Development plan · Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Development Plan 2022–2028 – Written Statement
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards. Variations adopted since are not in this text.
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- 11.1 Introduction The County Development Plan plays a key role in identifying, valuing and safeguarding our shared past. The Plan guides decision-making on what we choose to hand on to the next generation through protection, management, sensitive enhancement or appropriate repurposing. It is recognised that the conservation and enhancement of, and access to, the County’s heritage has the potential to contribute to individual well-being, shared community identities and social cohesion and the liveability of our towns and villages. It is also recognised that the County’s heritage is one of the main attractions for domestic and international visitors and its conservation underpins our visitor economy. Heritage is a social, cultural and economic asset for the development of places, and tangible and intangible heritage is a driver of creativity, innovation and urban regeneration. Under the Heritage Act 1995, heritage is defined in a comprehensive manner as including monuments, archaeological objects, heritage objects such as art and industrial works, documents and genealogical records, architectural heritage, flora, fauna, wildlife habitats, landscapes, seascapes, wrecks, geology, heritage parks and gardens and inland waterways. In DLR, this encompasses a wide range of specific features and elements such as portal tombs, rock art, harbours, piers, boat slips, bridges, quarries, Martello Towers, Victorian terraces, Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian buildings, historic parks, public buildings, street furniture, churches, crosses, graveyards, castles, schools, yacht clubs and a range of domestic architecture, including some good quality twentieth century social housing stock. It also includes landscapes, townscapes and seascapes whose character is defined not only by the physical and visible aspects of history but also the associations, art, stories, characters and activities associated with any particular place. The County also includes fine examples of the stone cleaving, quarrying and masonry traditions which have added to the quality of the County’s, and indeed other places’ built environment over the centuries. The overall policy thrust in relation to the protection of our shared heritage is not about preventing change - rather it is about providing the appropriate tools and mechanisms through the County Development Plan to manage change in a positive way, so that it enhances rather than diminishes the evolving character of the County. This Chapter includes specific objectives and guidance relating to the protection of the County’s heritage under the headings of archaeological heritage, architectural heritage and countywide heritage (which includes the DLR Heritage Plan), and important overarching themes which require specific, additional consideration. Coastal Heritage, Dalkey 213Heritage and ConservationChapter 11
- 11.2 National and Regional Planning Context The policies and objectives set out in this Chapter fully align with national and regional planning policy in the form of the National Planning Framework and the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Eastern and Midlands Region. Both of these documents recognise the important role played by heritage in the everyday lives of people in Ireland. 11.2.1 National Planning Framework The National Planning Framework (NPF) highlights how our built, cultural and natural heritage has intrinsic value in defining the character of urban and rural areas and adding to their liveability, attractiveness and sense of place. It also emphasises how Ireland’s built heritage assets are a nonrenewable resource that merit being nurtured in a manner appropriate to their significance as an aid to understanding the past, contributing to community well-being and quality of life as well as regional economic development. The NPF includes the following National Policy Objectives (NPOs) which relate directly to the issue of heritage: M NPO 17: Enhance, integrate and protect the special physical, social, economic and cultural value of built heritage assets through appropriate and sensitive use now and for future generations. M NPO 60: Conserve and enhance the rich qualities of natural and cultural heritage of Ireland in a manner appropriate to their significance. 11.2.2 Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy The Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) states that cultural heritage is the fabric of our lives and societies, that it surrounds us in the buildings of our towns and cities, our landscapes, natural sites, monuments and archaeological sites and that it brings communities together and builds shared understandings of the places we live. Regional Strategic Outcome (RSO) 5 of the RSES relates to the role of heritage in fostering creative places that meet local needs and aspirations. The RSES also contains a number of Regional Policy Objectives (RPOs) which could be included under the broad heading of heritage (including arts, culture and language. The NPF and RSES outcomes and policy objectives outlined above have been taken into account and form the basis for a number of the specific policies set out in the following sections of this Chapter. Cabinteely Library 214dlrcoco | County Development Plan 2022-2028
- 11.3 Archaeological Heritage Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown has a rich archaeological heritage, which has left its traces in the landscape. This heritage includes structures, constructions, groups of buildings, moveable objects, developed sites and all recorded monuments (as well as their contexts) whether situated on land or underwater. The Council fully recognises its role in protecting this resource for future generations to enjoy. The European Convention on the Protection of Archaeological Heritage (1992) was ratified by Ireland in 1997. The archaeological heritage of the County is protected by the National Monuments Acts 1930 -2004 and is comprised of: M Recorded sites and features of historical and archaeological importance included in the Record of Monuments and Places M Registered sites and features of historical and archaeological importance included in the Register of Historic Monuments, as established under Section 5 of the National Monuments Act, 1987 M National Monuments in State ownership or guardianship M National Monuments, which are the subject of Preservation Orders M All previously unknown archaeology that becomes known (e.g. through ground disturbance, fieldwork or the discovery of sites underwater). The document ‘Framework and Principles for the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage’ (1999) emphasises the importance of ensuring that full account is taken of archaeological considerations in the wider planning and development process. 11.3.1 Record of Monuments and Places The Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) was established under Section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act, 1994. Structures, features, objects or sites listed in this Record are known as Recorded Monuments. The RMP is accompanied by a set of maps on which monuments are designated by a relevant reference number and denoted by a circle defining a Zone of Archaeological Potential. The Record of Monuments and Places for DLR is listed in Appendix 4. The qualities of archaeological and architectural interest are not mutually exclusive and certain structures may appear on both the Record of Monuments and Places and the Record of Protected Structures. Applicants with development proposals proximate to sites listed within the RMP are encouraged to consult with The National Monuments Service at an early stage in order to ascertain any specific requirements that may be required to protect the site in question. 11.3.1.1 Policy Objective HER1: Protection of Archaeological Heritage It is a Policy Objective to protect archaeological sites, National Monuments (and their settings), which have been identified in the Record of Monuments and Places and, where feasible, appropriate and applicable to promote access to and signposting of such sites and monuments. In the implementation of this policy, the Council will endeavour to review and assess the feasibility of improving public accessibility to sites and monuments under the direct ownership or control of the Council or of the State. 11.3.1.2 Policy Objective HER2: Protection of Archaeological Material in Situ It is a Policy Objective to seek the preservation in situ (or where this is not possible or appropriate, as a minimum, preservation by record) of all archaeological monuments included in the Record of Monuments and Places, and of previously unknown sites, features and objects of archaeological interest that become revealed through development activity. In respect of decision making on development proposals affecting sites listed in the Record of Monuments and Places, the Council will have regard to the advice and/ or recommendations of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (DCHG). The Council will strictly control development proposals that could have a negative impact on the significance of archaeological sites and monuments, their settings and/or interpretation. Land uses shall not give rise to significant losses of the integrity, quality or context of archaeological material – except as may be conditioned or directed by the appropriate heritage agencies. This shall be achieved by the application of appropriate design standards and criteria. 215Heritage and ConservationChapter 11
- 11.3.2 Protection of Archaeological Heritage 11.3.2.1 Policy Objective HER3: Protection of Historic Towns It is a Policy Objective to promote and protect the Historic Town of Dalkey as identified by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (DCHG) (consistent with RPO 9.27 of the RSES). Dalkey, a Historic Town, has been designated by the DCHG as a zone of Archaeological Potential, and is an area where intense archaeology is present. The redevelopment of the Historic Town of Dalkey will include as far as is practical the retention of the existing street layout, historic building lines and traditional plot widths where these derive from medieval or earlier origins. The historic core of Dalkey is also an Architectural Conservation Area, with specific policy recommendations formulated to protect its special character and guide its future development. 11.3.2.2 Policy Objective HER4: Carrickmines Castle Site It is a Policy Objective to support the implementation of the (Archaeological) Conservation Plan for the Carrickmines Castle Site. The Carrickmines Castle (Archaeological) Conservation Plan will guide the management and conservation of the archaeological site through specific policies and actions for its care and conservation based on an understanding of the site. 11.3.2.3 Policy Objective HER5: Historic Burial Grounds It is a Policy Objective to protect historical and/or closed burial grounds within the County and encourage their maintenance in accordance with good conservation practice and to promote access to such sites where possible. There are numerous ecclesiastical sites throughout the County which are of significant archaeological interest, many of which are listed in the Record of Monuments and Places. For the purposes of this policy, a historical burial ground is generally one which is no longer active and/or one that is included within the Record of Monuments and Places. 11.3.2.4 Policy Objective HER6: Underwater Archaeology It is a Policy Objective for all developments, which have potential to impact on riverine, intertidal and sub-tidal environments to require an archaeological assessment prior to works being carried out. Under the National Monuments Act, all shipwrecks over one hundred years old, and other underwater archaeological structures, features and objects are protected. Dalkey Island 216dlrcoco | County Development Plan 2022-2028
- 11.4 Architectural Heritage Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown has a diverse architectural heritage that is reflected in the significant number of areas of special character - which are defined as Architectural Conservation Areas - and the very high number of Protected Structures. The Convention for the Protection of the Architectural Heritage of Europe (The Granada Convention), drawn up by the Council of Europe, was ratified by Ireland in 1997. The national legislative provision for the protection of architectural heritage was subsequently introduced and implemented in the form of the Planning and Development Act, 2000. Part IV of the Act provides the legislative basis for the protection of architectural heritage. To complement this, the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht issued ‘Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ (2011). These offer assistance and advice to owners and occupiers of Protected Structures and buildings within Architectural Conservation Areas in addition to offering guidance to Planning Authorities. The historic built environment makes a significant contribution to the economic prosperity of an area by attracting investment, providing direct and indirect employment, as well as sustaining a traditional skills base. It is recognised that the County’s built heritage is one of the main attractions for visitors to Ireland and its conservation reinforces and promotes our tourism industry. 11.4.1 Record of Protected Structures 11.4.1.1 Policy Objective HER7: Record of Protected Structures It is a Policy Objective to include those structures that are considered in the opinion of the Planning Authority to be of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, technical or social interest in the Record of Protected Structures. The Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) requires each Planning Authority to include in their Development Plan objectives for the protection of structures, or parts of structures, which are of, special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, technical or social interest. These buildings and structures are compiled on a register referred to as the Record of Protected Structures (RPS). The RPS for DLR currently includes close to 2,100 structures, as listed in Appendix 4 and shown on the County Development Plan Maps. A Protected Structure, unless otherwise stated, includes the interior of the structure, the land lying within the curtilage of the structure, any other structures lying within that curtilage and their interior and all fixtures and features which form part of the interior or exterior of that structure. The protection also extends to any features specified as being in the attendant grounds including boundary treatments. It is a policy objective to review and update the RPS on foot of any Ministerial recommendations following the completion of the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH). Cabinteely House 217Heritage and ConservationChapter 11
- 11.4.1.2 Policy Objective HER8: Work to Protected Structures It is a Policy Objective to: i. Protect structures included on the RPS from any works that would negatively impact their special character and appearance. ii. Ensure that any development proposals to Protected Structures, their curtilage and setting shall have regard to the ‘Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ published by the Department of the Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. iii. Ensure that all works are carried out under supervision of a qualified professional with specialised conservation expertise. iv. Ensure that any development, modification, alteration, or extension affecting a Protected Structure and/or its setting is sensitively sited and designed, and is appropriate in terms of the proposed scale, mass, height, density, layout, and materials. v. Ensure that the form and structural integrity of the Protected Structure is retained in any redevelopment and that the relationship between the Protected Structure and any complex of adjoining buildings, designed landscape features, or views and vistas from within the grounds of the structure are respected. vi. Respect the special interest of the interior, including its plan form, hierarchy of spaces, architectural detail, fixtures and fittings and materials. vii. Ensure that new and adapted uses are compatible with the character and special interest of the Protected Structure. viii. Protect the curtilage of protected structures and to refuse planning permission for inappropriate development within the curtilage and attendant grounds that would adversely impact on the special character of the Protected Structure. ix. Protect and retain important elements of built heritage including historic gardens, stone walls, entrance gates and piers and any other associated curtilage features. x. Ensure historic landscapes and gardens associated with Protected Structures are protected from inappropriate development (consistent with NPO 17 of the NPF and RPO 9.30 of the RSES). All works are to be carried out to the highest standards in accordance with the guidelines and specific guidance set out in Section 12.11 of Chapter 12 ‘Development Management’. The curtilage of a Protected Structure is often an essential part of the structure’s special interest. In certain circumstances, the curtilage may comprise a clearly defined garden or grounds, which may have been laid out to complement the design or function. However, the curtilage of a structure can also be expansive. The traditional proportionate relationship in scale between buildings, returns, gardens and mews structures should be retained. A garden size appropriate to that of the structure should be also be retained. Historic landscapes and gardens are also an important amenity and contribute to the setting and character of Protected Structures. These can include both built and natural features such as walled gardens, views/vistas, tree-lined avenues, decorative tree-clumps, woodlands, or plant collections. 11.4.1.3 Policy Objective HER9: Protected Structures Applications and Documentation It is a Policy Objective to require all planning applications relating to Protected Structures to contain the appropriate level of documentation in accordance with Article 23 (2) of the Planning Regulations and Chapter 6 and Appendix B of the ‘Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities’, or any variation thereof. Adherence to this policy will enable the proper assessment of the proposed works and encourage best practice and the use of skilled specialist practitioners in the conservation of Protected Structures. 11.4.1.4 Policy Objective HER10: Protected Structures and Building Regulations It is a Policy Objective to protect the character and special interest of Protected Structures when considering or carrying out interventions to comply with the requirements of the Building Regulations - with particular reference to Part B and Part M. Regard will be had to the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht publication ‘Access: Improving the Accessibility of Historic Buildings and Places’ (2011). 218dlrcoco | County Development Plan 2022-2028
- 11.4.1.5 Policy Objective HER11: Energy Efficiency of Protected Structures It is a Policy Objective to have regard to the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government’s publication on ‘Energy Efficiency in Traditional Buildings’ (2010) and the Irish Standard IS EN 16883:2017 ‘Conservation of Cultural Heritage - Guidelines for Improving the Energy Performance of Historic Buildings’ (2017) and any future advisory documents in assessing proposed works on Protected Structures. The enhanced thermal performance requirements (Part L) of the Building Regulations do not apply to buildings included on the Record of Protected Structures. Notwithstanding such exemptions, and in the overall interest of promoting sustainability, the Council recognises the need to improve energy efficiency, provided that the retrofitting of energy efficiency measures does not harm or compromise the special interest of the Protected Structure. The Irish Standard publication prepared by CEN Technical Committee on Conservation of Cultural Heritage, sets out a systematic procedure to assist decision-making in the context of upgrading the energy efficiency of the historic building stock. 11.4.1.6 Policy Objective HER12: National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) It is a Policy Objective to review and update the RPS on foot of any Ministerial recommendations. The ‘Ministerial Recommendations’, made under Section 53 of the Planning Acts, will be taken into account when the Planning Authority is considering proposals for development that would affect the historic or architectural interest of these structures. The Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht is responsible for carrying out surveys of the architectural heritage on a county-by-county basis. Following the publication of the NIAH of the County, and any subsequent Ministerial recommendations, the Council will consider further amendments to the Record of Protected Structures. The NIAH survey may be consulted online at https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/. Neptune House, Blackrock 219Heritage and ConservationChapter 11
- 11.4.2 Architectural Conservation Areas 11.4.2.1 Policy Objective HER13: Architectural Conservation Areas It is a Policy Objective to: i. Protect the character and special interest of an area which has been designated as an Architectural Conservation Area (ACA). Please refer to Appendix 4 for a full list of ACAs. ii. Ensure that all development proposals within an ACA be appropriate to the character of the area having regard to the Character Appraisals for each area. iii. Ensure that any new development or alteration of a building within an ACA or immediately adjoining an ACA is appropriate in terms of the proposed design, including scale, height, mass, density, building lines and materials. iv. Seek a high quality, sensitive design for any new development(s) that are complementary and/or sympathetic to their context and scale whilst simultaneously encouraging contemporary design which is in harmony with the area. Direction can also be taken from using traditional forms that are then expressed in a contemporary manner rather than a replica of a historic building style. v. Ensure street furniture is kept to a minimum, is of good design and any redundant street furniture removed. vi. Seek the retention of all features that contribute to the character of an ACA including boundary walls, railings, soft landscaping, traditional paving and street furniture. Many of the towns and villages of DLR contain areas which exhibit a distinct character and intrinsic qualities based on their historic built form and layout. This character is often derived from the cumulative impact of the area’s buildings, their setting, landscape and other locally important features which developed gradually over time. The Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) provides the legislative basis for the protection of such areas, known as Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs). Under the Act, an ACA is defined as a place, area, group of structures or townscape, that is of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, technical, social interest or value, or contributes to the appreciation of Protected Structures. An ACA may consist of groupings of buildings and streetscapes and associated open spaces. The protected status afforded by inclusion in an ACA only applies to the exteriors of structures and features of the streetscape. It does not prevent internal changes or rearrangements provided that these changes do not impact on the external appearance of the structure. While the purpose of ACA designation is to protect and enhance the special character of an area, it should not be viewed as a means of preventing new development but rather to help guide and manage change to ensure developments are sympathetic to the special character of the ACA. DLR has 23 designated ACAs which range from groups of artisan and estate workers cottages, planned residential Victorian squares to large areas of residential suburbs and villages. The boundary of each designated ACA is delineated and accompanied by a detailed description of the architectural character and special interest of the area supported by policies and objectives to assist in the future management of the area. ACA appraisals and boundaries can be viewed online at: https:// www.dlrcoco.ie/en/conservation/architecturalconservation-areas 11.4.2.2 Policy Objective HER14: Demolition within an ACA It is a Policy Objective to prohibit the demolition of a structure(s) that positively contributes to the character of the ACA. Any such proposals will be required to demonstrate that the existing building is incapable of viable repair and reuse and should be accompanied by an Architectural Heritage Impact Assessment, photographic survey and condition report. (Refer also to Chapter 12, Section 12.11.2). 11.4.2.3 Policy Objective HER15: Shopfronts within an ACA It is a Policy Objective to: i. Ensure that all original and traditional shopfronts which contribute positively to the appearance and character of a streetscape within an ACA are retained and restored. ii. Ensure that new shopfronts are welldesigned, through the sympathetic use of scale, proportion and materials (Refer also to Chapter 12, Section 12.6.8). Well-designed and high quality shopfronts make a positive contribution to the appearance of an ACA. Conversely, insensitive and poorly crafted shopfronts detract from the character of the streetscape. 220dlrcoco | County Development Plan 2022-2028
- 11.4.2.4 Policy Objective HER16: Public Realm and Public Utility works within an ACA It is a Policy Objective to: i. Retain or sensitively reintegrate any surviving items of historic street furniture and finishes such as granite kerbing and paving that contribute to the character of an ACA. ii. Ensure that works to the public realm - such as the provision of traffic control measures, street furniture, materials and finishes - have regard to the distinctive character of the area. iii. Encourage the undergrounding of overhead services and the removal of redundant wiring/cables within an ACA. Proposed infrastructural and public utility works within an ACA can have an impact upon the character of the public realm. The Council recognises the need for care in the undertaking of works by private developers, property owners, statutory undertakers and by the Council itself within an ACA. 11.4.2.5 Policy Objective HER17: Candidate Architectural Conservation Areas It is a Policy Objective to assess candidate Architectural Conservation Areas to determine if they meet the requirements and criteria for re-designation as Architectural Conservation Areas. DLR has a number of candidate Architectural Conservation Areas and these are listed in Appendix 4. They will be assessed in accordance with the assessment criteria are set out in Part IV of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended) and Chapter 3 of ‘Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities’. 11.4.2.6 Policy Objective HER18: Development within a Candidate Architectural Conservation Area It is a Policy Objective that development proposals within a candidate Architectural Conservation Area will be assessed having regard to the impact on the character of the area in which it is to be placed. All proposals for new development should preserve or enhance the established character of the buildings and streetscape. Marlay Park 221Heritage and ConservationChapter 11
- 11.4.3 Protection of Other Elements of Built Heritage 11.4.3.1 Policy Objective HER19: Protection of Buildings in Council Ownership It is a Policy Objective to: i. Continue to demonstrate best practice with regard to Protected Structures, Recorded Monuments and other elements of architectural heritage in the ownership and care of the Council. ii. Ensure any works are undertaken having regard to the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht ‘Advice Series’ publications on how best to carry out repairs and maintain historic buildings and ensure the use of specialist practitioners in the field of conservation. The Council has responsibility for a wide variety of structures of heritage significance, many of which are included on the RPS and/or RMP. 11.4.3.2 Policy Objective HER20: Buildings of Vernacular and Heritage Interest It is a Policy Objective to: i. Retain, where appropriate, and encourage the rehabilitation and suitable reuse of existing older buildings/structures/features which make a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the area and streetscape in preference to their demolition and redevelopment and to preserve surviving shop and pub fronts of special historical or architectural interest including signage and associated features. ii. Encourage the retention and/or reinstatement of original fabric of our historic building stock such as windows, doors, roof coverings, shopfronts, pub fronts and other significant features. iii. Ensure that appropriate materials be used to carry out any repairs to the historic fabric. Many of the older buildings and structures in the County, whilst not strictly meeting the criteria for inclusion in the Record of Protected Structures, are often modest buildings which make a positive contribution to the historic built environment of DLR. Vernacular architecture is generally classified as structures built by local people using local materials. These buildings tended to be constructed using traditional materials such as lime, stone, mud, thatch, slate and timber. The retention and reuse of these buildings adds to the streetscape, rural landscape and sense of place and has a role in the sustainable development of the County. 11.4.3.3 Policy Objective HER21: Nineteenth and Twentieth Century Buildings, Estates and Features: It is a Policy Objective to: i. Encourage the appropriate development of exemplar nineteenth and twentieth century buildings, and estates to ensure their character is not compromised. ii. Encourage the retention and reinstatement of features that contribute to the character of exemplar nineteenth and twentieth century buildings, and estates such as roofscapes, boundary treatments and other features considered worthy of retention. iii. Ensure the design of developments on lands located immediately adjacent to such groupings of buildings addresses the visual impact on any established setting. Some urban and suburban areas within the County contain groupings of nineteenth and twentieth century buildings that are recognised for their distinctive planned layout and collective interest, as determined by the Planning Authority. 11.4.3.4 Policy Objective HER22: Protection of Historic Street Furniture and Public Realm It is a Policy Objective to: i. Preserve the retention of historic items of street furniture where these contribute to the character of the area, including items of a vernacular or local significance. ii. Promote high standards for design, materials and workmanship in public realm improvements within areas of historic character. Items of historic street furniture can be important elements in establishing the character of our streetscapes and sense of place. Such items could include bollards, railings, street signs, post boxes, telephone kiosks, horse troughs, water pumps, jostle stones, milestones, cobbles and setts, coal hole covers, weighbridges, plaques and granite kerbing. These elements can be vulnerable to needless loss as well as poor reconstruction due to carelessness and a lack of awareness. 222dlrcoco | County Development Plan 2022-2028
Source Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council: Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Development Plan 2022–2028 – Written Statement (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.