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) 88 Chapter 6 Housing 8. Drumoghill 6.3.4 Landscape and Services As well as considering the issue of rural housing in the context of socio-economic rural area types as described above, the provision of Rural Housing must also be considered (as with all other development within County Donegal) in the context of how rural housing development can be accommodated and facilitated in the rural area, in terms of the provision of the requisite services and facilities for rural dwellings but also with regard to environmental considerations and how the development can be assimilated into the receiving landscape in a manner that does not detract from the character and quality of that landscape. Chapter 11.2 sets out the following three distinct Landscape Character Classifications that have been identified within the county: - Areas of Especially High Scenic Amenity; - Areas of High Scenic Amenity; and - Areas of Moderate Scenic Amenity. All new development within the County, including rural housing developments, must have regard to the specific landscape classification, in terms of integration and assimilation of development into the receiving landscape. In this context, the policies of this Plan seek to ensure that residential development in rural areas is provided at appropriate locations and in a manner that will sustain rural communities without having a negative impact upon key economic, environmental, natural and cultural heritage assets of rural areas. This rural housing policy framework will provide for sustainable rural communities subject to a number of key policy requirements being met; that the specific
- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 89 Chapter 6 Housing requirements that are set out under Policy RH-P-1 and RH-P-2 are complied with; that housing is of an appropriate quality design, integrates successfully into the landscape and does not cause a detrimental change to, or, further erode the rural character of the area as specified under Policy RH- P-9 (* Please refer to ‘ Building a House in Rural Donegal - A Location, Siting and Design Guide’ available on the Council’s website for further information in this respect); and that the applicant satisfies the relevant definition of rural housing need. Objectives RH-O-1 CC To ensure that new residential development in rural areas provides for genuine rural need. RH-O-2 CC To protect rural ‘Areas Under Strong Urban Influence’, rural ‘Areas Under Strong Holiday Home Influence’, and rural areas immediately outside towns from intensive levels of unsustainable urban/suburban residential development. RH-O-3 To sustain identified small clachan-style communities. RH-O-4 To ensure that rural housing is located, designed and constructed in a manner that does not detract from the character or quality of the receiving landscape having particular regard to Map 11.1: ‘Scenic Amenity’ of this Plan. RH-O-5 To facilitate the positive re-use of existing vacant rural housing stock in the County to seek to prevent further deterioration and dereliction. RH-0-6 To seek the effective resolution of previously permitted unfinished residential development in rural areas, in order to meet housing need for permanent occupancy. Policies Areas Under Strong Urban Influence RH-P-1 CC To consider proposals for new one-off rural housing within ‘Areas Under Strong Urban Influence’ from prospective applicants that can provide evidence of a demonstrable economic or social need (see ‘Definitions’) to live in these areas including, for example, the provision of evidence that they, or their parents or grandparents, have resided at some time within the area under strong urban influence in the vicinity of the application site for a period of at least 7 years. The foregoing is subject to compliance with other relevant policies of this plan, including Policy RH-P-9. This policy shall not apply where an individual has already had the benefit of a permission for a dwelling on another site, unless exceptional circumstances can be demonstrated. An exceptional circumstance would include, but would not be limited to, situations where the applicant has sold a previously permitted, constructed and
- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 90 Chapter 6 Housing occupied dwelling, to an individual who fulfils the bonafides requirements of that permission. New holiday homes will not be permitted in these areas. Areas Under Strong Holiday Home Influence RH-P-2 CC To consider proposals for new one-off rural housing within ‘Areas Under Strong Holiday Home Influence’ from prospective applicants that can provide evidence of a demonstrable economic or social need (see ‘Definitions’) to live in these areas including, for example, the provision of evidence that they, or their parents or grandparents, have resided at sometime within the area under strong holiday home influence in the vicinity of the application site for a period of at least 7 years. The foregoing is subject to compliance with other relevant policies of this plan, including Policies RH-P-9. This policy shall not apply where an individual has already had the benefit of a permission for a dwelling on another site, unless exceptional circumstances can be demonstrated. An exceptional circumstance would include, but would not be limited to, situations where the applicant has sold a previously permitted, constructed and occupied dwelling, to an individual who fulfils the bonafides requirements of that permission. New holiday homes will not be permitted in these areas. Structurally Weak Rural Areas RH-P-3 To consider proposals for new one-off housing within ‘Structurally Weak Rural Areas’ from any prospective applicants for a dwelling house, subject to siting and design considerations and compliance with all other relevant policies of this Plan including Policy RH-P-9. New holiday homes will not be permitted in these areas. RH-P-4 It is a policy of the council to consider opportunities to deliver necessary social and affordable housing at locations around (i) rural schools and; (ii) rural settlements; subject to wastewater services being appropriately delivered and maintained by Donegal County Council as part of a social housing scheme and subject to all other relevant objectives and policies of the plan, including environmental considerations and compliance with the Habitats Directive. Clachans
- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 91 Chapter 6 Housing RH-P-5 To consider proposals for single dwellings for permanent occupation/family homes within identified Clachans without requiring the demonstration of a rural housing need, subject to the dwelling: a. being sited and designed in a manner that enables the development to be assimilated into the area; b. not giving rise to a road safety hazard; c. complying with public health standards; and d. otherwise complying with the policies of this Plan. New Holiday Homes will not be permitted in these areas. Refurbishment/Replacement/Extension of Existing Non-Vernacular Dwellings RH-P-6 To consider proposals for the refurbishment, or replacement, or extension of an existing non-vernacular habitable dwelling for use as either a permanent dwelling or as a holiday home, subject to compliance with the terms of Policy RH-P- 9 below. The design, size, height and finishes of the finished dwelling must be of a scale and form such that the development integrates effectively into the host landscape. Refurbishment/Extension of Existing Traditional Building Stock RH-P-7 To consider proposals for the refurbishment of derelict traditional buildings (refer to definitions below) within rural areas, for use as either a permanent dwelling or as a holiday home, subject to (inter alia) the following criteria being satisfied: a. The proposed development will provide for the retention of the majority of the existing building. b. Proposals for extensions shall respect the character and appearance of the traditional building. The design, size, height and finishes of the proposed refurbishment/ extension must respect the architectural character of the original building type unless otherwise agreed with the Planning Authority, and the finished building must otherwise be of a scale and form such that the development integrates effectively into the host landscape. c. Compliance with the terms of Policy RH-P-9 below. Ancillary Accommodation for Dependant Relatives RH-P-8 a. To consider proposals for the provision of ancillary accommodation for dependent relatives within the curtilage of an existing rural dwelling, subject to compliance with the following criteria: b. Ancillary accommodation for dependent relatives shall be clearly subservient to the main dwelling house in terms of scale and mass, shall be consistent with the form and appearance of the main dwelling house and shall be designed to integrate effectively within the host rural environment, c. Ancillary accommodation shall be served by the existing vehicular entrance to the site and the onus shall be placed on prospective applicants to
- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 92 Chapter 6 Housing demonstrate that existing entrance arrangements are safe and fit for purpose, d. Adequate provision shall be made for the treatment and dispersal of domestic effluent. e. In the event of a grant of permission the Council will attach an Occupancy condition which may require the completion of a legal agreement under Section 47 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). Location, Siting and Design and Other Detailed Planning Considerations RH-P-9 a. Proposals for individual dwellings (including refurbishment, replacement and/or extension projects) shall be sited and designed in a manner that is sensitive to the integrity and character of rural areas as identified in Map 11.1: ‘Scenic Amenity’ of this Plan, and that enables the development to be assimilated into the receiving landscape. Proposals shall be subject to the application of best practice in relation to the siting, location and design of rural housing as set out in Donegal County Council’s ‘ Rural Housing Location, Siting and Design Guide’. In applying these principles, the Council will be guided by the following considerations:- i. A proposed dwelling shall avoid the creation or expansion of a suburban pattern of development in the rural area; ii. A proposed dwelling shall not create or add to ribbon development (see definitions); iii. A proposed dwelling shall not result in a development which by its positioning, siting or location would be detrimental to the amenity of the area or of other rural dwellers or would constitute haphazard development; iv. A proposed dwelling will be unacceptable where it is prominent in the landscape; v. A proposed new dwelling will be unacceptable where it fails to blend with the landform, existing trees or vegetation, buildings, slopes or other natural features which can help its integration. Proposals for development involving extensive or significant excavation or infilling will not normally be favourably considered nor will proposals that result in the removal of trees or wooded areas beyond that necessary to accommodate the development. The extent of excavation that may be considered will depend upon the circumstances of the case, including the extent to which the development of the proposed site, including necessary site works, will blend in unobtrusively with its immediate and wider surroundings. b. Proposals for individual dwellings shall also be assessed against the following criteria: i. the need to avoid any adverse impact on Natura 2000 sites or other designated habitats of conservation importance, prospects or views including views covered by Policy L-P-8; ii. the need to avoid any negative impacts on protected areas defined by the River Basin District plan in place at the time; iii. the site access/egress being configured in a manner that does not constitute a hazard to road users or significantly scar the landscape; iv. the safe and efficient disposal of effluent and surface waters in a manner that does not pose a risk to public health and accords with Environmental Protection Agency codes of practice; v. Compliance with the flood risk management policies of this Plan;
- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 93 Chapter 6 Housing c. In the event of a grant of permission the Council will attach an Occupancy condition which may require the completion of a legal agreement under S47 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). RH-P-10 To require new single house development proposals within the catchment area of the proposed sewerage network in An Bun Beg-Doirí Beaga area to make provision for a future connection to the sewerage network, in consultation with Irish Water. Any applications for single rural houses within this area must: a. include detail of the proposed means of connection to the proposed network, and b. submit detailed proposals for the interim on-site disposal of effluent to current Environmental Protection Agency standards for the disposal of effluent from single house treatment systems. The catchment area of the proposed sewerage network serving the area is identified on the Settlement Framework mapping for An Bun Beg-Doirí Beaga accompanying this Plan. RH-P-11 CC To direct new multiple housing units (defined as 2 or more units) to those towns identified in the Core Strategy/Settlement Hierarchy. Unfinished Multiple Housing Developments in Rural Areas RH-P-12 It is a policy of the Council to consider proposals for the completion of previously permitted and commenced multiple housing developments that consist of partially constructed unfinished residential units that are intended for permanent occupancy in rural areas where the proposed development would be consistent with all relevant policies and objectives of the County Development Plan. When considering proposals for site resolution within unfinished residential developments in rural areas, the planning authority will have regard to the extent and layout of commenced but unfinished residential units on site and will seek to ensure that proposals provide for an orderly form of development that has regard to the rural context of the site. The Council will consider proposals for developer led infrastructure. Definitions: 1. Immediate family members are defined as: Sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, grandparents, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, nieces or nephews of the applicant. 2. Permanent House: The principal and main residence. 3. Derelict building: In general this is defined as a building with most external walls intact. Where the external walls consist of low wallsteads within an area of High or Moderate Scenic Amenity, each case will be considered on its merits with regard to location and siting. However, proposals for the refurbishment of low wallsteads will not be given favourable consideration within Areas of Especially High Scenic Amenity (refer to Map 11.1). 4. Rural Areas of Especially High Scenic Amenity: 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 and accordingly development proposals in
- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 94 Chapter 6 Housing such areas must be formulated to ensure adequate integration into the receiving landscape and must otherwise comply with all other objectives and policies of the Plan. 5. Existing cluster consists of a number of houses and/or other buildings with adjoining curtilages, or within close proximity to each other, and where additional development does not give rise to ribbon development. 6. Ribbon Development: In general 5 houses on any one side of 250 metres road frontage. Whether a given proposal will exacerbate such ribbon development or could be considered will depend on: The type of rural area and circumstances of the applicant. The degree to which the proposal might be considered infill development. The degree to which existing ribbon development would be extended or whether distinct areas of ribbon development would coalesce as a result of the development. The existence of physical and geographical breaks, inclusive of topographical undulations, which may act as a means of extending roadside development in appropriate cases. The degree to which the proposal would form a small cluster with a number of houses or other buildings with adjoining curtilages, this may incorporate backland sites in appropriate circumstances. The Planning Authority shall take a balanced and reasonable view of the interpretation of the above criteria taking account of local circumstances, the context of the site, including the planning history of the area and development pressures. 7. Holiday Home: A secondary place of residence that does not form a principal and main residence. This excludes second homes occupied on an intermittent basis by persons who are returning emigrants. 8. Brownfield Site: A brownfield site is one that has been previously built upon. 9. Economic Need and Social Need Economic Need Persons working full-time or part-time in rural areas including: • Full-time farming, forestry, or marine related occupations, • Part time occupations where the predominant occupation is farming/natural resource related. • Persons whose work is intrinsically linked to rural areas such as teachers in rural schools. Social Need Persons who are Intrinsic part of the Rural Community including: • Farmers, their sons, and daughters and or any persons taking over the ownership and running of farms., • People who have lived most of their lives in rural areas. • Returning emigrants who lived for substantial parts of their lives in rural areas.
- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 95
- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 96 Chapter 7 Economic Development Chapter 7 – Economic Development Strategic Objective To promote and build on the economic strengths and assets of the County as a competitive, innovative and attractive place for a range of sectors to locate and grow, based on the advantages of a robust economic base that is highly appealing to investors and employees Donegal has a varied economic base with activity across a range of sectors including financial and business technology, life sciences, bio-tech, agriculture, both primary and secondary fisheries, primary and secondary manufacturing, engineering including marine engineering, professional services, tourism, creative industries and a range of other employment bases. This planning framework recognises the contribution and potential of traditional sectors such as agriculture and fishing, emerging sectors such as the blue economy and growing business capabilities within key clusters such as Fin Tech, InsurTech, Reg Tech, Med Tech and advanced manufacturing with a clear policy base to support their sustainable expansion in Donegal. 7.1 Current and Emerging Issues/Trends/Influences North West City Region Donegal forms part of the cross-border North West City Region comprising the Council areas of Donegal, Derry and Strabane. The National Planning Framework (NPF) and the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) recognise that the development of the North-West city region is essential to achieving the potential of the overall region and maximising its contribution to regional and all island economic growth. Letterkenny’s designation as a Regional Growth Centre in the NPF and the RSES is crucial to strengthening its strategic economic role by continuing to attract companies to locate and expand and to command investment in key enabling infrastructure for the wider city region. This North West City Region represents the fourth largest urban agglomeration on the island of Ireland with approximately 350,000 residents. The unique connected and interdependent nature of the North West City Region forms a strong proposition for the region as a compelling location for businesses looking to develop their operations in the EU and / or UK markets. While straddling an international border, the region functions in a highly interdependent fashion and this has fostered a unique collaboration within the region. This collaboration is enabled through the work of the North West Regional Development Group (NWRDG) which is made up of representatives from both Councils in Donegal and in Derry City and Strabane. This group is supported by the North West Strategic Growth Partnership (NWSGP) established in 2016 under the auspices of the North South Ministerial Council. This Partnership brings
- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 97 Chapter 7 Economic Development together senior officials from all Government departments in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland together with senior officials from Donegal County Council and Derry City and Strabane District Council to deliver on the strategic priorities aimed at bringing real and positive change for the North West City Region and its environs while releasing the full economic potential of the region. This joined up approach has also been adopted by the education and training providers in the City Region through the establishment of the North West Tertiary Education Cluster which includes Atlantic Technological University, Ulster University, North West Regional College and Donegal Education and Training Board (ETB). The aim of the cluster is to provide pathways and progression routes for students on a cross-border basis and to work with industry to ensure greater economic prosperity and high value jobs. This collaboration is also reflected in the day-to-day workings of both Councils including in areas such as economic development, tourism development and energy management. Initiatives such as the annual North West Trade and Investment Mission to the US led by both Councils, joint inward investments activities in various markets, the International Regulatory Innovation Supercluster, the Best of the North West tourism campaigns, Slí Colmcille Pilgrim route and the NW Energy Agency all speak to the unique collaboration within the region. As one of the three pillars of regional growth guiding the collaborative activities of the North West Strategic Growth Partnership (NWSGP), the spatial strategy seeks to support a vision and the principles on which the region’s economy needs to be supported. A wholly integrated approach to economic planning which gives expression to the best practice principles of place making and strong regions, while also going beyond a policy template which stops at the border, is what will be required for the NWCR to tackle the negative impacts of its historical infrastructure baseline deficit and deliver a just transition which addresses the acute economic and social inequalities experienced in the region’s economy. Existing cross border collaborative working and networking arrangements between key council staff already focuses across a range of sectors, including economic development and spatial planning. In recognising the importance of existing collaborations, it will be essential that there is connectivity between these strands of work in the context of the development and implementation of a spatially led approach to deliver the effective and sustainable development of the City Region. Digital and Community Hubs The Donegal Remote Working Strategy for Business, which was launched by Donegal County Council in 2021, aims to promote Donegal nationally and internationally as an ideal and superb location for remote workers. This Strategy sets out a range of targeted initiatives aimed at positioning Donegal as a world class destination of choice, on the island of Ireland, for remote workers and businesses. It reflects the desire to develop Donegal’s economic landscape, support the development of sustainable communities, harness innovation and fulfil the vision of Donegal as the destination of choice to live, work, visit and do business in, in Ireland. Donegal is well served with a range of top quality, well connected Digital Hubs offering co-working opportunities in various locations across the county and these hubs form part of a broader network of hubs nationally known as the Connected Hub Network. , The Digital Hubs are also well connected within the county through the Donegal Digital Hubs Network and each of the hubs work closely together to address the need for accessible and affordable co-working spaces that have the potential to support the regeneration and revitalization of rural communities. Donegal County Council works closely with the Digital Hub Network by: • Supporting the network of digital hubs / co- working spaces in Donegal by working in collaboration with development organisations and funding bodies and programmes, as well as promoting incentives and supports for remote workers in the region.
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.