide other important ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, flood attention, water filtration, and recreation. The conservation and sustainable management of peatlands is therefore crucial to Donegal’s sustainable development. The National Peatlands Strategy 2015-2025 sets out peatland management principles including utilising peatland for agriculture, development, peat extraction, forestry, conservation and amenity, protecting threatened peatland habitats and also planning related actions such as reviewing the legal framework for peat extraction and ensuring compliance with the Habitats and WFD directives. Whilst some of Donegal’s peatlands are located within designated nature protection sites a significant portion are not. Donegal’s peatlands are threatened by peat extraction on blanket bogs within designated sites (which currently has no regulatory regime), peat extraction elsewhere (which generally does not require planning permission) and other development pressures such as wind energy and rural housing development. Consequently, this plan will seek to protect peatlands both within designated biodiversity sites and where appropriate in the wider environment. 11.1.6 Pollinators The All Ireland Pollinator Plan 2021-2025 notes that pollinators are in decline, with 33 out of 99 bee species at risk of extinction. Habitat loss is a key driver of this problem, and this has serious implications for agricultural production and the health of the environment. The plan cites the need for collective action and sets out key objectives including making public and private lands pollinator friendly (including creating networks of biodiversity friendly habitat) and conserving rare pollinators and lists the Council as a key partner. The plan also identifies a number of land use planning actions including encouraging the development of pollinator friendly parks, and ensuring new roadside planting has a significant portion of pollinator friendly plants. The Council will therefore seek to ensure that new development proposals do not have a significant adverse impact on pollinator habitat and species.
- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 209 Chapter 11 Natural, Built, and Archaeological Heritage 11.1.7 Invasive Species Invasive species are non-native animal and plants which have been accidently or deliberately introduced into an area (e.g. Japanese knotweed, Himalayan Balsam, Zebra Mussel, Hogweed, and Grey squirrel). They are recognised as a major cause of biodiversity loss through negative impacts on native habitats and species and can cause significant social and economic damage (e.g. roads and buildings). Development can inadvertently result in the introduction or spread of invasive species particularly as a result of excavation, site clearance and movement of spoil material. The European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 make 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 material such as soil or spoil from which they can grow. The Council will therefore seek to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species including as part of the planning process including by requiring the submission and implementation of invasive appropriate control and management programmes where necessary. 11.1.8 Soil Habitats Soil is the most complex of all ecosystems, is a habitat in its own right and is a hugely important nonrenewable resource performing vital ecosystem services including food production, water purification/pollution control, nutrient recycling, flood attention, and carbon sequestration. Development pressures such as construction activities and land sealing can result in loss and damage to soil and these important ecosystem services. It is there important to manage new development in a manner which minimises the direct loss/removal of soils, soil sealing and soil pollution. Objective BIO-O-1 To preserve and enhance the biodiversity of the County in accordance with the relevant EU policies and national legislation. BIO-O-2 To have regard to the objectives of any extant National Biodiversity Action Plan and National Peatlands Strategy in all aspects of the sustainable development of the county. Policies BIO-P-1 To require all developments to comply with the requirements of the EU Habitats Directive and EU Bird Directive, including ensuring that development proposals: a. Do not adversely affect the integrity of any European/Natura 2000 site (i.e. Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas) including effects on ex-situ but functionally linked habitats, and species (e.g. Pearl Mussel) save where a plan must be carried out for imperative reasons of overriding public interest (IROPI). b. Provide for the protection of animal and plant species listed in Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive and the Flora Protection Order. c. Protect and enhance features of the landscape (such as rivers, riverbanks, field boundaries, ponds and small woods) which are of major importance for wild fauna and flora and the ecological coherence of the Natura 2000 network.
- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 210 Chapter 11 Natural, Built, and Archaeological Heritage BIO-P-2 Ensure that all developments seek to conserve/protect the qualifying interests of Ramsar Sites, Nature Reserves, Natural Heritage Areas (NHA), proposed Natural Heritage Areas (pNHA), the Cró na mBroanáin Red Grouse Sanctuary and any species protected under the Wildlife Act save to the extent necessary to provide for strategic infrastructure projects including but not restricted to the TEN-T Priority Route Improvement Project, Donegal, the Bridgend to County border project scheme, the Buncrana Inner Relief Road and Greenways, subject to such projects being in accordance with all relevant statutory and regulatory provisions. Otherwise, where no statutory or regulatory provisions apply this policy will be implemented by the Council in so far as same can be practicably and reasonably achieved within the context of such projects. BIO-P-3 a. Protect features of local biodiversity value (e.g. hedgerows/field boundaries, trees, woodlands, wetlands, water bodies, riverbanks and peatlands) which make a significant contribution to the biodiversity, biodiversity/ecosystem services, ecological connectivity, and associated visual amenity and/or rural character of the area. b. Require that developments otherwise maximise the retention of and suitably integrate such features and provide new ecological corridors where appropriate. In this regard proposals for the removal of existing roadside hedgerows/field boundaries for new developments in rural areas will only be permitted in so far as is necessary to safeguard public safety and any remaining portion of those features identified above not so required shall be retained. c. Require that development proposals provide biodiversity enhancement measures (e.g. native tree and hedgerow planting, and nature-based water management solutions). d. Require that large-scale developments result in no net biodiversity loss and include a site-specific comprehensive Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP), as part of any planning proposal. This policy will be implemented by the Council in so far as same can be practicably and reasonably achieved within the context of Strategic Infrastructure Projects including, but not restricted to, the TEN-T Priority Route Improvement Project, Donegal, the Bridgend to County border project scheme, the Buncrana Inner relief Road and Greenways. BIO-P-4 Ensure that any development proposals do not lead to the introduction or spread of invasive species. Where invasive species are present, development proposals will be required to be submit an appropriate control and management programme for the particular invasive species as part of the planning process and to comply with the provisions of the European Communities Birds and Habitats Regulations 2011 (S.I. 477/2011). BIO-P-5 a. Ensure that new developments do not have a significant adverse impact on pollinator habitat and species, including protecting rare pollinators and maximizing the retention of habitats and providing biodiversity enhancement within development proposal where feasible. b. Require native pollinator friendly planting and management regimes as part of planting/landscaping schemes for new public development including green infrastructure, large scale residential and transport development. c. Manage road verges to enhance biodiversity in accordance with the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan.
- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 211 Chapter 11 Natural, Built, and Archaeological Heritage 11.2 Landscape 11.2.1 Background County Donegal has a unique and distinctive landscape with a wide diversity of landscape types including significant arable and grazing lands, agricultural plains, inland waterways, boglands, mountains and an extensive and varied coastline of rocky outcrops, cliffs and sandy beaches. The many islands both inhabited and uninhabited also have their own unique landscape identity. The natural diversity of the landscape coupled with built and cultural heritage features such as archaeological monuments, stonewalls, hedgerows, woodlands, field patterns, settlements and buildings further inform the inherent character of the county. Landscape is recognised as an integral component of our surroundings and well-being, a visual expression of the diversity of a shared cultural and natural heritage and is intrinsic to the identity of the county.27 The past, present and on-going influences on the landscape from a broad range of sectors and the need to support sustainable landscape change and better promote landscape protection, management and planning form a core component of this Plan. The Donegal landscape is a valuable national and local asset of enormous amenity value to residents and tourists, constituting a valuable economic asset that requires sustainable management to facilitate development and growth whilst also retaining, conserving and protecting the character, quality and resultant value of the landscape. 27 National Landscape Strategy 2020-2025, Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 212 Chapter 11 Natural, Built, and Archaeological Heritage 11.2.2 Policy Background The Council of Europe’s European Landscape Convention, 2000 (ETS No.176) was signed and ratified by Ireland in 2004, requiring actions to be taken to fulfil obligations within member states to identify their landscapes, analyse and characterise them, and commit to introducing policies to effect landscape protection, management and planning. The Convention describes landscapes as: “’Landscape’ means an area, as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action and interaction of natural and/or human factors” covering: “… the entire territory of the Parties and covers natural, rural, urban and peri-urban areas. It includes land, inland water and marine areas. It concerns landscapes that might be considered outstanding as well as everyday or degraded landscapes.” The European Landscape Convention recognises the importance of all landscapes, not just exceptional landscapes, as having a crucial bearing on our quality of life and as deserving attention in landscape policy. A National Landscape Strategy for Ireland 2020-2025 was published by the Department of Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht that aims to “implement the European Landscape Convention in Ireland by providing for specific measures to promote the protection, management and planning of the landscape” through 6 core national landscape strategy objectives and 19 associated key objectives. The National Landscape Strategy ensures compliance with the European Landscape Convention and establishes principles for protecting and enhancing Ireland’s landscape while positively managing its change. It is a high-level policy framework to achieve balance between the protection, management and planning of the landscape by way of supporting actions. The Regional and Spatial Economic Strategy 2020-2032 published by the Northern and Western Regional Assembly identifies the following landscape related Regional Policy Objective for the north-west region as a part of Growth Ambition 2: Environment-Natural Region:RP O 5.2 (a) Protect, manage and conserve the quality, character and distinctiveness of our landscapes and seascapes. (b) The assembly supports co-operation and co-ordination between Local Authorities in determining landscape character along their borders. A targeted review should be undertaken to ensure consistency in classification and policy in adjoining areas of similar character. The NWRA will assist in collaboration and co-ordination. (c) Following the completion of the National Landscape Character Assessment, and any associated statutory Guidelines, the Regional Assembly shall prepare a Regional Landscape Character Assessment to promote improved landscape management and designation. A Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) for Donegal was prepared and endorsed by the members of Donegal County Council in May 2016; this first stage identified both Landscape ‘Types’ and ‘Landscape Character Areas’ and is available on Donegal County Council’s website www.donegalcoco.ie. The process was an analysis, characterisation and narrative of the component parts of the landscape of County Donegal and is not to be construed as an accompanying policy document of this Plan.
- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 213 Chapter 11 Natural, Built, and Archaeological Heritage A landscape’s capacity to absorb new development, without exhibiting a significant alteration of character or change of appearance is referred to as it’s ‘sensitivity’. This depends on factors such as elevation, slope, views over water bodies or the sea, as well as the types of land-cover and soil. The area is classified as being increasingly sensitive as more of these factors are present in the same place. The Plan identifies three separate Landscape Classifications for the county, these are illustrated on map 11.1 and as follows: 1. Areas of Especially High Scenic Amenity (EHSA): These are sublime natural landscapes of the highest quality that are synonymous with the identity of County Donegal. These areas have extremely limited capacity to assimilate additional development. 2. Areas of High Scenic Amenity (HSA): These are landscapes of significant aesthetic, cultural, heritage and environmental quality that are unique to their locality and form a fundamental element of the landscape and identity of County Donegal. These areas have the capacity to absorb sensitively located development of scale, design and use that will enable assimilation into the receiving landscape and which does not detract from the quality of the landscape, subject to compliance with all other objectives and policies of the plan. 3. Areas of Moderate Scenic Amenity (MSA): These are primarily landscapes outside Local Area Plan Boundaries and Settlement framework boundaries, that have a unique, rural and generally agricultural quality. These areas have the capacity to absorb additional development that is suitably located, sited and designed subject to compliance with all other objectives and policies of the Plan. Within each of the landscape classifications detailed above (EHSA, HSA and MSA) and along the interface between the designations there may be areas that do not fully meet the definition of the designation. Such anomalies in landscape designation shall be considered individually and in the context of all other objectives and policies contained within this Plan, should an application for development be submitted in these areas (excluding wind energy proposals or ancillary works). The onus shall be on the applicant to demonstrate that the site does not meet the characteristics of the landscape designation within which it is situated, and that any development applied for shall not adversely affect the classification of the wider landscape. The County has a network of scenic routes punctuated by multiple views and prospects of natural beauty over both seascape and the rural landscape. Many of the routes are recognised nationally and internationally, including the Wild Atlantic Way that extends around the entire coast, with its designated discovery points along its route, including three signature discovery points. There is a need to protect and conserve the character and quality of the identified stretches of scenic routes that have special views and prospects that are identified on Map 11.1. The Environmental Report (SEA) accompanying this Plan has examined the current state of the environment including ecological networks, statutory nature reserves, land cover, cultural heritage (including archaeology and architectural heritage), landscape and visual impacts, material assets and marine/coastal resources. As a result, the potential impact on landscape through the implementation of policies and objectives of the Plan has been considered.
- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 214 Chapter 11 Natural, Built, and Archaeological Heritage Objective L-O-1 To protect, manage and conserve the character, quality and value of the Donegal landscape. Policies L-P-1 To protect areas identified as ‘Especially High Scenic Amenity’ on Map 11.1 ‘Scenic Amenity’. Within these areas, only developments of strategic importance, or developments that are provided for by policy elsewhere in this Plan may be considered. L-P-2 To protect areas identified as ‘High Scenic Amenity’ and ‘Moderate Scenic Amenity’ on Map 11.1 ‘Scenic Amenity’. Within these areas, only development of a nature, location and scale that integrates with, and reflects the character and amenity of the landscape may be considered, subject to compliance with other relevant policies of the Plan. L-P-3 To safeguard the scenic context, cultural landscape significance, recreational/tourism amenities, and environmental amenities of the County’s coastline from inappropriate development, save for strategic infrastructure provision of overriding regional or national public interest. This policy will be implemented by the Council in so far as same can be practicably and reasonably achieved within the context of Strategic Infrastructure Projects including, but not restricted to, the TEN-T Priority Route Improvement Project, Donegal, the Bridgend to County border project scheme, the Buncrana Inner Relief Road and Greenways. L-P-4 To protect the character of the following approach roads to the Glenveagh National Park: a. Glendowan to Doochary road b. Dunlewey to Termon Road c. Churchill to Termon d. Muckish Gap to Calabber Bridge L-P-5 To protect views to and from St Johns Point. L-P-6 To safeguard prominent skylines and ridgelines from inappropriate development. L-P-7 To preserve the views and prospects of special amenity value and interest as identified on Map 11.1 L-P-8 To preserve scenic views between public roads and the sea, lakes and rivers. Such developments shall be considered on the basis of the following criteria. a. whether the integrity of the view has been affected to-date by development; b. whether the development would intrude significantly on the view; and c. whether the development would materially alter the view. In operating this policy, a reasonable and balanced approach shall be implemented so as to ensure that the policy does not act as a blanket ban on developments between the road and the sea, lakes and river but also seeks to maintain existing landscape qualities in the area.
- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 215 Chapter 11 Natural, Built, and Archaeological Heritage
- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 216 Chapter 11 Natural, Built and Archaeological HeritageChapter 11 Natural, Built, and Archaeological Heritage 11.3 Built and Architectural Conservation 11.3.1 Introduction Donegal’s architectural built heritage helps create the backdrop to our lives, giving our living environments a strong and unique sense of place. This is enjoyed by residents and visitors and is a critical asset in the county’s identity and economy. Re-use of existing built heritage also plays a key role in achieving carbon neutrality, climate resilience and a circular economy. Existing building stock is a tangible asset to be recycled, reducing the need for demolition, new construction and generation of carbon dioxide. Donegal County Council recognises the importance of identifying, valuing and safeguarding the architectural heritage of Donegal. It will do this through sustainable protection of our historic structures to ensure our architectural heritage remains for the use and enjoyment of future generations. Protection of Architectural Heritage is enshrined in the Council of Europe Convention for the Protection of the Architectural Heritage of Europe (Granada Convention) and in legislation through the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) which specifically requires the protection of structures, or parts of structures, which are of special Architectural interest (S.10(2)(f) refers), and the Architectural Heritage (National Inventory) and Historic Monuments (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1999. Its importance is also enshrined in the National Planning Framework – Ireland 2040, National Development Plan 2018-2027, Climate Action Plan 2023 , Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Northern and Western Region 2020-2032, Heritage Ireland 2030 (February 2022),Government Policy on Architecture 2009- 2015, ‘Places for People - National Policy on Architecture’ (May 2022), the Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines 2011 and A Living Tradition – A Strategy to Enhance the Understanding, Minding and Handing of Our Built Vernacular Heritage (2021).
- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 217 Chapter 11 Natural, Built and Archaeological HeritageChapter 11 Natural, Built, and Archaeological Heritage Guiding Principles of Architectural Conservation The majority of Donegal’s built heritage was constructed using traditional, natural materials from the landscape that require breathability and good ventilation to allow for a cycle of absorption and evaporation of moisture. Modern impermeable building products are conversely designed to waterproof and can have unintended harmful consequences for historic traditional buildings, leading to issues of damp and decay. Proposals to improve the thermal performance of historic buildings and to insert renewable energy technologies needs to be informed by a proper understanding of the built fabric and traditional methods of construction. Some energy retrofitting options are not suitable for, or efficient in traditional buildings. The condition of the building is a key contributor to good thermal performance and so routine maintenance, conservation and building repair should be completed before other retrofit options are considered. Any new insertions or changes to architectural heritage should generally be directed by the following principles: Guiding Principles of Architectural Conservation • Undertake Minimum Intervention • Ensure Regular Maintenance • Repair Rather Than Replace • Use Appropriate Materials And Methods • Ensure Reversibility of Interventions Objectives (General) AH-O-1 Conserve, manage, protect and enhance the architectural heritage of Donegal namely Protected Structures, Architectural Conservation Areas, NIAH structures, designed landscapes and historic gardens, vernacular, historic building stock industrial and maritime built heritage, character and setting of such structures. AH-O-2 Promote the sustainable and sensitive re-use of the existing built heritage as a positive response to climate change, and promote the circular economy and climate mitigation and adaptation through proper maintenance, repair and appropriate retrofitting, adaptative re-use and regeneration employing best conservation practice. This objective will be pursued on a collaborative and integrated basis in partnership with all relevant stakeholders and through all available funding mechanisms. Policies (General) AH-P-1 Seek to ensure best conservation practice through the application of the Guiding Principles of Architectural Conservation as referenced above, where appropriate including in relation to RPS, NIAH, and Vernacular structures and within ACA’s. In this regard, the use of specialist conservation professionals, conservation plans and crafts persons shall be encouraged.
Source Donegal County Council: County Donegal Development Plan 2024–2030 (As Varied) (2024–2030) · 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.