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
Ask this document
Answers come only from the text of Fingal Development Plan 2023–2029 – Written Statement (Consolidated), each claim linked to its page. They are not advice; check the page itself.
Free, with a daily limit.
- DEVElOPMENT MANAGEMENT STANDARDS 611FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 out the Council’s policies for trees which are the responsibility of the Council including street tree planting, management and maintenance. Objective DMSO125 – Management of Trees and Hedgerows Protect, preserve and ensure the effective management of trees and groups of trees and hedgerows. Objective DMSO126 – Protection of Trees and Hedgerows during Development Ensure during the course of development, trees and hedgerows that are conditioned for retention are fully protected in accordance with BS5837 2012 Trees in relation to the Design, Demolition and Construction – Recommendations or as may be updated and are monitored by the appointed arboriculture consultant. Objective DMSO127 – Use of Native Species in New Developments Require the use of native species where appropriate in new developments in consultation with the Council. Objective DMSO128 – Demarcation of Townland Boundaries Ensure trees, hedgerows and other features which demarcate townland boundaries are preserved and incorporated where appropriate into the design of developments. Objective DMSO129 – Tree Selection Consider in tree selection the available rooting area and proximity to dwellings or business premises particularly regarding shading of buildings and gardens. Objective DMSO130 – Planting of Large Canopy Trees Promote the planting of large canopy trees on public open space and where necessary provide for constructed tree pits as part of the landscape specification. Objective DMSO131 – Street Tree Planting Plans Street tree planting plans shall accompany developments over 50 units. Constructed tree pits will be required where trees are planted in hard surfaces and grass verges less than 1.2m wide. These plans will include the location of each constructed tree pit of a minimum rooting volume of 16 cubic metres, lamp standards and underground services. The location of tree planting in proximity to built features including footpaths must refer to BS5837:2012 Trees in Relation to Design, Demolition and Construction – Recommendations. The width of grass verges where tree planting is proposed must be labelled on landscape plans. Objective DMSO132 – Planting along Distributor Roads Ensure new distributor roads or similar provide for grass verges of a minimum width of 2.4 metres to allow for avenue tree planting and where necessary provide for constructed tree pits as part of the landscape specification. Road verges shall be a minimum of 1.2 metres wide at locations where small canopy trees are proposed. Objective DMSO133 – Location of new Trees Where new trees are being planted, these will be located so they do not cause future interference to streetlights, typically trees shall be located so there is a distance of no less than 7m from the centre of the main stem to the lighting pole.
- DEVElOPMENT MANAGEMENT STANDARDS 612FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029
- DEVElOPMENT MANAGEMENT STANDARDS 613FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Objective DMSO134 – Site Summary of Specimen Removal, Retention and Planting Regardless of development size or type, applicants must submit an overall site summary quantifying and detailing the following: ¨ tree and hedgerow removal; ¨ tree and hedgerow retention; and ¨ new tree and hedgerow planting. This information will be submitted in a digital format agreed with the Council to allow amalgamation and reporting on tree and hedgerow cover within the County over time. Objective DMSO135 – Tree Planting and Sub-Surface Archaeology Avoid any new tree planting in areas which have sub-surface archaeology preserved in situ. There should be a minimum set-back of 20m from the boundaries of archaeological remains for any tree planting; 30m set-back from skeletal remains. Objective DMSO136 – Tree Selection within Developments Tree planting within developments shall adhere to the 30:20:10 rule in relation to tree selection in order to prevent an over reliance on certain genera or species in the existing stock and to combat climate change. Species and varieties will be selected to meet the requirements of the 30:20:10 rule – no more than 30% of trees from any one family, 20% from a single genus or 10% from a single species. Objective DMSO137 – Replacement of Removed Trees Ensure trees removed from residential areas are replaced, where appropriate, within the first planting season following substantial completion of construction works. 14.18.2 Natural Heritage 14.18.2.1 Biodiversity Ireland is a signatory to the worldwide Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Government is committed through this process to conserve and sustainably use biodiversity. Biodiversity policy is set out in the National Biodiversity Plan (NBP) which identifies habitat degradation and loss as the main factor eroding biodiversity in Ireland today. Among other things, the NBP calls on Local Authorities to move towards no net loss of biodiversity through Development Management, to include policies and objectives in their County Development Plans for the protection and restoration of biodiversity and to develop a green infrastructure network at local level and promote the use of nature-based solutions for the delivery of a coherent and integrated network. Objective DMSO138 – Protection and Enhancement of Biodiversity Ensure all development and infrastructure proposals include measures to protect and enhance biodiversity leading to an overall net biodiversity gain.
- DEVElOPMENT MANAGEMENT STANDARDS 614FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Objective DMSO139 – Ecological Study Ensure that an ecological study is carried out of the development site covering habitats and flora, breeding birds, bats and amphibians to identify existing ecological valuable features and the species composition of the site. Objective DMSO140 – Protection of Existing Landscape Protect existing landscape features such as scrub, woodland, large trees, hedgerows, meadows, ponds and wetlands which are of biodiversity or amenity value and/or contribute to landscape character and ensure that proper provision is made for their protection and management. Objective DMSO141 – Incorporation of Habitat Features Incorporate habitat features (new or existing) and other conservation measures for species of conservation interest (e.g. legally protected species or Amber and Red listed bird species) in the Integrated Green Infrastructure Plan. Objective DMSO142 – Invasive Species Control Plan Where invasive plant species such as Japanese Knotweed, Giant Hogweed, Himalayan Balsam, Rhododendron Ponticum and three-cornered leek are present on a development site, the developer shall submit an invasive species control plan as part of the planning process. This control plan will describe what and where invasive species are present and what control measures will be implemented, who will implement these and when they will be implemented. Annual monitoring reports on the control program are to be submitted to the Planning Authority until the invasive species is eradicated. Objective DMSO143 – Habitat Facilities for Wildlife Species Require all new developments to incorporate habitat facilities for wildlife species as appropriate including Kestrel, Peregrine, Swifts, House Sparrows, Swallow, Starling, Bats and insects in or on buildings facades. 14.18.2.2 Biodiversity Conservation in Fingal – Core Biodiversity Conservation Areas and their Buffer Zones The most important nature conservation sites make up the core biodiversity conservation areas. These include internationally and nationally designated sites hosting habitats listed in Annex I of the Habitats Directive and sites hosting rare and protected species and their habitats. Objective DMSO144 – Appropriate Assessment Ensure Screening for Appropriate Assessment and, where required, full Appropriate Assessment is carried out for all plans and projects in the County which, individually, or in combination with other plans and projects, are likely to have a significant direct or indirect impact on any European site or sites.
- DEVElOPMENT MANAGEMENT STANDARDS 615FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Objective DMSO145 – Screening for Appropriate Assessment Ensure that sufficient information is provided as part of development proposals to enable Screening for Appropriate Assessment to be undertaken and to enable a fully informed assessment of impacts on biodiversity to be made. Objective DMSO146 – Natura Impact Statements Ensure that Natura Impact Statements (NIS) and any other ecological impact assessments submitted in support of proposals for development are carried out by appropriately qualified professionals and that any necessary survey work takes place in an appropriate season. Objective DMSO147 – Natura Impact Statement Guidance Ensure planning applications for proposed developments likely to have significant direct or indirect impacts on any European Site or sites are accompanied by a Natura Impact Statement prepared in accordance with the Guidance issued by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland – Guidance for Planning Authorities, 2009). Objective DMSO148 – Ecological Impact Assessment Ensure ecological impact assessment is carried out for any proposed development likely to have a significant impact on proposed Natural Heritage Areas (pNHAs), Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs), Statutory Nature Reserves, Refuges for Fauna, Habitat Directive Annex I sites and Annex II species contained therein, or rare and threatened Flora Protection order and Red Data Book species and their habitats. Ensure appropriate avoidance and mitigation measures are incorporated into development proposals as part of any ecological impact assessment. Objective DMSO149 – Protection of Bats Ensure that proposals for developments involving works to upstanding archaeological sites and features or works to the historic building stock include an assessment of the presence of bats in any such sites or structures and, where appropriate, ensure that suitable avoidance and/ or mitigation measures are proposed to protect bats in consultation with the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Objective DMSO150 – External Lighting and Noise at Sensitive Locations Minimise the environmental impact of external lighting and noise at sensitive locations to achieve a sustainable balance between the needs of an area, the public safety of walking and cycling routes and the protection of sensitive species such as bats. Objective DMSO151 – Fingal Biodiversity Action Plan Applicants should consult the Fingal Biodiversity Action Plan to ascertain its implications for any planning proposals.
- DEVElOPMENT MANAGEMENT STANDARDS 616FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 14.18.2.3 Nature Development Areas The Council has identified a number of areas and land-uses in the County with potential for biodiversity enhancement (see Green Infrastructure Maps). These include: ¨ Farmland Areas, ¨ Demesnes, ¨ Golf courses, ¨ Parkland, ¨ Quarries, ¨ Waterbodies, ¨ Areas suitable for new woodland or forestry. These areas are referred to as Nature Development Areas. Objective DMSO152 – Planning Guidelines for Nature Development Areas Implement planning guidelines for Nature Development Areas and corridors as outlined in the Fingal Biodiversity Action Plan. 14.18.2.4 Ecological Corridors and Stepping-Stones Including Trees and Hedgerows Ecological corridors are linear landscape features such as rivers, hedgerows and road verges that enhance the movement of wildlife through the rural and urban landscape. Many species of wildlife will use corridors for feeding, resting, migrating, overwintering and breeding including birds, small mammals, amphibians and reptiles, insects and large mammals. Depending on the width and design of the corridor a species can migrate between sites or spend its entire lifecycle within the corridor due to the suitability of the habitat. Objective DMSO153 – Green Corridors Provide green corridors in all new developments where the opportunity exists. Objective DMSO154 – Ecological Corridors Protect and enhance the ecological corridors along the following rivers in the County by ensuring that no development takes place, outside, development boundaries within a minimum distance of 48m from each riverbank along the main channels of following rivers Liffey, Tolka, Pinkeen, Mayne, Sluice, Ward, Broadmeadow, Ballyboghil, Corduff, Matt and Delvin, Bracken River, Daws River, Richardstown River, Turvey River (see Green Infrastructure Maps). A minimum 10 m wide riparian buffer strip applies to lands within development boundaries. Additional width may be required to provide for additional protections of sensitive habitats, as appropriate.
- DEVElOPMENT MANAGEMENT STANDARDS 617FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Objective DMSO155– Ecological Corridors in Urban Areas Any redevelopment of existing properties and brownfield sites within 25m from each riverbank along the main channels of following rivers Liffey, Tolka, Pinkeen, Mayne, Sluice, Ward, Broadmeadow, Ballyboghil, Corduff, Matt and Delvin, Bracken River, Daws River, Richardstown River, Turvey River shall provide opportunities for multi-functional green infrastructure, including features which intercept and filter surface water from the site before discharging into the river. These features include, but are not limited to: green roofs, reinforced grass parking bays and water gardens. The use of underground attenuation as part of the redevelopment of existing properties or brownfield sites will not be accepted. Objective DMSO156 – Development Along Watercourses Ensure that no development, including clearance and storage of materials, takes place within 10m as a minimum, measured from each bank of any river tributary or small stream or watercourse in the County (see Green Infrastructure Maps). Objective DMSO157– Urban Ecological Corridors Protect, develop and enhance terrestrial urban ecological corridors along existing linear features such as hedgerows where possible with a minimum corridor width of 25 m. These corridors comprise of a mixture of hedgerow, scrub, rank grassland, wildflower meadow, ponds, marshland and dead timber. SuDS features such as ponds and wetlands can be incorporated within these corridors. Green corridors should be incorporated into all new large developments, as part of multifunctional Green Infrastructure provision, linking large areas of open space and linking with areas outside the development site. Objective DMSO158 – Protection of Rivers and Streams Protect rivers and streams and maintain them in an open state capable of providing suitable habitat for fauna and flora, including fish. Deculvert or ‘daylight’ existing culverts where appropriate and in accordance with relevant river catchment proposals restore the watercourse to acceptable ecological standards for biodiversity wherever possible improving habitat connection and strengthening the County’s green infrastructure network. Clear span structures should be used on fisheries waters, where possible. Objective DMSO159 – Inclusion of Mammal Ledges or Tunnels Protect the ecological corridor function along rivers by including mammal ledges or tunnels in new bridges over any of the main rivers: Liffey, Tolka, Pinkeen, Mayne, Sluice, Ward, Broadmeadow, Ballyboghil, Corduff, Matt and Delvin. New bridge structures will also cater for Dipper boxes and Bats where possible. Where new road infrastructure crosses significant urban ecological corridors, tunnels shall be installed underneath the road to facilitate movement of small mammals and amphibians.
- DEVElOPMENT MANAGEMENT STANDARDS 618FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Objective DMSO160 – Riparian Corridors Require development proposals that are within riparian corridors to demonstrate how the integrity of the riparian corridor can be maintained and enhanced having regard to flood risk management, biodiversity, ecosystem service provision, water quality and hydromorphology. 14.18.2.4 Geology The Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) has identified 21 County Geological Sites in Fingal which are important geological heritage sites. Objective DMSO161 – County Geological Sites Consult with the Geological Survey of Ireland when considering undertaking, approving or authorising developments which are likely to affect County Geological Sites. 14.18.3 Landscapes Principles for Development ¨ Skylines, horizon and ridgelines should be protected from development. ¨ Sites with natural boundaries should be chosen, rather than elevated or open parts of fields. The form of new developments should be kept simple and they should be sited within existing shelter planting or within the contours of the land to minimise visual impact. ¨ Clustering with existing farmhouse and/or farm buildings is generally preferable to standalone locations. ¨ Field and roadside hedgerows should be retained. Proposals necessitating the removal of extensive field and roadside hedgerows should not be permitted. ¨ The retention and active management of trees and woodland blocks should be promoted. ¨ The use of trees and woodlands to contain new development should be encouraged. ¨ Strong planting schemes using native species, to integrate development into these sensitive landscapes, will be required. New planting needs to be carefully located and selected. ¨ The management of the river margins should be promoted and development along the riverside which will intrude on the character of the river valleys should be restricted. ¨ Estuary margins and any hedgerows along the margins must not be disturbed. ¨ The special character of the coast should be protected by preventing inappropriate development on the seaward side of coastal roads. ¨ The character of the coastal visual compartments should be retained by preventing intrusive developments on headlands, promontories and coastal lands within the compartments. The coastal skyline should be protected from intrusive development. Objective DMSO162– Landscape / Visual Assessment Require a landscape/Visual assessment to accompany all planning applications for significant proposals that are likely to affect views and prospects.
- DEVElOPMENT MANAGEMENT STANDARDS 619FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 14.18.4 New Development in Coastal Areas Coastal development must take account of the changing and dynamic nature of the coast and the need for coastal protection. As a general principle, development in coastal areas should be accommodated wherever possible in previously developed areas before consideration is given to development in greenfield sites. In all cases proposals for coastal development must consider the need for coastal defence. Development will only be permitted where the Council is satisfied that the development will not add to the requirement, if any, for any coastal defence works in the area over the lifetime of the development. Objective DMSO163 – Coastal Erosion Prohibit new development outside urban areas within the areas indicated on Green Infrastructure Maps, which are within 100m of coastline at risk from coastal erosion, unless it can be objectively established based on the best scientific information available at the time of the application, that the likelihood of erosion at a specific location is minimal taking into account, inter alia, any impacts of the proposed development on erosion or deposition and the predicted impacts of climate change on the coastline. Objective DMSO164 – Coastal Flooding Prohibit development within areas liable to coastal flooding other than in accordance with The Planning System and Flood Risk Management – Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2009 issued by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Office of Public Works. Prohibit development within areas liable to coastal flooding under existing to 1m sea-level rise flood scenarios other than in accordance with The Planning System and Flood Risk Management – Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2009 issued by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Office of Public Works. Objective DMSO165 – Coastal Development Protect the scenic character of the coast by limiting development on the seaward side of coastal roads. New development for which a coastal location is required shall, wherever possible, be accommodated within existing developed areas. 14.19 Heritage, Culture, Arts 14.19.1 Site Assessment A thorough site assessment is an essential stage in the preparation of any development proposal and should be carried out prior to starting any design work to help inform and direct the layout, form and architectural treatment of the proposed scheme and identify issues that may need to be avoided, mitigated for or require sensitive design and professional expertise. Features, structures or planting that add character or value to the site should be retained and the scheme designed around these. The site assessment should evaluate: ¨ Character of the site and its setting ¨ Services ¨ Existing buildings ¨ Protected Designations ¨ Access to the site ¨ Rare and protected species (such as bats)
- DEVElOPMENT MANAGEMENT STANDARDS 620FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 14.19.1.1 Character of the Site and its Setting Outline the form and scale of the whole site; its orientation and topography; existing boundary treatments; historic boundaries or plot sizes e.g. townland boundaries or burgage plots; landscape features such as mature trees, hedgerows, designed landscapes and historic gardens; views or vistas to and from the site; where buildings are situated relative to historic and modern spaces on the site. 14.19.1.2 Existing Buildings/Structures Where structures exist on a site their embodied carbon needs to form part of the considerations for any redevelopment to ensure the proposal adheres to sustainable development goals. Adaptive re-use and transformation of existing buildings should be the first consideration before demolition and replacement. The architectural or vernacular quality, style and materials of the buildings on the site should also form part of the evaluation as the Development Plan contains objectives to retain and re-use the historic building stock, vernacular structures and 20th century architecture of merit. An analysis of historic maps should be carried out where older buildings exist on a site to inform the assessment process (there are a number of online map viewers that have digital historic map layers). 14.19.1.3 Access to Site Identify and utilise existing entry points where possible for vehicular and pedestrian access routes to the site and limit the removal of boundary planting or historic boundary treatments; delineate any Rights of Way or Easements on the property. 14.19.1.4 Services Detect existing connections or services for water, sewage, electricity, broadband/telecommunications. Consider sustainable options for new services where they do not exist on the site. 14.19.1.5 Protected Designations Check whether any statutory designated sites are within or adjoin the boundaries of the property and where they exist the proposal should adhere to national policy and Development Plan direction for proposals that directly or indirectly affect these sites. The statutory designations included Recorded Monument or National Monument; Protected Structure; Architectural Conservation Area; Natural Heritage Area or proposed Natural Heritage Areas; Special Area of Conservation; Special Protection Area; Statutory Nature Reserve; Refuge for Fauna; Ramsar Site; Water Framework Directive Register of Protected Areas site; Special Amenity Area. 14.19.1.6 Rare or Protected Species Surveys should be carried out to ensure that the habitats of protected or rare species do not exist on the site. This will be particularly pertinent where buildings have been unoccupied for a period, where the site it overgrown, or where the site has extensive areas of natural vegetation or contain watercourses.
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.