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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.

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council · 2022–2028 · 380 pages

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  1. regard to the DECLG ‘Retail Planning Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ (2012), the accompanying ‘Retail Design Manual’ (2012) and the ‘Retail Planning Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2008- 2016’ and/or any updated Retail Strategy for the Dublin area. 12.6.2 Large Goods Stores Large convenience store - comprising supermarkets, superstores and hypermarkets – are now an accepted element of retailing in cities and large towns. They often provide primarily for the weekly convenience goods shopping of households. They require extensive open areas of floorspace together with adjacent car parking as the majority their customers undertake their bulk convenience shopping trips by car. Large convenience goods stores should be located in, or on the edge of Major Town Centres or District Centres. Where a proposal for large convenience goods stores development involves the sale of a significant amount of comparison goods (as is now common in many supermarkets, superstores and hypermarkets), the planning application drawings should clearly delineate the floorspace to be devoted primarily for the sale of convenience goods. The balance between the convenience and comparison element of the proposed store drawings is a critical element in the assessment of the suitability of the development proposal. Where a significant element of the store is indicated to be for comparison goods the potential impact of that element of the store on existing comparison goods stores within the catchment must be included in the assessment of the application. 12.6.3 Convenience Shop A small/local convenience shop will be open for consideration within a residential area (lands zoned Objective ‘A’ – “To provide residential development and improve residential amenity while protecting the existing residential amenities”). When assessing any such proposals, the Council will have regard to the distance from the proposed development to established local shopping facilities and to its impact on the amenity of adjoining dwellings. Local convenience shops shall not have a floorspace greater than 100 sq.m. net. (refer also to Policy RET8, Section 7.5.5.1). 12.6.4 Retail Parks and Retail Warehousing Retail parks have generally evolved as agglomerations of retail warehouses grouped around a common car park selling mainly bulky household goods. Retail warehouses can often require extensive areas of showroom space, often with minimal storage requirements. Retail warehouses have two main impacts on the retail hierarchy in a County: M If located in a Major Town Centre - by their very nature, scale and spatial characteristics – a Retail Park/Warehouse can detract from the urban character of the Town Centre and represent an unsustainable and inappropriate use of land. M If the range of goods on offer in a retail warehouse extends beyond that of bulky household goods it could undermine or weaken the hierarchy of retail centres in the County. The range of goods being sold from retail warehouse parks can often include a high proportion of non-bulky durables. If this pattern were allowed to continue unchallenged there is potential for a detrimental impact on the County’s Major Town Centres and District Centres. The ‘Retail Planning Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ (2012), recommend that the retail floorspace in any given retail warehouse unit be devoted to: M Ancillary products associated with bulky goods and/or non-bulky durables should not exceed 20%. In addition, such space shall be clearly delineated on the planning application drawings to facilitate monitoring and enforcement. This guidance will be adhered to in relation to future Retail Parks and Retail Warehouse developments in the County. As a general principle the Planning Authority will adopt a precautionary approach to any significant additional retail warehouse floorspace in the County for the duration of the Development Plan. Such an approach is advocated in the ‘Retail Planning Guideline for Planning Authorities’ (2012). Having regard to the precautionary approach advised above and where appropriate, retail warehousing may be facilitated on land with zoning Objective ‘E’ – “To provide for employment and economic development” where the site has good access to a suitable road network and has access to integrated public transport. For out-of-centre locations, the 2012 Guidelines provide a recommended minimum unit size for retail warehouses of 700 sq.m. and a ‘capped’ maximum unit size of 6,000 sq.m. These standards will be adhered to in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. 273Development ManagementChapter 12
  2. 12.6.5 Fast Food Outlets/Takeaways/ Restaurants The following criteria will be taken into account in the assessment of development proposals for fast food/takeaway outlets, including those with a drivethrough facility, and where relevant, for restaurants. M The need to retain, protect and strengthen the retail overall variety, and multi-use function of the area. M The adequacy of existing facilities for the sale of hot food for consumption off the premises in the locality. In this regard, the applicant shall submit details of all existing fast food/takeaway outlets within the locality. M The cumulative effect of the proposed development on the amenities of the area, particularly so in predominantly residential zoned locales. M The effect of the proposed development on the existing mix of land uses and activities in the area. M Careful consideration of the location of fast food outlets in the vicinity of schools and parks. M Location of vents and other external services and their impact on adjoining amenities in terms of noise/smell/visual impact. M Fast food outlets/takeaways with proposed drive- through facilities will generally only be acceptable within Major Town Centres or District Centres and will be assessed on a caseby-case basis. M The proliferation or oversupply of certain premises that cause or are likely to cause disturbance or nuisance, detract from amenities or seriously detract from an area generally in terms of use and services mix may be resisted. M Hours of operation. 12.6.6 Off-Licences/Betting Shops Off-Licences and Betting Shops provided in the County’s commercial and mixed-use areas provide a local commercial service. The Planning Authority will seek to protect residential and other communities by ensuring that the quantum of off licences/betting shops - particularly within smaller centres - is not disproportionate to the overall size and character of the area. However, the number and control of off- licences/betting shops will primarily be a licensing issue. In any consideration of proposals for off-licences/ betting shops, regard to the amenities of nearby residents - i.e. noise, general disturbance, hours of operation and litter – will be paramount. New Off-Licences and Betting Shops will not be permitted in areas zoned Objective ‘A’ – ‘To protect and/or improve residential amenity’. Any application for betting shops shall clearly indicate on drawings submitted the location and size of any/all satellite dishes required to serve the unit. The Planning Authority will generally not accept TV screens or excessive advertising (generally no more than 25% coverage) within the shop window of betting shops. 12.6.7 Service Stations Applications for service stations should take account of the following: Retail sales area: M The total area (net) devoted to ancillary - or convenience - retail sales, within a service station shall not exceed 100 sq.m. and shall be in scale with the overall size of the filling station. Should such a unit or a larger retail facility be proposed with a wide range of Christmas lights Monkstown Village 274dlrcoco | County Development Plan 2022-2028
  3. goods it will be treated as a shop and assessed accordingly (including a sequential test). Location: M Limited service station facilities ancillary to large foodstores located in, or adjacent to Major Town Centres/District Centres, may be permitted where there is acceptable road access, and where it is considered there will be no negative impacts in terms of visual intrusion or the amenities of the adjoining area. A workshop for minor servicing (e.g. tyre changing, puncture repairs, oil changing) or service station may only be permitted in circumstances where they would not adversely affect local amenities - particularly with regard to proximity to dwellings or adjoining residential areas. The Planning Authority will generally not permit such uses in or adjoining residential areas unless it can be clearly demonstrated that no significant damage to residential amenities will occur by reason of factors such as noise, visual obtrusion, safety considerations or fumes and smells. Low Emission Fuel Infrastructure: M Consideration should be given to the provision of low emission fuel infrastructure, including the provision of EV charging facilities, in development proposals for new and or refurbished service stations. Design: M New service stations and refurbished existing stations will be required to have a high standard of design. In rural areas service stations will not be permitted where they will have a negative impact on surrounding views, prospects, and scenery or general amenities. M New service stations and refurbished existing stations shall ensure provision of Low Emission Vehicle Refuelling/Recharging Infrastructure. M The layout of new or redeveloped service stations shall permit safe access for delivery tankers (cab plus trailer) up to 15.5 metres in length. An adequate off - road area shall be provided for parking tankers safely without obstructing access to pumps while fuel is being delivered to service stations. M For 50kph speed limit areas, a road frontage of not less than 21 metres is required for a new service station, and this frontage must be kept clear of any structure for a depth of not less than 4.6 metre from the street boundary of the site. This road frontage width shall increase to a minimum of 30 metres for 60/80kph speed limit areas. M There shall be a minimum distance of 7 metres from the pump island to the road boundary. N Only one entry and one exit point shall be permitted for vehicular traffic onto the public road, and exits onto dual carriageways shall be restricted to a single lane width. The access points shall be between 7 metres-9 metres wide, with a minimum junction radius of 10.7 metres. A one-way traffic routing system is preferred. N Ramped entry treatments shall be provided at the vehicular entrance and exit, as per Council requirements, to provide for pedestrian/cyclist priority as appropriate. N Pedestrian routes to and from retail areas shall be clearly defined. N Short and long-term cycle parking and cycle facilities provision shall be in accordance with the requirements of the Council Cycling Policy Guidelines and Standards - with a minimum of 5 no. cycle parking spaces required. N The location of air/water facilities and car wash facilities shall be carefully considered in relation to impact on adjoining properties. Details in respect of noise generation and hours of use shall be submitted as part of any application. N The location of any other ancillary structure(s) within the forecourt – such as a parcel collection/ drop off structure – shall be clearly indicated and should not interfere with vehicular circulation or car/ cycle parking within the service station forecourt. N Where it is proposed to provide a fully automated filling station, the proposed use/function of any existing and/or disused kiosk/shop unit on site shall be clearly demonstrated within any planning application. N New service stations and refurbished existing service stations shall include at a minimum one bicycle repair and maintenance station, including bicycle wash and pump, which shall be maintained accordingly. Signage: M Signs should be limited and generally form part of the buildings or other structures. M The use of high level signs, signs projecting over footpaths, ‘fly’ posters and bunting will not be permitted. Free standing signs shall be limited to one per service station and shall not project above the forecourt canopy and shall not impact on vehicular sightlines at the exit onto the public road. M In visually sensitive locations, the use of standard ‘corporate’ designs and back-lit signage etc. for service stations may not be acceptable. 275Development ManagementChapter 12
  4. Lighting: M Forecourt lighting including canopy and signage lighting should be limited to that which is necessary for the safe operation of a service station. The use of high level and powerful lighting should be avoided where possible and should not interfere with the amenities of adjoining premises or cause glare, hazard or confusion to public road users. All external lighting shall be cowled and diverted away from the public roadway to prevent a traffic hazard. Hours of Operation: M Consideration may also be given to the limiting of the hours of operation. Details in respect of opening hours shall be submitted as part of the planning application. Discharge License M A discharge license may be required. 12.6.8 Shopfronts, Signage, Advertising and Public Art 12.6.8.1 Shopfronts Good shopfront design makes a valuable contribution to the environmental quality of shopping areas. The overall preference is for ‘open’ design shopfronts with no security shutters, with an illuminated goods display and otherwise some element of lighting on shopfront windows on main shopping streets. The Council will control the design of shopfronts in line with the following principles - the scope of which encompasses not only shops but also other business frontages, such as restaurants, public houses, banks, and offices- namely: M The design, materials and proportion of the shopfront should be appropriate and respect the scale and fabric of the building and/or street of which they form part. Not all shopfront design needs to be in the ‘traditional style’, the use of high quality contemporary designs is welcomed. M Replacement of more modern era, but poor quality, shopfronts may be welcomed e.g. restoring original building features or omitting ‘over-size’ or obtrusive signs. M The presence of well-crafted and historic shopfronts is an important part of the character of an area. Features of existing shopfronts, which are likely to be of interest and merit include pilasters or uprights, apron panels, stall risers or plinths below the display windows, any mullions, or glazing bars to the display window etc. Such elements should be considered for retention and incorporated into the new shopfront design. M Fascia design is an important element of shopfront design. Fascias should not interfere with existing first floor cills and should reflect existing plot widths. M Oversized fascias are not appropriate. M If aluminium is used it should be anodised or treated in an appropriate colour. M The painting of clay brick or stone is generally not acceptable. M Illuminated box signage will generally not be acceptable. M Fascia and shopfront lighting shall be carefully considered. M The amount of hanging and projecting signs will be controlled on shopfronts and streetscapes. M Commercial interests will not necessarily be allowed to use standardised shopfront design, ‘corporate colours’ and materials. Compatibility with individual buildings and with the street scene is considered more important than uniformity between the branches of one company. M Roller shutters are not exempted development on, or in front of the building line and their erection requires planning permission. M Shutters should be provided in such a way that no part of the shutter or its casing extends beyond the face of the building. Where possible the shutter should be recessed to provide for a window display area. Painted and ‘pen grille’ shuttering should be used and, in all cases, shutters should be treated with a colour to match the colour of the main shopfront materials. Provision should be made for roller shutters behind the line of the glazing. In vulnerable areas painted ‘Open Style’ external shutters may be appropriate. M Alarm boxes should be sensitive in design and location on the building. M Planning permission will be required for the erection of canopies. Canopies of traditional design and retractable materials will be promoted. M Signage/advertising on freestanding structures to the front of commercial units, such as wind breaks/ tables and chairs etc, shall be limited. Freestanding structures may not be accepted in instances where they would detract from the shopfront of a unit by means of impeding access or visual clutter. 12.6.8.2 Signage To protect the amenities and attractiveness of the County, no commercial advertising structure will be permitted in the open countryside, on or near a structure of architectural or historical importance, in architectural conservation areas, on public open spaces, in areas of high amenity, within important 276dlrcoco | County Development Plan 2022-2028
  5. views, in residential areas, or where they would confuse or distract users of any public road. The existing County Heritage Plan includes for the provision of an Interpretation Programme, which includes information boards and signage in the public realm and printed materials such as maps and trails. In addition, the Council will encourage the use of informational signage with respect to biodiversity, ecology, and climate adaptation measures at specific locations throughout the County. Particular attention will be paid to the design and location of new advertising in those areas where the Council intends to implement town and village improvement schemes in order to maximise the potential environmental benefits of such schemes and also in areas the subject of Local Area Plans. Advertising signs, where permitted, should be simple in design and sympathetic to the surroundings and features of the building on which they will be displayed. The number of signs located on a property should be limited, to avoid visual clutter, and no sign should be unduly obtrusive or out-of-scale with the building façade. The use of existing infrastructure for advertising should be considered. Control will be exercised to prevent excessive signage and an impression of visual clutter in any location. Details in respect of signage illumination (i.e. backlit, downlighters, uplighters etc.) must be submitted as part of the planning application, and the Council will discourage the use of flashing/moving illumination on signs or TV screens within shop windows. Applications for signage shall also be considered having regard to the impact of any proposed signage, associated lighting or any other structure along roads running parallel to or buildings alongside the railways. In this regard reference, to and requirements of TII’s ‘Code of engineering practice for works on, near, or adjacent the Luas light rail system’ and TII’s Light Rail Environment - Technical Guidelines for Development PE- PDV-00001 December 2020 (or any superseding document) should be made. 12.6.8.3 Wall Panel/Poster Board Advertisements Wall panel/poster board advertisements may be permitted on commercial premises in Major Town Centres, District Centres and Neighbourhood Centres. The size of the display panel should relate to pedestrian scale. Larger scale poster panels are generally inappropriate in locations proximate to pedestrians. A wall panel/poster board should be sited back from the wall edges (i.e. not fill entire wall sections and obscure tops/sides of walls) and have regard to the symmetry and any features of the wall on which it is to be displayed. Panels should not normally be placed on buildings above ground floor level. Signage 277Development ManagementChapter 12
  6. Wall panel/poster board advertisements will not be permitted where they would confuse or distract users of any public road and the use of prismatic/ moving advertisements will not be encouraged. In circumstances where they will provide temporary screening for derelict and vacant sites or sites where development is taking place, the actual poster board should not exceed 30% of the surface of the wall or screening on which it is mounted. Subject to location, well designed advertisement panels may be permitted on construction hoardings for a specified period. The panels should not extend above the general line of the top of the hoarding and should be evenly spaced at uniform height and width. 12.6.8.4 Bus Shelters and Taxi Shelters Shelters incorporating advertising panels shall be carefully sited and shall not impact on vehicular sightlines. Shelters will be considered generally in regard to convenience, visual amenity and the facilitation of the greater use of public transport. The Planning Authority will exercise control over their exact location and over the number and scale of advertising panels permitted. Consideration will be given in such cases to the provision of associated supporting items such as bicycle stands and litter bins. Cantilevered shelters may be required so as not to impede pedestrian flow. 12.6.8.5 Free-Standing and Outdoor Advertisement Displays Public information and advertising panels are permissible in situations such as pedestrian precincts of shopping centres, other areas of commercial activity and along major traffic routes. They can sometimes be effective when grouped in a unified composite, which avoids an impression of clutter, subject to the location and number of panels. The amount of advertising permitted on public information panels will be restricted and shall constitute not more than 50% of the total area. The location of all proposed freestanding advertising structures should be carefully considered having regard to pedestrian movement, and vehicles entering, and exiting a site or parking space. The use of totem pole advertisement displays will be carefully considered. In general, a proliferation of these structures shall be avoided in the commercially zoned areas of the County. Their height should not be excessive and should be sympathetic to the surroundings, in particular where they adjoin residential areas. The information displayed on the totem pole should not be excessive or appear unduly visually obtrusive. The number of totem structures, serving the specific site, shall be limited, and should not be located in a position that would interfere with vehicular and pedestrian sightlines. All advertisement displays shall also be considered under the criteria set out below in Section 12.6.8.6 – Street Furniture Strategy. The Planning Authority will not normally permit the attachment of sundry advertising devices to the façade of any structure, e.g. multi-coloured lights, spotlights, flags, bunting, banners, neon moving message signs, fly posting, barrage balloon etc. Freestanding structures such as flags/teardrop banners etc. require planning permission, even if erected for a temporary period. Such structures, with or without advertising, will only be accepted in appropriate locations, and where they would not detract from road/footpath users, or interfere with vehicular sightlines. The Planning Authority will promote the use of the public domain for outdoor advertising, such as billboards, bus shelters, free standing advertisements, which has a positive impact on the street environment and creates a vibrant public realm. The scale, height, architectural design, and position of such outdoor advertising should be carefully considered so as to not impact negatively on the visual amenity of the area, and the usability of the public domain by individuals. The use of digital advertising could also be considered for outdoor advertising ideas. Regard should also be had to the street furniture strategy, as below. Advertisements and advertising structures shall be strictly limited along the coastline to appropriate locations only, and full consideration shall be given to their visual impact, scale, and design. 12.6.8.6 Street Furniture Strategy Proposals for the installation of any items of street furniture shall have regard to the following: M Any additional street furniture items shall have regard to their need, to avoid proliferation of street furniture in a location. Items should be discreet and well designed to reduce visual clutter and to ensure visual amenities are not compromised. M All new street furniture items shall have a clear function relative to their location and shall have regard to the need to reduce and avoid street clutter and ensure that footpaths and cycle ways are kept free of unnecessary impediments. M The co-location of street furniture items/ signage, will, where feasible, be required in order to reduce clutter. The use of high-quality materials, which may include polished steel and/or suitable coating of 278dlrcoco | County Development Plan 2022-2028
  7. structures etc., will be required in order to ensure the long-term visual appearance of furniture items. All street elements shall be located so as to provide clear, accurate and timely guidance for road users, pedestrian and cyclists and should not interfere with sightlines. 12.6.8.7 Digital Advertising/Signage The Planning Authority acknowledges that the advertising world is moving at pace with new forms of advertising emerging, in particular with respect to digital advertising. The use of digital advertising to outdoor shopfronts is can be highly engaging, eye catching and can also have a significant positive impact on the public realm by making streetscapes interactive. Digital advertising may be permitted, in certain locations subject to design, size, detail, and level of illumination. The number of existing advertising signs on the shopfront (or similar), will also be taken into consideration as visual clutter will not be acceptable. 12.6.8.8 Public Art - Private Developerinitiated Commissions Public Art commissions by private developers can make a positive contribution to the environment and public realm. In accordance with the ‘dlr Public Arts Policy, 2015 – 2025’, in instances where a developer proposes a public art commission, a condition should be attached to any grant of permission, requiring the developer to follow the “Public Art: Per Cent for Art Scheme, General National Guidelines” (2004). The developer will be required to engage the services of an experienced art consultant/curator. Samuel Beckett Campus Per Cent for Art Scheme Sculpture by Eileen Mac Donagh, 2016 - photo credit Ciara King, dlr Arts Office 279Development ManagementChapter 12
  8. 12.7 Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity 12.7.1 Green Infrastructure Green Infrastructure is a planned network of natural and semi-natural areas with other environmental features designed and managed to offer a wide range of ecosystems services. GI includes nature conservation areas, rivers, floodplains, wetlands, treelines, woodlands, coast, gardens, opens spaces and parks. Linked together these networks, of green areas are able to provide multiple benefits in the form of supporting a green economy, improving quality of life, protecting biodiversity and enhancing the ecosystems to deliver services such as disaster risk reduction, water purification, air quality, space for recreation and climate change and adaptation. Where a proposed development impacts on a site known, or likely, to be a breeding or resting site of a species listed in Habitats Regulations a derogation licence, issued by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), which is part of the Heritage Division of the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs will be required in advance of any works being carried out. Developers/Applicants should be advised of this possibility at pre-planning stage and advised to consult with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), Licensing and Development Applications Unit, prior to making a planning application. It is preferable for a derogation license to have been applied for and/or obtained prior to submission of any planning application. Where a proposed development results in a loss of or impact on existing trees or on a wildlife corridor, potentially resulting in an adverse impact on dependant flora and fauna, developers/applicants shall undertake an Ecological Impact Assessments and provide mitigation measures associated with these to address any such impacts if they are identified on site. 12.7.2 Biodiversity There are a number of habitats, plant, animal and bird species within Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown which are protected under National and EU legislation, and therefore it is a Policy Objective of the Council “to protect and enhance biodiversity and landscape, and ensure the protection of environments and habitats” (Refer Section 8.7 Biodiversity). Any development proposals for sites designated as, or immediately adjacent to, a pNHA, SPA or SAC shall be accompanied by an EIS and/or Appropriate Assessment and shall be referred to the NPWS. Regard shall be had to ‘Guidance for Local – Authorities Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland’ (DEHLG) (2009). In the event of a proposed development impacting on a site known, or likely, to be a breeding or resting site of a species listed in Habitats Regulations a derogation license, as per Article 16 of the Habitats Directive issued by the NPWS, will be required in advance of permission. A precautionary approach should be taken to all proposals in environmentally sensitive areas and/or to sites that may be in use by, or contain, protected species. An Ecological Risk Assessment may be required in relevant planning applications for both designated and/or non-designated sites (as appropriate) to ensure that the proposed development does not undermine or impact on the conservation objectives of these sites. In order to comply with European and National legalisation on nature conservation, and to ensure that areas of biodiversity value are adequately protected, an ecological assessment will be carried out for development proposals which have potential Flower and Built Form 280dlrcoco | County Development Plan 2022-2028
  9. to impact on species and habitats protected. (Refer to Section 8.7.1.5 Policy Objective GIB22). No projects giving rise to significant direct, indirect or secondary impacts on European sites arising from their size or scale, land take, proximity, resource requirements, emissions (disposal to land, water or air), transportation requirements, duration of construction, operation, decommissioning or from any other effects shall be permitted on the basis of this Development Plan (either individually or in combination with other plans and projects, except as provided for in Section 6(4) of the Habitats Directive). Planning applications for development, which may impact on European sites should be screened for Appropriate Assessment and accompanied by a Natura Impact Statement if required. Development on, or adjacent to, inland waterways shall only be permitted, where an assessment carried out to the satisfaction of the Council, in consultation with Inland Fisheries Ireland, indicates that the proposed development will have no significant adverse effect on the integrity of any European site. In the event of lighting being proposed along river corridors an Ecological Impact Assessment (and where necessary an Appropriate Assessment) - including bat and otter surveys - shall be conducted by specialist consultants. The recommendations of the specialist studies shall be implemented. No lighting will be installed without prior consultation with the NPWS and shall be in line with: M Advances in knowledge into the impact of lighting on bats and other species and M Reflect advances in technology in the lighting industry. The Council fully supports and recognises the importance of biodiversity in its own right and the ecosystem services it provides including carbon sequestration. The ‘Slow to Mow’ campaign is promoted by DLR, to encourage the public to create areas for pollinators and wildlife within their own site/garden and this should be considered as part of any proposed garden/landscaping area, where feasible. These initiatives aim to support and protect biodiversity in the County. In accordance with Policy Objective GIB29 – Nature Based Solutions (NBS), to encourage environmentally friendly solutions, new development proposals shall also incorporate NBS, where relevant, such as landscaping, SuDs, creating permeable green areas, providing green roofs and flood risk management can be included in the NBS approach. Developments proposed on sites where invasive species are or were previously present shall have regard to the forthcoming ‘Invasive Alien Species Action Plan’ for the County, which will provide guidance with respect to the management of alien species (Section 8.7.1.11 Policy Objective GIB28). Applicants may be required to submit a control and management program at application or compliance stage for sites where invasive species are or were previously present. The Planning Authority may require, where appropriate, Visitor/Management Plans to be submitted as part of the Development Management process for development proposals within or adjacent to an ecological sensitive site, as appropriate. The Visitor/Management Plan shall include appropriate measures to avoid significant negative effects and loss of habitat and associated disturbance to the ecological sensitive site. 12.7.3 Sensitive Landscapes and Site Features To protect and enhance the character and amenities of the County’s rural or sensitive open areas, all new developments of any scale shall incorporate high quality landscape design and shall ensure that: M Existing site features such as specimen trees, stands of mature trees, hedgerows, rock outcrops and water features are properly identified and retained where appropriate and new planting or other landscaping appropriate to the character of the area will be provided. M Existing significant on-site natural features must influence the layout. M Developers should consult the Planning Authority at an early stage in relation to landscaping and planting proposals. M Landscaping in new developments shall include planting of native Irish flora. M Developers will be responsible for the grading, hard landscaping, planting, and further development of open space, including the provision of pedestrian paths and other facilities. Developers will be required to provide roadside trees, street planting and screen planting where necessary. To protect and enhance the character and amenities of the County’s rural or sensitive open areas, all new developments of any scale shall incorporate high quality landscape design and shall ensure that: M Existing site features such as specimen trees, stands of mature trees, hedgerows, rock outcrops and water features are properly identified and retained where appropriate and new planting or other landscaping appropriate to the character of the area will be provided. 281Development ManagementChapter 12
  10. M Existing significant on-site natural features must influence the layout. Developers should consult the Planning Authority at an early stage (as part of the pre-planning process) in relation to landscaping and planting proposals. M Landscaping in new developments shall include planting of native Irish flora. M Developers will be responsible for the grading, hard landscaping, planting, and further development of open space, including the provision of pedestrian paths and other facilities. M Developers will be required to provide roadside trees, street planting and screen planting where necessary. The Planning Authority encourages developers to plant suitable tree species in front gardens before dwelling occupation. 12.7.4 High Amenity Landscapes, Views and Prospects Planning applications that have the potential to adversely impact upon landscapes attributed with a High Amenity Zoning Objective - or upon Protected Views or Prospects - shall be accompanied by an assessment of the potential landscape and visual impacts of the proposed development, including photomontages – demonstrating that landscape impacts have been anticipated and avoided to a level consistent with the sensitivity of the landscape (Refer to Section 8.4.5 Policy Objective GIB6 – Views and Prospects). 12.7.5 Fencing of Hitherto Open Land The following criteria will be used when considering planning applications for new fencing, in relation to lands open to, or used by the public during the ten years preceding. Such fencing is not exempted development in accordance with Art 9((1) (a) (X) of the Planning and Development Regulations, 2001, as amended: M Such fencing in upland or amenity areas shall conform to the best agricultural practice. M The nature of the material to be used, the height of the fence, and in the case of a wire fence, the type of wire to be used should be indicated and this will be taken into account relative to the location of the proposed fencing. M Stiles or gates at appropriate places may be required and details of same shall be submitted i.e. height, materials, etc. Forest Walk, Ticknock, Dublin Mountains 282dlrcoco | County Development Plan 2022-2028

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