Development plan · Fingal County Council
Fingal Development Plan 2023–2029 – Written Statement (Consolidated)
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards.
Fingal County Council · 2023–2029 · 662 pages
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- hERITAGE, CUlTURE AND ARTS 381FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Objective HCAO9 – Archaeology in the Landscape Ensure that in general development will not be permitted which would result in the removal of archaeological monuments with above ground features, protected wrecks and that this will be especially the case in relation to archaeological monuments which form significant features in the landscape. Objective HCAO10 – Context of Archaeological Monuments Ensure that development within the vicinity of a Recorded Monument or Zone of Archaeological Notification does not seriously detract from the setting of the feature and is sited and designed appropriately. Objective HCAO11 – Impacts of large-scale development Ensure that proposals for large scale developments and infrastructure projects consider the impacts on the archaeological heritage and seek to avoid them. Objective HCAO12 – Coastal and Maritime Heritage Co-operate with other agencies in the assessment of the potential for climate change to impact on coastal, riverine, inter-tidal and sub-tidal sites and their environments including shipwreck sites. Objective HCAO13 – Findings of Archaeological Activity Encourage reference to or incorporation of significant archaeological finds into development schemes, where appropriate and sensitively designed, through layout, in situ and virtual presentation of archaeological finds and by using historic place names and the Irish language where appropriate. Objective HCAO14 – Archaeology in Open Space Retain and manage appropriately archaeological monuments within open space areas in or beside developments, ensuring that such monuments are subject to an appropriate conservation management plan, are presented appropriately and are not left vulnerable, whether in the immediate or longer term, to dangers to their physical integrity or possibility of loss of amenity. Policy HCAP6 – Promotion Promote the tourism potential of Fingal’s cultural heritage and improve legibility by providing guidance for appropriate interpretation in line with the Fingal Heritage Signage and Trails Guidance 2021. Policy HCAP7 – Community Initiatives Support community initiatives and projects regarding preservation, presentation and access to archaeological heritage and underwater cultural heritage, provided such are compatible with appropriate conservation policies and standards, having regard to the guidance and advice of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
- hERITAGE, CUlTURE AND ARTS 382FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Objective HCAO15 – Best Practice Promote best practice for archaeological excavation by ensuring that they are undertaken according to best practice as outlined by the National Monuments Service, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, The National Museum of Ireland and the Institute of Archaeologists of Ireland. Objective HCAO16 – Conservation Plans Manage the archaeological sites and monuments that Fingal County Council owns or is responsible for according to best practice and according to Conservation Plans where they exist. Objective HCAO17 – Dissemination Ensure the public dissemination of the findings of licenced archaeological activity in Fingal through the Dublin County Archaeological GIS project, publications, public lectures and events to promote awareness of, and access to, Fingal’s archaeological inheritance and foster high quality community archaeology. Objective HCAO18 – Public Awareness Raise public awareness of the cultural heritage and improve legibility by providing appropriate interpretation in areas, sites, villages, and buildings of archaeological and historic significance. Objective HCAO19 – Community Archaeology Strategy Continue to implement the findings of the Community Archaeology Strategy for Fingal. Objective HCAO20 – Cultural Tourism Support the growth of cultural tourism in the County, including the potential for niche heritagebased tourism products by facilitating the development of heritage events, infrastructure such as heritage trails, walkways and cycleways etc. and activities such as community excavation. Objective HCAO21 – Climate Change Promote awareness and the appropriate adaptation of Ireland’s built and archaeological heritage to deal with the effects of climate change. 10.5.2 Architectural Heritage Fingal has a diverse building stock. Within the range of building types and uses in Fingal are structures, streetscapes, village and town cores of distinctive, innovative or rare architectural heritage significance that they are deemed worthy of protection by statutory designation as individual elements or clusters of buildings. There are also more modest or everyday structures that are part of the built heritage of the County. Through their form, scale, materials and placement they contribute positively to the urban and rural areas of Fingal, assisting in placemaking and establishing the distinctive character and architectural interest of a particular location. These structures are also of value in the embodied energy they contain, their display of traditional building craftmanship and skill in their construction, the survival within them of original or historic materials and methodologies some of which may no longer be in use.
- hERITAGE, CUlTURE AND ARTS 383FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029
- hERITAGE, CUlTURE AND ARTS 384FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Fingal’s architectural heritage is a finite, non-renewable and irreplaceable resource that needs to be cared for and respected as Fingal develops and grows into the future. Any new insertions or changes to the architectural heritage should be directed by the following principles. Table 10.1: Guiding Principles of Architectural Conservation GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ¨ Minimum Intervention ¨ Regular Maintenance ¨ Repair Rather Than Replace ¨ Honesty Of Repairs And Alterations ¨ Use Of Appropriate Materials And Methods ¨ Respect And Retain Earlier Alterations Of Interest ¨ Managed Sustainable Change ¨ Reversibility Of Interventions Architectural heritage is primarily protected under Part IV of the Planning and Development Act 2000, (as amended). There are two principal mechanisms within this legislation for the protection of these assets: The Record of Protected Structures (RPS) and Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs). It is a mandatory requirement of national legislation that the Council maintains a RPS and includes objectives for ACAs in its Development Plan. For built heritage that is not covered by statutory designations, there is national and international policy advocating its retention and revitalisation and the Council supports this through specific Development Plan policy and objectives. Policy HCAP8 – Protection of Architectural Heritage Ensure the conservation, management, protection and enhancement of the architectural heritage of Fingal through the designation of Protected Structures and Architectural Conservation Areas, the safeguarding of designed landscapes and historic gardens, and the recognition of structures and elements with no specific statutory designation that contribute positively to the vernacular, industrial, maritime or 20th century heritage of the County. Policy HCAP9 – Re-use of Architectural Heritage Champion the maintenance, repair, re-use and sensitive retro-fitting of the architectural heritage and older building stock of the County as a cornerstone of its sustainable development policy and will require that adaptative re-use and regeneration adheres to best conservation practice. Policy HCAP10 – Retention Continue to support and encourage the sympathetic and appropriate reuse, rehabilitation and retention of protected structures and historic buildings ensuring the special interest, character and setting of the building or structure is preserved.
- hERITAGE, CUlTURE AND ARTS 385FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 10.5.2.1 Statutory Designated Sites of Protected Structures and Record of Protected Structures Protected Structures are defined as structures, or parts of structures that are of special interest under one or more of the following categories: architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical. A Protected Structure, unless otherwise stated, includes the exterior and interior of the structure, the land lying within its curtilage, any other structures and their exterior and interiors lying within that curtilage, plus all fixtures and features which form part of the interior or exterior of any of these structures. Curtilage refers to the parcel of land immediately associated with the Protected Structure and generally forms the boundary of the property ownership. Any works that would materially affect or impact the character of a Protected Structure, including its setting and ancillary buildings that contribute to its character, require planning permission. A Declaration under Section 57 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, (as amended) can be sought from the Council to list the general types of work that do and do not affect the character of a specific Protected Structure. The current RPS is included in Appendix 5 of this Plan. The RPS may be varied at any time by following the procedures outlined in Section 55 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended). The up-to-date RPS, incorporating any additions or deletions within the lifetime of the current Development Plan, will be maintained on the Council’s website or can be checked at the public counter of the Council’s Offices. 10.5.2.2 Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) An Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) is a place, area, group of structures or townscape that is of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest or value or contributes to the appreciation of Protected Structures. ACAs could encompass, for example, a terrace of houses, a whole streetscape, town centre or a small cluster of structures associated with a specific building such as a mill or country house. Most structures in an ACA are important in the context of their contribution to the streetscape or character of an area and so the protection status generally relates only to the exterior of the buildings or the streetscape, except for Protected Structures within ACAs where the protection extends to the interior and curtilage of these properties. Any works that would have a material effect on the special character of an ACA require planning permission. Fingal currently has 33 Architectural Conservation Areas. Each ACA boundary is outlined on the Development Plan maps that accompany this written statement. A list of all the ACAs along with a brief summary of their special character is set out in Appendix 5. Individual ACA boundary maps are also provided within Appendix 5. Chapter 14 Development Management Standards contains specific direction and considerations for planning applications affecting Protected Structures (see Table 14.21 and Table 14.22) and development within Architectural Conservation Areas (see Table 14.23). These standards should be consulted prior to a scheme being designed.
- hERITAGE, CUlTURE AND ARTS 386FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029
- hERITAGE, CUlTURE AND ARTS 387FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Policy HCAP11 – Conservation of Architectural Heritage Conserve and protect buildings, structures and sites of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest by adding or retaining them on the Record of Protected Structures or by designating groups of structures as Architectural Conservation Areas. Policy HCAP12 – Interventions to Protected Structures Ensure that direct or indirect interventions to Protected Structures or adjoining development affecting them are guided by architectural conservation principles so that they are sympathetic, sensitive and appropriate to the special interest, appearance, character, and setting of the Protected Structure and are sensitively scaled and designed. Policy HCAP13 – Retention of Protected Structures Require the retention and appropriate active use of Protected Structures. Policy HCAP14 – Architectural Conservation Areas Protect the special interest and character of all areas which have been designated as an Architectural Conservation Area (ACA). Development within or affecting an ACA must contribute positively to its character and distinctiveness and take opportunities to protect and enhance the character and appearance of the area and its setting wherever possible. Development shall not harm buildings, spaces, original street patterns, archaeological sites, historic boundaries or features, which contribute positively to the ACA. Policy HCAP15 – Character of Architectural Conservation Areas Support and encourage the sympathetic and appropriate adaptive reuse, refurbishment, and upgrading of protected structures and buildings or structures that contribute to the character of an Architectural Conservation Area ensuring that their special interest, character and setting is retained. Prohibit development that seeks the demolition of a Protected Structure or buildings that contribute to the character of an ACA in almost all circumstances. Policy HCAP16 – Conservation Best Practice Promote best conservation practice and encourage the use of appropriately qualified and experienced conservation professionals, contractors, and craft persons. Objective HCAO22 – Record of Protected Structures Review the Record of Protected Structures (RPS) to assess current entries and to add structures of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest as appropriate. Objective HCAO23 – Expansion of Record of Protected Structures Expand the RPS to include structures of industrial, maritime, vernacular and twentieth century heritage where they are of sufficient significance and complete the assessment of the few remaining Ministerial Recommendations from the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) Survey of Fingal.
- hERITAGE, CUlTURE AND ARTS 388FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Objective HCAO24 – Alteration and Development of Protected Structures and ACAs Require proposals for any development, modification, alteration, extension or energy retrofitting affecting a Protected Structure and/or its setting or a building that contributes to the character of an ACA are sensitively sited and designed, are compatible with the special character, and are appropriate in terms of the proposed scale, mass, height, density, architectural treatment, layout, materials, impact on architectural or historic features. Objective HCAO25 – Architectural Heritage Impact Statement Require an Architectural Heritage Impact Statement as part of the planning documentation for development that has the potential to affect the relationship between the Protected Structure and any complex of adjoining associated buildings, designed landscape features, or designed views or vistas from or to the structure. This particularly relates to large landholdings such as country estates, institutional complexes, and industrial sites where groups of structures have a functional connection or historical relationship with the principal building. Objective HCAO26 – Use of Protected Structures Where required to support active use or facilitate suitable adaptive re-use of Protected Structures the Council may in certain circumstances consider the relaxation of site zoning restrictions to secure the preservation and conservation of the Protected Structure where the use proposed is compatible with the existing structure. This will only be permitted where the development is consistent with conservation policies and the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. Objective HCAO27 – Protected Structures within Larger Developments Where permission is being sought for a development in which works to the Protected Structure are one element of a larger proposal, the Council will seek for the repair and refurbishment of the Protected Structure to be contained and completed within the first phase. Objective HCAO28 – Conservation Plans for Protected Structures Demonstrate best practice in relation to the management, care and maintenance of Protected Structures by continuing the programme of commissioning Conservation Plans for the principal heritage properties in the Council’s ownership (several of which are also ACAs), implement the policies and actions of these Conservation Plans where they exist, and ensure the Plans are used by all sections of the Council to inform and direct the design of interventions within the heritage properties, both to buildings and landscapes. Objective HCAO29 – Protected Structures Audit Carry out an audit and assess the condition of all Protected Structures within the Council’s ownership and pilot a management/maintenance plan as a template for these structures. 10.5.2.3 Energy Retrofitting of Built Heritage The reuse or continued use of older buildings is a central principle of sustainable development and energy conservation practice, ensuring the building materials and embodies energy of these structures, is retained and thereby contribute to the remission of the County’s carbon footprint. Embodied energy or embodies carbon refers to carbon already expanded, to extract, process, manufacture, transport and construct a building.
- hERITAGE, CUlTURE AND ARTS 389FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Energy retrofitting is the adaptation of existing buildings to improve the thermal performance of the structure and to reduce energy consumption and emissions. The majority of Fingal’s built heritage was constructed using traditional building methods and materials that are based on the idea of breathability and good ventilation, allowing for a cycle of absorption and evaporation of moisture. This concept differs from modern construction which primarily uses impermeable materials. The rating of the energy performance of older buildings often does not accurately reflect the existing thermal performance of older buildings. Energy efficiency and retrofitting proposals and products that are appropriate for modern construction are often not suitable for traditionally built structures and can dis-improve the energy performance and cause damage to the fabric and structural integrity of the building by trapping moisture. Any energy up-grading of traditional buildings needs to be informed by a proper understanding of the built fabric and for the works to be appropriate and sensitive to this. The condition of the building is a key contributor to good thermal performance and routine maintenance, conservation and building repair should be completed before other energy retrofitting options are considered. Policy and objectives in Chapter 3 Sustainable Placemaking and Quality Homes on Re-use and the Rural Settlement Strategy and Chapter 5 Climate Change on Sustainable Construction/Circular Economy refers. In addition, direction should be taken from the Government’s publication on Energy Efficiency in Traditional Buildings 2010 and any subsequent update, I.S. EN 16883:2017 Conservation of Cultural Heritage – Guidelines for Improving the Energy Performance of Historic Building 2017, The Pebble Trust and Chris Morgan Sustainable Renovation: Improving Homes for Energy, Health and Environment 2018, and SEAI, The Heritage Council, Carrig Conservation Ltd. and ICOMOS report Deep Energy Renovation of Traditional Buildings 2018. PROCESS EFFICIENCY Optimisation of premises Reuse Reuse Renovation Recycling Complete renovation Repair and maintenance Maintenance ENERGY AND MATERIAL EFFICIENCY Property User PLANNING CONSTRUCTION SERVICE PRODUCER PARTS MANUFACTURER PRODUCT MANUFACTURER SERVICE MANUFACTURER COLLECTION COLLECTION ENERGY LANDFILL Last option Minimicing waste
- hERITAGE, CUlTURE AND ARTS 390FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Policy HCAP17 – Maintenance and Energy Retrofitting Promote good housekeeping principles of routine maintenance checks, with repair and conservation of building fabric where required as a mechanism to assist with achieving the best thermal performance from a building. Support and promote the sensitive retro fitting of energy efficiency measures and the use of renewable energy sources in traditional and historic buildings, including Protected Structures. Ensure that the measures are compatible with traditional construction methods and materials and do not have a detrimental physical, aesthetic or visual impact on the structure. Objective HCAO30 – Retrofitting Pilot Project Demonstrate best practice on energy retrofitting of historic buildings through a pilot project using suitable case studies to improve comfort levels and reduce energy consumption for the occupier. 10.5.2.4 Historic Designed Landscapes – Historic Gardens, Demesnes and Country Estates Historic designed landscapes relate to gardens, parkland, woodland, estates, and public parks that were deliberately laid out for artistic effect. By using both natural and built features such as trees, shrubs, flowers, lawns, ponds, watercourses, views/vistas, follies, statues, walled gardens, gate lodges or gates, an architectural and horticultural composition was created for the enjoyment of the owners or the general public. These landscapes or gardens could be formal set pieces with ornamental planting in set patterns usually geometric designs or they could be ‘naturalised’ parkland made to look like the rural countryside but which had been carefully planned through the placement of individual or groups of trees, expanses of open lawns, and sunken boundary walls known as ‘ha-has’ that allowed uninterrupted views of pastoral scenes. The architectural components of historic gardens, from small gardens to large parks, include: ¨ Plan and topography, ¨ Vegetation e.g. species, proportions, colour schemes, spacing and respective heights, ¨ Structural and decorative features, ¨ Water. Fingal does not have a tradition of urban public parks or cemetery gardens and so the designed landscapes of the County consist primarily of demesnes or estate lands, which were originally privately owned. These designed landscapes are generally focused around a historic house, which usually will be a Protected Structure. In Fingal, the most significant designed landscapes have been designated as Architectural Conservation Areas to assist in protecting the character of the designed landscape e.g. Malahide Castle Demesne, Luttrellstown Castle Demesne, Newbridge House Demesne. Due to the rarity of 18th Century or earlier designed landscapes, those that survive in Fingal are highly significant and sensitive. Chapter 14 Development Management Standards contains specific guidance for planning applications affecting historic designed landscapes which should be adhered to (see Objective DMS0189). Additional direction is available in the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht’s Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2011 or any superseding documents and in Cork County Council’s Guidance Notes for the Appraisal of Historic Gardens, Demesnes, Estates and their Setting 2006.
Source Fingal County Council: Fingal Development Plan 2023–2029 – Written Statement (Consolidated) (2023–2029) · 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.