Fingal Development Plan 2023–2029 – Written Statement (Consolidated)

1. Page 631

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   DEVElOPMENT MANAGEMENT STANDARDS 631FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 ¨ Alterations or modifications of existing facades, openings, finishes, roofscapes, etc. should not detrimentally impact on the character of the ACA or cause damage to the building. ƿ Removal of the original weathering coat of a building of its render or plaster finish to expose the underlying stone is unacceptable. ƿ Where a building has a unpainted render or plaster finish this should not be painted over. ƿ Insertion of dormers or roof lights should be on hidden pitches and in general should not be placed on the front roof slope. ƿ Enlargement of window or door openings can change the prevailing proportions of the building or streetscape and so original dimensions should normally be retained. ¨ Development proposals for new build need to follow a sensitive design approach that respects the established character of the ACA in terms of the scale, massing, bulk, plot sizes, proportions and materials of the adjoining buildings to the development site. Direction can be taken from traditional forms and dimensions that are then expressed in a contemporary manner or with contemporary elements rather than an exact copy of a historic building style. Where a totally contemporary design approach is taken the detailing, materials and overall design must be carefully handled and of a high quality to ensure the proposal does not compromise the integrity and character of the area. ¨ Signage in an ACA should be minimal, discrete and sensitively designed so as not to negatively impact on the special character of the area. All other external commercial elements or fittings such as canopies, lighting and menu boards should be kept to an absolute minimum. Public Realm Works ¨ Elements of existing street furniture such as original kerbing, paving, setts, post-boxes, railings, bollards etc. should be identified and retained. ¨ Any new street furniture (such as bins, lighting, signage-poles etc.) shall be of a high quality and consistent design with consideration given to their siting and location. Street furniture should be kept to a minimum and any redundant modern street furniture removed. ¨ In instances where the Council does not have direct control over street furniture, it will engage with the relevant agency/agencies, where possible, to encourage them to comply with the Architectural Conservation Area policies. ¨ Works to improve the public realm such as new surfaces, dished pavements, traffic control measures including signage and ramps shall respect and enhance the essential character of the ACA. 14.19.3.4 Documentation to accompany Planning Applications within ACA’s The Planning Regulations indicate that planning applications for the carrying out of works to the exterior of a structure within an ACA should be accompanied by photographs, plans and other particulars as are necessary to demonstrate how the proposal would affect the character of the structure. It is therefore recommended

2. Page 632

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   DEVElOPMENT MANAGEMENT STANDARDS 632FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 that pre-planning consultation takes place with the Conservation Officer prior to the submission of a planning application to determine the detail of information required as this will be dependent on the significance of the structure and the extent and nature of the works proposed. Objective DMSO186 – Retention of Existing Building Stock within an ACA Retain the existing building stock within an ACA where possible and ensure that any new development or alteration of a building within or adjoining an ACA positively enhances the character of the area and is appropriate in terms of the proposed design, including: scale, mass, height, proportions, density, layout, materials, plot ratio, and building lines. Objective DMSO187 – Planning Applications within an ACA All planning applications for works in an Architectural Conservation Area shall have regard to the information outlined in Table 14.24. 14.19.3.5 Signage on Protected Structures or within ACAs Advertisements and signage on Protected Structures or on the exterior of structures within an Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs) require planning permission (apart from very limited circumstances). Table 14.25: Guidance for Signage on Protected Structures or within ACAs Amount of Existing Signage The insertion of external elements on a Protected Structure or to commercial premises within an ACA can incrementally damage the special character of the area by creating visual clutter and are only acceptable to a limited degree. Proposals for signage need to take into account the amount of existing signage and other external elements such as lighting, canopies, awnings, display boards, opening times, name plaques, etc. that may already exist on the structure. In some cases it may be necessary to rationalise or remove existing signage or external elements in order to accommodate any new features. Design of Signage New or replacement signage should be minimal, discreet and sensitively designed. It should complement the character of the building to which it will be attached. Traditionally signage was hand painted directly onto the building or onto a fascia board and this is still the most appropriate method of signage, particularly in historic areas. Where lettering or signage boards are being fixed onto a building details of the fixing methods onto the wall surface of an older building need to be carefully considered to avoid damaging decorative details, stonework or brickwork. In certain circumstances historic signage should be retained even where the business has changed hands or use. This may be due to the fact that it is an integral part of the building’s design, is associated with significant person or event, is characteristic of a specific period, is an outstanding example of a signmaker’s art, or is a local landmark. However, there are ways for the new business to adapt, modify, cover or relocate such signage in order to advertise their own services. Consultation should take place with the Architectural Conservation Officer in such cases.

3. Page 633

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   DEVElOPMENT MANAGEMENT STANDARDS 633FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Positioning of Signage Signage should normally be contained within the ground floor level i.e. below the window sills on the first floor. For businesses at first level and above or basement level signage these should be located at their entrance point or may be placed within upper floor or basement windows if discreetly designed. The placement of signage boards on external walls at upper level is not appropriate. Fascia The fascia panel or board carries the name of the shop over the shop window. Neon or animated signage, plastic fascia boxes, or plastic boards are not appropriate on Protected Structures or in ACAs. Hand painted lettering onto the building or onto timber fascia boards or individually mounted lettering is generally preferred. Fascias should not be visually dominant or overly deep. The lettering or text should generally be limited to just the name of the shop and the street number. Script style and scale should complement the period of the building and the scale of space available. Fascias should not extend uninterrupted across a number of buildings. Projecting Signs Projecting or hanging signs were not a feature of historic Irish townscapes. Modern versions can create visual clutter on external elevations which detracts from the special character of the area or building. Where fascia signage or lettering exists over the commercial unit this should be sufficient and therefore projecting signs would be unnecessary and should be omitted. Where they are permitted there should never be more than one on an elevation, they should not be illuminated or animated, not advertise a product, and should be fixed by a bracket rather than direct to the wall. Some trades do have a tradition of using projecting signs such as pharmacies, pawn brokers and barbers but these were often emblems or symbols associated with the trade e.g. green cross, three balls or red and white striped pole. Therefore, the use of symbols associated with a particular use is preferred for projecting signs where they are allowed and subject to high quality materials and design being used, they should not be animated or illuminated. Lighting of Signage The need for specific lighting of commercial signage should be carefully assessed as sufficient street lighting may exist already to light the premises and so the illumination of signage should be omitted where possible. Where lighting schemes are necessary they should be subtle and discreet, limited to the shopfront area and subtly concealed by details of the building or shopfront or confined to rear illumination of the individual letters. Lighting should be white in colour rather than coloured. Floodlighting, neon lighting, projecting arm brackets and horizontal strip lighting is to be avoided. Lighting of the entire building should not be permitted. Corporate Signage Standard corporate signage, branding and logos must be compatible with the individual building. Corporate signage which would detract from the character of Protected Structure or the ACA should be adapted in scale, colour, materials and design.

4. Page 634

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   DEVElOPMENT MANAGEMENT STANDARDS 634FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Banners and Flags The installation of permanent flagpoles, flags and banners on the exterior of Protected Structures or structures within an ACA are not considered acceptable. Temporary flags and banners may be permitted for a specific event of a limited and stated duration such as a sporting event, visit by dignitary or charity fundraiser etc. Canopies, Blinds and Awnings The necessity of canopies or awnings needs to be carefully assessed. Where they are permitted, their design needs to be carefully considered. The preferred material is heavy-duty cotton with painted metal or timber hardware. They should be a traditional style, open-ended and the blind box recessed. Plastic is not an acceptable material. The advertisement of products on canopies or awnings is not permitted within an ACA or on a Protected Structure. Canopies and awnings should not be permitted on upper floors but should be restricted (where deemed acceptable) to ground floor only. Signage or Advertisements on Windows and Shutters Care needs to be taken regarding the proliferation of signage on a premises and so signage onto windows should be avoided and should not be placed on security shutters. Digital Signage and Rotation Signs In general, these are large signs or screens that are for product placement and change advertisements multiple times. They are often found on phone kiosks or bus-shelters but can be independent freestanding units. Often, they add to the visual clutter on a streetscape and are not an acceptable form of signage within an ACA or on a Protected Structure. External digital signage for product placement such as on pub fronts or convenience stores are also not appropriate. Smaller digital screens to display information related to the specific business offer that are positioned within the interior of the commercial unit or on the inner side of the display window at ground floor may be acceptable subject to the design being agreed with the Planning Authority and Architectural Conservation Officer but digital signage on upper floors should be avoided. Small, discreetly-designed digital information panels within the public realm may also be appropriate subject to design. Totem or Monolith Signs These types of overly large, tall signs are most often associated with the display of pricing for fuel at petrol stations but have also been used by some modern supermarket chains or as signage for a collection of businesses within one premises/retail centre. In general, due to the size of this type of signage it is not acceptable within an ACA or within the curtilage of a Protected Structure. Billboards These are very large signs generally placed on the side or gable of buildings or freestanding within the public realm or within station complexes. The insertion of a new billboard within an ACA or onto a Protected Structure should not be permitted and where they already exist their removal should be encouraged. Large, visually-dominant digital billboard screens are not acceptable in any form on or close to a Protected Structure or within an ACA.

5. Page 635

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   DEVElOPMENT MANAGEMENT STANDARDS 635FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Gable Signage For most premises signage should be limited to the entrance area of the building or the shop front area. The insertion of any form of board or illuminated signage on a gable of a Protected Structure or within an ACA is not appropriate. Hand painted gable signage by a traditional sign artist or writer may be permitted onto rendered walls where it is limited to the name of the business only, is an appropriate scale not to overly dominate the building and the design has been agreed with the Planning Authority and Architectural Conservation Office. The painting of signage onto a stone or brick finished building is not appropriate. Roller Shutters/Security Grilles The provision of roller shutters or security grilles on the exterior of a building is not appropriate on either new or existing commercial units but should be positioned internally behind the window display. The design of the shutter or grille should be transparent, open chain-link grille rather than solid or perforated shutters and should not cover the entire commercial frontage but only be located on the relevant openings. Where a building has internal timber shutters these can be used for security purposes instead of any new insertions. Murals The placement of a mural on the external wall of a Protected Structure or a building within an ACA needs to be carefully considered and requires planning permission. Consultation with the Arts Office and Architectural Conservation Office is required prior to the submission of a planning application. The mural should not be an advertisement or product placement. Objective DMSO188 – Signage on a Protected Structure All planning applications for signage on a Protected Structure or within an Architectural Conservation Area shall have regard to the Guidelines outlined in Table 14.25. 14.19.4 Designed Landscapes – Historic Gardens, Demesnes and Country Estates There has been substantial pressure in recent years on former country estates or historic demesnes for development, frequently drawn up without a proper appraisal of the impact on the designed landscape or a determination of the carrying capacity of the lands. The proposals can be in the form of a one-off extensive redevelopment of the historic demesne or a series of smaller schemes. With the latter the cumulative impact of each additional element needs to be considered as when combined can result in an incremental but significant transformation of the landscape. ¨ Development should be sensitive of the relationship between the principal residence and its attendant grounds and should not server this or interrupt designed vistas and routes. ¨ Proposals within historic designed landscapes need to identify and understand the original design intention and significance of trees and planting schemes, vistas/views, purpose and placement of supplementary structures (e.g. follies, terraces, walled

6. Page 636

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   DEVElOPMENT MANAGEMENT STANDARDS 636FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 gardens, ha-has, ice-houses, embankments) and seek not just to retain these but for them to inform the design and location of new development so that it respects and avoids impacting on significant built or natural landscape features. ¨ The sub-division of demesnes into different land parcels should be avoided. ¨ Care needs to be taken that significant views or vistas looking out of the designed landscape or into it are not encroached upon by development outside of its boundaries. ¨ A Designed Landscape Appraisal is required where a proposed development is to be sited within or adjacent to a historic or culturally significant garden, demesne or landscaped estate or will impact on its setting. Generally, the principal residence within a demesne or designed landscape is a Protected Structure, and often some of the buildings serving it are also protected. It should be noted that many of the larger demesnes in Fingal have been designated as Architectural Conservation Areas. Designed landscapes also provide habitats for many species of flora and fauna and the implications of any proposal for the natural heritage need to be carefully considered. Objective DMSO189 – Designed Landscape Appraisal A Designed Landscape Appraisal should accompany any development proposal for an historic demesne and/or designed landscape, to include: ¨ Identification and description of the original development, history, structures, features and boundaries of the designed landscape. ¨ Ecological assessment, including identification of any protected habitats or species. ¨ Evaluation of the significance of the historical landscape, including the identification of significant built and landscape features within the site that must be retained. ¨ Determination of the carrying capacity of the lands which should not be exceeded, to be agreed with the Council. ¨ Assessment of the development proposal and its impact on the designed landscape. ¨ Recommendations for mitigation and management of the built and natural heritage. 14.19.5 Vernacular Heritage and Other Built Heritage Assets The retention and reuse of vernacular buildings and other non-protected built heritage assets that contribute to the distinctive character of the rural or urban areas of Fingal is supported and encouraged by the Council. The majority of these buildings tend to have been constructed using traditional methodologies and materials such as lime, stone, mud, thatch, slate and timber. These materials allowed for moisture to be absorbed and released easily, for the building to ‘breathe’ and so the ventilation of internal spaces performs an important function. Interventions that may be appropriate for modern construction practices, such as impermeable building products or air-tight spaces, could have unintended harmful consequences for the historic or traditional constructed building stock.

7. Page 637

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   DEVElOPMENT MANAGEMENT STANDARDS 637FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Table 14.26: Direction on Development of Vernacular Buildings or Other Built Heritage Assets An assessment of the existing buildings on the site should be carried out through an analysis of historic maps and an appraisal of the building’s fabric and features. Development proposals should seek to retain and incorporate existing older buildings of merit or character be they vernacular, historic or 20th century structures. Proposals affecting vernacular buildings need to be accompanied by a detailed measured survey, photographic record and written report carried out by a professional with appropriate conservation expertise, preferably with an understanding of vernacular buildings. Where layers of historic thatch still survive within the building the proposal needs to clearly state how the thatch is to be dealt with. The conservation expertise should be retained to supervise and certify the proposed works and ensure that the existing building is properly supported prior to and during construction works. Appropriate materials and methods are to be used to carry out repairs to the historic fabric of older buildings. Any proposed changes need to be sympathetic to the special features and character of the existing building by respecting the existing setting, form, scale and materials. Proposals for extensions to vernacular buildings or the historic building stock should not erode the setting and design qualities of the original structure which make it attractive and should be in proportion or subservient to the existing building. Original building features or materials should be retained including windows, doors, roof coverings, boundary treatments and site features (such as stone walls, hedges, railing, gates, gate piers, cobbles and courtyards). Seek the retention of surviving historic plot sizes and street patterns in the villages and towns of Fingal and incorporate ancient boundaries or layouts, such as townland boundaries, into re-developments. Where a proposal seeks to redevelop a derelict property or one that has been unoccupied for a long period of time than in addition to the above substantial standing remains should still exist which are structurally capable of sustaining redevelopment. A written report from a suitably qualified professional should accompany any application outlining that the proposal will not structurally compromise the building and outline the measures to be taken to protect the building from collapse prior to and during construction works. New insertions into historic townscapes/streetscapes should ensure the proposed design is carefully handled with a sensitivity and understanding of the fundamentals of Irish vernacular buildings and with exact details of appropriate, good quality materials/finishes. Direction for the design of new insertions in historic towns and villages or for extensions to existing older or vernacular buildings should be taken from the historic building stock of the area but can be expressed in a contemporary architectural language.

8. Page 638

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   DEVElOPMENT MANAGEMENT STANDARDS 638FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029

9. Page 639

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   DEVElOPMENT MANAGEMENT STANDARDS 639FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Objective DMSO190 – Structures Contributing to Distinctive Character Where development is proposed for a site that contains a vernacular or historic building, 20th Century building of merit and/or structures that contribute to the distinctive character of the rural or urban areas of Fingal then the scheme should have regard to the direction in Table 14.26. 14.19.6 Industrial Heritage Objective DMSO191 – Fingal Industrial Heritage Survey Proposed developments shall have regard to the Fingal Industrial Heritage Survey and should evaluate any above and below ground industrial heritage features. Where industrial remains are identified, the application may be required to engage the services of an industrial heritage expert to prepare a specialist report. Objective DMSO192 – Adaptive Re-Use of Industrial Heritage Structures Proposals that involve the adaptive re-use of industrial heritage structures shall be undertaken in a sensitive manner, ensuring that any change does not seriously impact on the intrinsic character of the structure and that all works are carried out in accordance with best practice conservation. 14.19.7 Language Heritage Objective DMSO193 – Naming of Streets and Residential Estates and Language Heritage Naming of streets and residential estates shall reflect the local placenames and local people of note, heritage, language or topographical features as appropriate and shall incorporate old placenames from the locality as much as possible and where appropriate shall be in Irish. The use of bi-lingual signage will be required. 14.19.8 Arts Public art can make a positive contribution to the cultural identity and visual appearance of an area and can be utilised to identify historic events and features adding to the quality and engagement of the public realm. The provision of artwork on hoarding will also be supported in accordance with the requirements as set out below. New public artwork should integrate with its immediate location and the context of the surrounding environment. Proposals for public artwork should: ¨ Illustrate a comprehensive understanding of site considerations, and the physical, social, historical, topographical and architectural context. ¨ Provide for the highest aesthetic quality in terms of materials and finishes with low maintenance value. ¨ Engage with the local community to enhance social relevance and significance.

10. Page 640

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    DEVElOPMENT MANAGEMENT STANDARDS 640FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Objective DMSO194 – Provision of Public Art Require new residential developments in excess of 100 units and large commercial/retail developments in excess of 2000 sqm to provide for a piece of public art to be agreed with the Council. Objective DMSO195 – Women and Minorities When commissioning commemorative art or monuments that consideration is given to increasing the representation of women and minorities. 14.20 Infrastructure and Utilities (This section should be read in conjunction with Chapter 11 Infrastructure and Utilities.) 14.20.1 Water Services Infrastructure Since 1 January 2014, the funding of water infrastructure is the responsibility of Uisce Éireann. Those intending to carry out development will need to enter a Connection Agreement with Uisce Éireann that will cover the funding and delivery of the appropriate water infrastructure. Flood risk management will be carried out in accordance with the Flood Risk Management Guidelines for Planning Authorities, DOECLG 2009 and Circular Implementation and Monitoring (IM) PL2/2014. Development proposals should provide suitable drainage measures in compliance with the Fingal County Council’s SuDs Guidance Document – Green/ Blue Infrastructure for Development, as amended (Appendix 11). Objective DMSO196 – Public Foul Sewerage Network Connections Ensure that all new developments in areas served by a public foul sewerage network connect to the public sewerage system, to comply with the requirements of the Uisce Éireann Foul Sewer specification (where applicable). Objective DMSO197 – Foul and Surface Water Drainage Systems Require all new development to provide separate foul and surface water drainage systems and to prohibit the connection of surface water outflows to the foul drainage network and vice versa (prohibit foul to surface water) where separation systems are available. Objective DMSO198 – Buffer Zones around Wastewater Treatment Plants Establish a buffer zone around all wastewater treatment plants suitable to the size and operation of each plant. The buffer zone should not be less than 100m from the odour producing units. Objective DMSO199– Buffer Zones around Pumping Stations Establish an appropriate buffer zone around all pumping stations suitable to the size and operation of each station. The buffer zone should be a minimum 35 metres – 50 metres from the noise/odour producing part of the pumping station to avoid nuisance from odour and noise. For small scale developments (less than 15 houses) a smaller buffer zone may be agreed with the Planning Authority.

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.