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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- 12.8 Open Space and Recreation 12.8.1 Landscape Design Rationale Planning applications for both residential (10+ units or as required by the Planning Authority) and commercial (1,000 sq.m. or as required by the Planning Authority), including leisure and recreational facilities, should submit a landscape design rationale prepared by a qualified Landscape Architect or other suitably competent landscape professional (as deemed appropriate by the Planning Authority), for the consideration of the Parks and Landscape Services Department. Smaller schemes may also require a Landscape Plan to be submitted. All such requirements should be ascertained at pre-planning stage. The design rationale shall set out and specifically indicate how the overall approach is ecologically resilient and provides varied landscapes that reflect the character of the area. The landscape design rationale should also address the following: M Ecosystems services and carbon capture approach. M Urban Greening. M Biodiversity including pollinator friendly approach. M Sustainable Drainage Systems. M Maintenance without the use of chemical. M Nature Based Play. Such proposals shall include a scaled Landscape Plan(s) including: M Cross-sections, where applicable, indicating the layout and hard and soft treatments of all boundaries, features, external areas, and green spaces. M Specifications for materials, workmanship, and maintenance, together with proposed design details. M Hard landscape details are to include, where applicable, any proposed lighting, seating, kerbing, boundaries, edging, surfacing and water features. M Soft landscape details are to include, detailed planting plans and planting schedules, stating species/varieties, quantities, sizes, rootball presentation, and spacings. M A Landscape Plan shall be accompanied by a timescale for its implementation, including a minimum 18-month landscape maintenance period and a defects liability clause. M Regard should also be had to Policy Objective OSR13: Play Facilities and Nature Based Play. 12.8.2 Open Space Categories for Residential Development In relation to Development Management, there are three categories of open space: public open space, communal open space, and private open space. This is provided or conditioned by way of a grant of planning permission, to serve the needs of the local population, and is categorised in the table below. Permeability may be required for pedestrians and cyclist across open space. Table 12.7 Categories of Open Space for Residential Development Open Space Category: Classification: Public Open Space Public open space is defined as being generally freely available and accessible to the public, and in the case of certain residential developments has, or is intended to be, ‘taken-incharge’ by the Local Authority. In all new residential development schemes, there should be some appropriate provision made for public open space within the site. In all instances where public open space is not provided a contribution under Section 48 will be required for the short fall. Communal Open Space Communal open space is for the use of a set group of residents within the development only and would ordinarily be maintained by a Management Company i.e. is privately owned. This would be typical of apartment - type residential developments and can be gated/ located adjacent to one/two specific apartment blocks for their exclusive semi-private use. It can also apply to some housing schemes. Private Open Space Private open space normally refers to balconies and/or private gardens, which are the responsibility of, and only accessible to, the individual resident. 283Development ManagementChapter 12
- The following will not normally be considered as part of any Open Space provision: M Car/bus parking. M Bin/fuel stores. M Bicycle parking structures. M ESB substations or other service infrastructure. M Underground flood attenuation tanks. All applications for residential schemes (including Built to Rent) should include a clear written schedule and colour coded drawing with public, private and communal open space provision identified. The written schedule shall include the County Development Plan requirements, the proposed provision and full details of any short fall. 12.8.3 Open Space Quantity for Residential Development 12.8.3.1 Public Open Space Table 12.8 Public Open Space Requirements for residential developments Location: Public Open Space Standards (minimum): Residential Development in new residential communities as shown in the Core strategy – figure 2.9. 15% (of site area) Residential Development in the existing built up area. 15% (of site area) Institutional and Redevelopment of SNI use 25% (of site area) All residential schemes must provide a minimum provision of public open space in accordance with the table above, which has regard to the content of the Section 28 Guidelines ‘Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas’ (2009). To qualify as public open space the area must be designed and located to be publicly accessible and useable by all in the County; generally free from attenuation measures; and capable of being taken in charge (i.e. must accord with the Council policy on taking in charge of open spaces). It is acknowledged that in certain instances it may not be possible to provide the above standards of public open space. High density urban schemes and/or smaller urban infill schemes for example may provide adequate communal open space but no actual public open space. In these instances where the required percentage of public open space is not provided the Council will seek a development contribution under Section 48 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. The contribution in lieu to be paid for any shortfall in the quantum of public open space to be provided will be used for the provision of improved community and civic infrastructure and/or parks and open spaces, in the vicinity of the proposed development for use of the intended occupiers of same. On overall sites of less than 0.25 ha, the Council may also consider levying a contribution in lieu of public open space. Public Open Space may be taken-in-charge, by the Local Authority, or may be privately managed. 12.8.3.2 Communal Open Space Table 12.9 Communal Open Space Standards Unit Type Minimum Area per Unit Studio 4 sq. m One Bed 5 sq. m Two bedrooms (3 bed) 6 sq. m Two bedrooms (4 bed) 7 sq. m Three bedrooms 9 sq. m Four + 12 sq. m. In addition to Public Open Space, provided by the Developer, communal open space must also be provided for apartments and in some instances for houses, in accordance with the minimum standards set out in Table 12.9 above in accordance with the standards in the ‘Sustainable Urban Housing, Design Standards for New Apartments’ Section 28 Guidelines, (2020). Communal open space may also be provided for houses if the proposal does not meet the full private amenity space standards for private gardens as set out below. Communal open space is for the exclusive use of the residents of the development and should be accessible, secure, and usable outdoor space which is inclusive and suitable for use by those with young children and for less mobile older persons. Whilst an element of roof garden may be acceptable, the full quantum of communal open space should not take the form of being solely roof gardens (See also Section 12.8.5.4). While public and communal open space may adjoin each other, there should generally be a clear distinction with an appropriate boundary treatment and/or a ‘privacy strip’ between the two. In very high density schemes (in excess of 100 units per hectare), the Council may seek a development contribution under Section 48 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, for the shortfall in communal open space provision. The provision and proper future maintenance of well-designed communal open space will contribute to meeting the amenity needs of residents. Communal open space will be privately managed. 284dlrcoco | County Development Plan 2022-2028
- For building refurbishment schemes on sites of any size or urban infill schemes on sites of up to 0.25ha, the quantity of Communal amenity space, to serve the residents, may be relaxed in part or whole, on a case-by-case basis, however this is subject to overall design quality. 12.8.3.3 Private Open Space (i) Private Open Space for Houses: All houses (terraced, semi-detached, detached) shall provide an area of good quality usable private open space behind the front building as follows: Table 12.10 Private Open Space House type Private Open Space requirement (minimum) 1-2 bedroom 48 sq. m. * 3 bedroom 60 sq. m. 4 bedroom (or more) 75 sq. m. * may be acceptable in cases where it can be demonstrated that good quality usable open space can be provided on site. Any provision of open space to the side of dwellings will only be considered as part of the overall private open space calculation where it is useable, good quality space. Narrow strips of open space to the side of dwellings shall not be included within any of the above calculations. In instances where an innovative design response is provided on site, particularly for infill and corner side garden sites, a relaxation in the quantum of private open space may be considered, however this is on a case-by- case basis. The provision of open space to the front and side of the site to serve the proposed dwelling may also be considered acceptable, subject to design, residential amenity, etc. This Section should be read in conjunction with Development Management requirements i.e. infill, backland, side garden development, etc. (Section 12.3.7.1 and also Section 12.8.8 below on quality of private amenity space). (ii) Private Open Space for Apartment Developments: Table 12.11 below sets out minimum requirements in line with the Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments Guidelines for Planning Authorities, 2020. Table 12.11: Balconies / Winter Gardens: Minimum Private Open Space Standards for Apartment Developments Type/No. of bedrooms Minimum square metres Studio 4 sq. m. One 5 sq. m. Two (3 persons) 6 sq. m. Two (4 persons) 7 sq. m. Three 9 sq. m. Four + 12 sq. m. Private amenity space for apartments shall accord with the requirements set out in Table 12.11, above. CGI of permitted development, Kilternan Credit: James Horan Architectural Illustration and Stephen Newell Architects 285Development ManagementChapter 12
- Every apartment shall have private amenity space in the form of gardens or patios/terraces for ground floor apartments and balconies at upper levels. Where provided at ground level, private amenity space shall incorporate boundary treatment appropriate to ensure privacy and security. Private amenity space should be located to optimise solar orientation and designed to minimise overshadowing and overlooking. In certain circumstances, apartments which have limited or no individual private open space - for example where it is proposed to sub-divide an existing building into apartments - communal and private open space requirements may be combined (partially or otherwise) to provide for communal amenity areas. In exceptional cases in ‘urban centres’, for reasons of maintenance of streetscape character, or the preservation of residential amenity of adjoining property, the Planning Authority may accept the provision of communal open space in lieu of private open space. In exceptional cases, where the Planning Authority accepts the provision of private open space in the form of semi-private/communal space - the provision of at least ‘balconettes’ (with inward opening ‘French’ doors) and/or access to winter gardens, for access to the open air – will be required. This would only be accepted in developments where an existing building is converted for apartment use and the building could not support balcony structures (e.g. a Protected Structure). Such developments may also be required to contribute financially towards open space being provided elsewhere in the area in accordance with Development Plan standards. For building refurbishment schemes on sites of any size or urban infill schemes on sites of up to 0.25ha, the quantity of Communal amenity space, to serve the residents, may be relaxed in part or whole, on a case-by-case basis, however this is subject to overall design quality. Where a Built to Rent scheme avails of lower private amenity space based on the nature of the use a condition should be attached to any grant of permission to state that planning permission shall be sought for a change of tenure to another tenure model following the period specified in the covenant. 12.8.4 Open Space Quantity for Mixed Use, Non-Residential and Commercial The Planning Authority shall require a minimum of 10% of the overall site area for all large-scale, mixed-use, non-residential, and commercial developments to be reserved for use as public Open Space/Urban realm space. (Any residential element of a mixed use scheme shall provide public open space in accordance with Table 12.8 above). Where the required public open space standards cannot be achieved for non-residential, mixed use and commercial, the Council will also require a contribution in lieu to be paid by the Developer Honeypark, Dún Laoghaire 286dlrcoco | County Development Plan 2022-2028
- to contribute to the public realm and public realm improvement works. Adequate and suitable open space should be provided for Nursing Homes/Housing for the Elderly/Assisted Living Accommodation. Planning applications for such developments should: M Include detailed open space and landscaping plans that take account of the location of the facility and orientation. M Provide at least 15 sq.m. open space per resident (unless otherwise agreed with the Planning Authority). M Have regard to the availability/suitability of already existing open space. M Respect and accommodate the specific needs of the residents of the facility. M Be accessible for all users and provide links to adjoining public footpaths. M Incorporate age friendly principles in the design. Applicants for all new developments are encouraged to engage with the Planning Authority at preplanning stage to discuss the public, communal and private Open Space requirements for specific sites and uses. 12.8.5 Public Open Space – Quality Open space is fundamental in contributing to a high quality of life for those living, working and visiting the County. It provides a basis for active and passive recreation, creates urban focus, fosters community spirit, and helps mitigate the impacts of climate change. It can also improve the public realm and urban image, provides for inclusivity, adds to the liveability, sense of identity and define the quality of the area. For this reason, public open space should be accessible, inclusive, secure, and usable. In accordance with the ‘Guidelines on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas’, public open space on greenfield sites in the County’s new development areas should be in the form of useful open spaces and where appropriate larger neighbourhood parks to serve the wider community. Where public open space is to be provided on foot of a planning permission, the space in question should be well designed, and located to sympathetically complement the layout of the development. Public open spaces should be overlooked and designed to ensure that potential for antisocial behaviour is minimised through passive surveillance. The open space should be visible from, and accessible to, the maximum number of dwellings/units within the proposed scheme. Inaccessible, hidden or otherwise backland open space, and narrow linear strips of open space will not be acceptable. For public open space proposed roof gardens will not be acceptable. Fragmented open spaces within a development layout, which result specifically from the necessity to protect existing site features (for example a stand of mature trees) may not be included in the calculation of open space requirements, as they are necessary to ensure the protection of existing amenities. Age friendly measures should also be incorporated into the design of public open space, such as the provision of suitable benches at appropriate intervals. ‘Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas - Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ provides detailed guidance on the provision of open space for new residential developments while the ‘Retail Design Manual’ (2012) provides guiding principles on how landscaping and open spaces can assist improved public realm and promote attractive retailing centres. 12.8.5.1 Design The layout of public open space and its associated facilities/ infrastructure as delivered by the residential development – particularly in larger areas of open space - should be designed to meet a range of user needs, including both active and the passive recreation to maximise accessibility and should strive to incorporate universal design. Users of public open space in the County should feel safe with adequate supervision, passive surveillance, boundary treatment and public lighting all contributing to an overall sense of security. Public Open Space should be expansive and suitably proportioned. Accordingly, blocks and buildings should overlook the public realm. Narrow tracts and corridors of open space, which are difficult to manage, will generally not be acceptable. Public open spaces, within new development should be capable of providing opportunities for play e.g. playgrounds, small pitches, etc. Playgrounds on public open space should be carefully sited within residential areas to ensure they are both easily accessible and overlooked by dwellings, while not causing a nuisance to nearby residences. In higher density residential schemes (in excess of 100 units per hectare), the quality of the open space becomes of paramount importance. 287Development ManagementChapter 12
- 12.8.5.2 Accessibility, Permeability, Security and Privacy Permeability and accessibility will be encouraged as part of an integrated approach to the provision of linked open spaces. Where pedestrian and cycleway opportunities are presented, substantial links between developments will be encouraged. 12.8.5.3 Communal Open Space – Quality Communal amenity space within apartment and/ or housing developments should be provided as a garden within the courtyard of a perimeter block or adjoining a linear apartment block. Designers must ensure that the heights and orientation of adjoining blocks permit adequate levels of sunlight to reach communal amenity space throughout the year in accordance with BRE 209 ‘Site Layout Planning for Daylight and Sunlight: A Guide to Good Practice’, (2011). The communal open space should be visible from, and accessible to, the maximum number of units within the proposed scheme. Inaccessible, hidden or otherwise back land communal open space, and narrow linear strips of communal open space will not be acceptable. Playgrounds in communal open space areas should be carefully sited within residential areas to ensure they are both easily accessible and overlooked by dwellings, while not causing a nuisance to nearby residences. The provision and proper future maintenance of well-designed communal amenity space will contribute to meeting the amenity needs of residents within the development. In particular, accessible, secure and usable outdoor space is a high priority for families with young children, and for less mobile older people. 12.8.5.4 Roof Gardens Roof gardens are a valuable form of urban greening (see Section 3.4.4). Consideration of the use of roof gardens as communal open space shall be on a case by case basis and will not normally be acceptable on a site where there is scope to provide communal open space at grade, as roof gardens do not provide the same standard of amenity particularly to young children. Consideration must also be given to the overall design, layout, and location of the roof garden, including its height. For larger apartment schemes in excess of 50 units no more than 30% of the communal open space shall be provided by way of a roof garden. While recognising that the primary form of communal open space should be provided at grade, where intensive green roofs are being provided in accordance with Section 12.8.6.3 and Appendix 7.2 there may be scope for their use as additional amenity areas in the form of roof gardens. In addition, there may be certain instances such as on smaller town centre infill schemes where there is only scope for a roof garden. Roof gardens will be considered subject to the following - M Safety consideration including safe access by children. M Wind and climate assessment. M Daylight and sunlight assessment (on small town centre infill schemes, where all communal open space is provided by way of a roof garden, daylight and sunlight standards should be higher than minimum standards for more than 50% of the development). M Maintenance issues. M Provision of suitable landscaping plans which provide for a diverse range of plants which have year round interest, pollinator friendly and are suitably adapted to the rooftop conditions. M Visual assessment. M Proximity to vents. Open Space, Stillorgan Park 288dlrcoco | County Development Plan 2022-2028
- 12.8.6 Biodiversity and SuDS in both Public and Communal Open Space 12.8.6.1 Biodiversity Open spaces, especially large ones, can provide for a range of natural habitats and can facilitate the preservation and enhancement of flora and fauna. All proposals should be pollinator friendly, that is providing sufficient year-round diverse flowering plants to address the decline of pollinators. They should generally accord with the planting and maintenance approach set out in the Pollinator Friendly Planting Code of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, which is inclusive of best practise in the use of pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and growth regulators. 12.8.6.2 SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) SuDS measures, such as attenuation storage systems, including detention basins that come into regular operation after rainfall events, shall not normally be included in the calculation of open space provision. Where a SuDS scheme provides biodiversity and amenity value and is readily accessible for either use or enjoyment in most weather conditions, a proportion of the SuDS area could be incorporated as a component part of the communal or public open space provision. This proportion will be decided by the Planning Authority on a case-by- case basis. The Council will also encourage the use of bioswales in roadside verges, and open spaces. Further to Section 3.4.4 Urban Greening, data on all surface cover types shall be submitted to the Planning Authority as part of the storm water audit process (see 7.1.5 Storm Water Audit Procedure Appendix 7: Sustainable Drainage Systems). The Council will consult as appropriate with Iarnrod Eireann in relation to any development where infiltration proposals will be in proximity to a railway cutting or tunnel. 12.8.6.3 Green Roofs /Blue roofs The use of green roofs/blue roofs in accordance with the requirements of the Dún Laoghaire- Rathdown County Council’s Green Roof Policy, (See Appendix 7.2) forms part of an integrated approach to the provision of green infrastructure. This approach takes particular account of the benefits in terms of SuDS provision, nature-based solutions, biodiversity benefits, urban greening, urban cooling, and the potential for additional amenity space, particularly in high density development contexts. The provision of green and blue roofs within any development, however, shall not normally form part of the overall minimum open space (public or communal) provision but should complement the required open space provided within the site. Applications for developments with a roof area ≥ 300sq.m. shall provide Green Roofs in accordance with ‘Dún Laoghaire – Rathdown County Council’s Green Roof Policy’ (2020). Green or living roofs on smaller structures are also encouraged by the Council. These can function as smaller urban greening measures which as well as being a SUDS feature, are a useful wildlife habitat, can trap carbon and contribute to urban cooling. There is good potential for living roofs on bike and bin stores, bus shelters, detached habitable rooms and garages. Living roofs can be designed to incorporate a diverse range of pollinator friendly species which are drought tolerant and therefore do not require supplementary watering. Added features such as insect hotels and bird boxes can be incorporated into the design. 12.8.7 Private Amenity Space – Quality Standards 12.8.7.1 Separation Distances A minimum standard of 22 metres separation between directly opposing rear first floor windows should usually be observed, for new developments. This normally results in a minimum rear garden depth of 11 metres. However, this required rear garden depth may be prior to any domestic rear extensions, which may require planning permission or be exempted development being carried out. Adequate separation distances, between directly opposing rear first floor windows, should be provided when extending existing dwellings at first floor level, to ensure the retention of adjoining residential amenity. For single storey dwellings, a reduction in the rear garden depth may be considered, subject to the protection of adjoining residential amenity. However, where sufficient alternative private open space (e.g. to the side) is available, the required separation distance for new developments may be reduced, subject to the maintenance of privacy and protection of adjoining residential amenities. In all instances, private open space should not be unduly overshadowed and where there is the potential for the proposed development to overshadow or overlook existing/future development adjoining the site, minimum separation distances to boundaries should be increased. In an exceptionally well-designed scheme providing an otherwise very high-quality living environment and that is in close proximity to existing public open spaces, the above standards may be relaxed. Any relaxing of standards will be assessed on a caseby-case basis and should not be seen as setting a precedent for future development. 289Development ManagementChapter 12
- 12.8.7.2 Boundaries In all cases, suitable boundary treatments both around the side and between proposed dwellings shall be provided. In this regard, boundary treatments located to the rear of dwellings should be capable of providing adequate privacy between properties. Boundaries located to the front of dwellings should generally consist of softer, more open boundary treatments, such as low-level walls/railings and/or hedging/planted treatments. Provision of ‘defensible’ space, e.g. a planting strip, to the front of dwellings should be provided to contribute towards a sense of security within the home. Bin storage and/or utility meter alone, should not form any proposed defensible space areas. Details of all existing and proposed boundary treatments, including vehicular entrance details, should be submitted as part of any planning application. These shall include details in relation to proposed materials, finishes, and, in the case of planted boundaries, details in respect of species together with a planting schedule. 12.8.8 Financial Contributions in Lieu of Open Space Where the required open space standards cannot be provided, the Developer should indicate what is required as per the requirements of the County Development Plan (Section 12.8.), and what is to be provided to serve the development. Applicants should submit a clear schedule with public, private and communal open space requirements and proposals set out along with any short fall. Where the required open space cannot be achieved, the applicant shall provide a contribution in lieu of providing the full quantum of public open space. This shall apply to both residential (including Built to Rent) and nonresidential/commercial developments. In some instances, this may relate to a more urban context, which allows the development to contribute to the urban realm and the liveability value of the development in the context of its location by way of a financial contribution. This will take the form of a contribution towards capital investment in improving the urban realm by creating and/or upgrading local parks and spaces and revenue costs for the maintenance of these spaces. 12.8.9 Play Facilities for Apartments and Residential Developments In line with the ‘Ready Steady Play! A National Play Policy’, DCYA (2019) provision should be made to include suitable play opportunities for all ages of the child population within new residential developments. Design details relating to play areas shall be submitted as part of any relevant planning application to include a detailed specification of any playground to be provided and incorporate natural play, wherever possible. Honeypark 290dlrcoco | County Development Plan 2022-2028
- Play Facilities should incorporate the Nature-based play philosophy and approach to play provision throughout the County (see Policy Objective OSR13: Play Facilities and Nature Based Play). Parks and Landscape will review and update the existing 2003 DLR Play Policy during the lifetime of the 2022 – 2028 County Development Plan. The new DLR Play Strategy will incorporate the Naturebased Play philosophy and approach. The Council will endeavour to ensure that all play facilities will be accessible and provide inclusivity. The Council will have regard to changing demographics in how and where it provides for play. Multiple Use Games Areas (MUGA) incorporating, for example basketball and 5-a-side facilities will be considered in any calculation of the ‘Equipped Play Space’ standards. In terms of play facilities for children regard shall be had to the ‘Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments Guidelines for Planning Authorities, 2020’, (or any superseding document), which request consideration of the recreational needs of children in the design of apartment schemes. Safety of children needs to be taken into consideration and protected throughout the entire site, particularly in terms of safe access to larger communal play spaces. Children’s play needs around the apartment building should include: M Within the private open space associated with individual apartments. M Within small play spaces (about 85 – 100 sq. metres) for the specific needs of toddlers and children up to the age of six, with suitable play equipment, seating for parents/guardians, and within sight of the apartment building, in a scheme that includes 25 or more units with two or more bedrooms; and, M Within play areas (200–400 sq. metres) for older children and young teenagers, in a scheme that includes 100 or more apartments with two or more bedrooms. The perimeter block with a central communal open space is particularly appropriate for children’s play, especially if access from the street is controlled. The landscape design and orientation of play areas can contribute significantly to their amenity value. However, the noise from courtyard play areas can diminish residential amenity, particularly in smaller schemes, and this should be designed appropriately. 12.8.10 Amenity Space in Build-to-Rent In Built to Rent schemes, flexibility may apply in relation to the provision of a proportion of the private amenity space associated with individual units, and in relation to the provision of all of the communal amenity space, on the basis of the provision of alternative, compensatory communal support facilities and amenities within the development. This, however, shall be at the discretion of the Planning Authority, and shall be assessed on a case by case basis. The obligation will be on the project proposer to demonstrate the overall quality of the facilities provided and to ensure residents enjoy an enhanced overall standard of amenity (consistent with SPPR8 of Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments Guidelines for Planning Authorities, 2020’). Having regard to any residential support structures proposed, where the communal amenity space associated with the Build-to-Rent scheme is still considered substandard, the Council may require a contribution in lieu, to be paid, by the Developer, to enhance and improve the public realm specific to the Build to Rent scheme. 12.8.11 Existing Trees and Hedgerows New developments shall be designed to incorporate, as far as practicable, the amenities offered by existing trees and hedgerows. New developments shall, also have regard to objectives to protect and preserve trees and woodlands (as identified on the County Development Plan Maps). The tree symbols on the maps may represent an individual tree or a cluster of trees and are not an absolute commitment to preservation. Decisions on preservation are made subject to full Arboricultural Assessment and having regard to other objectives of the Plan. Arboricultural Assessments carried out by an independent, qualified Arborist shall be submitted as part of planning applications for sites that contain trees or other significant vegetation. The assessment shall contain a tree survey, implications assessment and method statement. The assessment of the site in question will inform the proposed layout, in relation to the retention of the maximum number of significant and good quality trees and hedgerows. Tree and hedgerow protection shall be carried out in accordance with BS 5837 (2012) ‘Trees in Relation to Design, Demolition and Construction – Recommendations’, or any subsequent document. All requirements for Arboricultural Assessment should be determined at pre-planning stage. The retention of existing planted site boundaries will be encouraged within new developments, particularly where it is considered that the existing boundary adds positively to the character/visual amenity of the area. New developments should have regard to the location of new buildings/ 291Development ManagementChapter 12
- extensions relative to planted boundaries. Prior to construction, the applicant shall provide details of adequate measures on site to protect all planting/ trees to be retained and this protection shall be maintained throughout the development during the construction period. An ecological assessment of existing hedgerows shall be required where new developments potentially impact on their ecological importance. This should be carried out by a suitably qualified ecologist, and submitted at pre-planning stage, to inform the design and accompany the planning application. In addition, the approach set out in the ‘How to Guide Hedgerows for Pollinators’ should be followed, as appropriate. Where it proves necessary to remove trees to facilitate development, the Council will require the commensurate planting or replacement trees and other plant material. This will be implemented by way of condition. A financial bond may be required to ensure protection of existing trees and hedgerows during and post construction. Forestry 292dlrcoco | 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.