Development plan · Galway City Council
Galway City Development Plan 2023–2029
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards.
Galway City Council · 2023–2029 · 386 pages
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- Land Use Zoning Objectives and Development Standards and Guidelines Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 337 • Consideration regarding compliance with Part V arrangements for social housing will not be required where the accommodation is for student accommodation of a recognised third level institution. • The proposed development includes ancillary facilities adequate to meet the needs of the development, including refuse/recycling facilities and cycle parking. • There will be a presumption against the requirement for car parking, however each proposal will be assessed on its merits and the intensity of use outside of the academic year. • At least 10% of bed spaces shall be designed for students with disabilities. All permissions for student accommodation shall have a condition attached requiring planning permission for a change of use from student accommodation to other types of accommodation. Future applications for change of use will be resisted except where it is demonstrated that continuing over-provision of student accommodation exists in the city. 11.31 Climate – Scheme Sustainability Statements The built environment will play a key role in addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation and all development proposals will be encouraged to explore and incorporate climate action measures. Large scale development proposals will be expected to demonstrate how this has been taken forward through the evolution of the scheme by submitting a Scheme Sustainability Statement in support of the planning application(s) to outline the proposal’s context and addresses how it responds to plan objectives and surroundings, should be submitted for: All planning applications involving developments of 25 or more homes or over 500sqm of gross retail, commercial/office development in urban areas; or enterprise and employment developments over 1,000m2 and other projects, as deemed appropriate gross should be accompanied by a Scheme Sustainability Statement. The Scheme Sustainability Statement should, as a minimum, demonstrate how the following climate change mitigation and adaptation considerations inform the proposal: 1. How the location, siting, layout, design and drainage proposals maximise climate adaptation opportunities. 2. How the SuDS strategy integrates the four pillars of SuDS Design – water quantity, water quality, amenity and biodiversity. 3. The use of green roofs other green infrastructure as a means of contributing towards sustainable urban drainage, improving biodiversity and influencing heat loss/gain from the building. 4. Energy efficiency through thermal insulation, passive ventilation and cooling, passive solar design and any technologies used to help occupants better manage energy usage. 5. The use of district, renewable and/or low-carbon energy supply opportunities. 6. How the proposals at all stages embrace the Circular Economy approach in relation to waste management from construction through to the operation of the building(s). 7. How noise and air pollution will be managed across all stages of development from construction through to operation of the building(s).
- Land Use Zoning Objectives and Development Standards and Guidelines 338 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 As part of the Scheme Sustainability Statement, applicants will be required to demonstrate how these considerations were explored and taken forward through the evolution of the development proposal and where they have not been taken forward, reasons are given as to why the measures were not technically feasible or viable. The level of information and commitments within the Statement should be proportionate to the scale and complexity of the development proposal. A design statement may be requested for other types of development at the discretion of the Planning Authority considering the sensitivity of the site (e.g. protected structures, ACAs or areas with a protected view). 11.32 Environmental Impact Assessment The Planning and Development Regulations specify mandatory thresholds above which Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) are required, setting out the types and scale of Development proposals that require EIS. Where it appears to the Planning Authority that a development proposal that falls below the thresholds set out in the Planning and Development Regulations 2001-2015 would be likely to have a significant environmental effect, a ‘sub -threshold/discretionary EIS’ can be requested by the Council. Galway City Council (or An Bord Pleanála) may require EIA to be carried out on below-threshold development if it is considered that, or uncertain if, the development proposal would be likely to have significant effects on the environment. 11.33 Appropriate Assessment / Natura Impact Statement Under Article 6 of the Habitats Directive there is a requirement to establish whether, in relation to plans and projects, appropriate assessment (AA) is required. If, following screening, it is considered that AA is required then the proponent of the plan or project must prepare a Natura Impact Report/Natura Impact Statement. A plan or project will only be authorised after the competent authority has ascertained, based on scientific evidence, screening for Appropriate Assessment, and a Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment where necessary, that: • The plan or project will not give rise to significant adverse direct, indirect or secondary effects on the integrity of any European site (either individually or in combination with other plans or projects); or • The plan or project will have significant adverse effects on the integrity of any European Site (that does not host a priority natural habitat type and/or a priority species) but there are no alternative solutions and the plan or project must nevertheless be carried out for imperative reasons of overriding public interest –including those of a social or economic nature. In this case, it will be a requirement to follow procedures set out in legislation and agree and undertake all compensatory measures necessary to ensure the protection of the overall coherence of Natura 2000; or • The plan or project will have a significant adverse effect on the integrity of any European Site (that hosts a natural habitat type and/or a priority species) but there are no alternative solutions and the plan or project must nevertheless be carried out for imperative reasons of overriding public interest- restricted to reasons of human health or public safety, to beneficial consequences of primary importance for the environment or, further to an opinion from the Commission, to other imperative reasons of overriding public interest. In this case, it will be a requirement to follow procedures set out in legislation and agree and undertake all compensatory measures necessary to ensure the protection of the overall coherence of Natura 2000.
- Land Use Zoning Objectives and Development Standards and Guidelines Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 339 11.34 Invasive Alien Species On development sites, where invasive species are present, a control and management program for the protection against the particular invasive species, will be required as part of the planning process. 11.35 Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) An Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) will be required to be undertaken for developments proposed in areas that support, or have the potential to support, protected species or features of biodiversity importance, and that appropriate avoidance and mitigation measures are incorporated into all development proposals where the requirements of section 11.32 do not apply. 11.36 Residential Care Homes, Retirement Homes, Nursing Homes, Retirement Villages and Assisted Living Accommodation The City Council supports the provision of accommodation to meet the needs of an aging population. Such accommodation should preferably be integrated into the existing neighbourhoods and at locations that are well served by local services, community facilities and public transport links. Proposals for such development should take into consideration the following: • The location and accessibility to local services and the proximity to the pedestrian network and existing or planned public transport corridors; • The potential impact on the character and amenities of the area; • The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) National Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People in Ireland (July 2016), and any successor document; • Standards set out in the Statutory Instrument No. 293 of 2016, Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2016; • The provision of good quality, appropriately sized “and designed” open space and communal amenity facilities; • The adequacy of off-street parking. 11.37 Age Friendly Housing The City Council supports an age-friendly approach to new and existing residential development in the city. Proposals for residential development should consider the future proofing of units for an aging population. The following documents and guidelines should be taken into consideration in any development proposal: • Housing Options for Our Ageing Population- Policy Statement (DHPLG and DH) (2019); • Ten Universal Design Features to include in a Lifetime Adaptable and Age Friendly Home (Age Friendly Ireland); • Age Friendly Homes Rating Checklist Age Friendly Homes Rating Tool June 2021(Age Friendly Ireland).
- Land Use Zoning Objectives and Development Standards and Guidelines338 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 Appendix 1 – Implementation and Monitoring 341 Appendix 2 – Statement of Compliance with Ministerial Guidelines 346 Appendix 3 – List of Protected Structures in the Record of Protected Structures 351 Appendix 4 – Infrastructure Assessment 360 Appendix 5 – Glossary and Acronyms 363 Appendix 6 – Section 31 Ministerial Direction 370 Appendices
- Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 341 Appendix 1 – Implementation and Monitoring Plan Implementation Section 15 (1) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) places a statutory obligation on the Planning Authority to take such steps within its powers as may be necessary to secure the objectives of the Plan. This Plan sets out Galway City Council’s strategic vision and strategy for sustainable growth over the plan period of 2023-2029 and into the longer term. The Plan policies and objectives aim to be achievable during the lifetime of this plan. However, many are set within a longer timeframe beyond 2029. This reflects the wider national/regional planning frameworks and recognises that the ambitions for city growth require a strategic focus beyond the plan period. The implementation of the Plan will require collaboration and engagement with a range of stakeholders, sectoral and investment interests, government departments and agencies. In certain cases, implementation will not be the sole responsibility of the City Council and may be the responsibility of external agencies. In all cases, a partnership approach will be adopted to support implementation. Through active land management, the Council will work with developers, utilities and service providers, land owners, national government and community interests to deliver specific development objectives for particular areas throughout the City. Plan Monitoring A strategic approach to monitoring will be taken with a focus on the anticipated or proposed key outcomes of the plan, as determined by Galway City Council. Monitoring plays a crucial role in understanding how effective the Development Plan objectives are in securing the delivery of sustainable development. The Council will maintain a continuous emphasis on the implementation of policies and objectives of the Plan. A methodology that affords measurable monitoring and analysis and an allied reporting structure will allow for a review of the effectiveness of the Plan over the period of six years. This approach expands on the statutory requirement for a two year progress report. It reflects that Development Plans require that the myriad of functions within local authorities, relating to areas such as housing, amenities, transport, infrastructure servicing and economic development contribute to delivering the overall vision for the City. It allows for a mechanism to facilitate efficient co-ordination and a proactive land management approach. It can facilitate direct engagement and collaboration with other key stakeholders, including the community and investment interests. It can assist in unlocking barriers, enable innovative problem solving and facilitate timely decision making. Core Strategy Monitoring A Core Strategy Monitoring Framework will be activated to measure planning outcomes and evaluate the policy objectives of the City Development Plan. Trends in residential development will be presented spatially in order to facilitate an assessment of delivery of the Core Strategy. The measurement of housing growth will be a key performance indicator to assess the satisfactory implementation of the Core Strategy and NPF compact growth objectives. Use of the national HNDA tool can allow housing delivery to be monitored at local level and can therefore contribute to timely adaptation of housing policies and also give a measure of how effective prevailing policies are in the delivery of the NPF targeted populations. Appendix 1 – Implementation and Monitoring
- 342 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 Environmental Monitoring Monitoring of the significant environmental effects of the implementation of the Plan will be carried out on an ongoing basis through an environmental monitoring programme and assessment of planning applications. An important function of monitoring is to ensure that the environment is not adversely affected by the implementation of specific objectives of the Development Plan and to examine whether or not the Plan is achieving its environmental protection objectives and targets. Strategic environmental objectives SEO and targets are linked to indicators, which measure changes in environmental quality and which facilitate the monitoring of the progress reached in achieving Plan objectives and targets. Indicators identified are indicative and may change over the period of the Plan, taking into consideration factors such as changes to monitoring programmes over time and the monitoring arrangements of other stakeholders. Other Monitoring Sectoral targets associated with the National Climate Action Plan 2021 will be reflected at local level in the Local Climate Action Plan, Energy Masterplan and outputs of the Decarbonisation Zone pilot project will enable establishment of a baseline of carbon emissions in the city and a measure of impacts of initiatives. The implementation of the Galway Transport Strategy (GTS) will enable monitoring of modal shift to more sustainable modes as additional facilitating infrastructure is rolled out and initiatives to promote behavioural change and demand management are activated. Two Year Progress Report In accordance with Section 15 (2) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), the Plan will be reviewed after two years and a progress report will be prepared by the Chief Executive on the achievements in securing the policy and objectives of the Plan at that time. The two year review shall monitor and assess the overall implementation of policy and objectives including those pertaining to the Core Strategy and the environmental objectives as set out in the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) to ensure that the development of Galway City is aligned with the national and regional frameworks. The two year report must also include a review of the progress achieved in implementing the Housing Strategy and, where the report indicates that new or revised housing needs have been identified, the Chief Executive may recommend that the Housing Strategy be adjusted and that the Development Plan be varied accordingly. There is also a requirement under Section 25A of the Planning and Development Act for each local authority within the regional assembly area, to prepare and submit a report to the regional assembly every two years, setting out progress made in supporting objectives, relevant the Northern and Western Regional Assembly. This current statutory process builds in monitoring progress in relation to the implementation of those objectives in the Development Plan that are consistent with the RSES. This will ensure that any changes that are required to reflect and maintain appropriate planning and sustainable principles over the lifetime of both, the Development Plan and the RSES will be implemented. As recommended in the Retail Planning Guidelines (2012) the Council will include for the monitoring of retail trends including for scale, nature and spatial distribution in the context of the overall retail strategy, the settlement strategy and policies on sustainable neighbourhoods. This monitoring will allow for a review of policy if needed to ensure sustained vibrancy, vitality and viability in the sector. Appendix 1 – Implementation and Monitoring
- Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 343 Development Management Process Many of the objectives of the Plan will be achieved through implementation and activation of grants of planning permissions. Individual planning applications will be assessed having regard to the policies and objectives of the Plan. The requirement to prepare masterplans and spatial frameworks as part of planning applications will ensure that the qualitative aspects of the Plan and the principles of sustainable urban design and place-making are supported. The Planning Section will proactively engage with all the applicants through the pre-application process in order to guide proposed developments to deliver the objectives of the Plan. Funding Opportunities The Council will pursue a range of funding sources, by way of development contributions and other Council income, along with Exchequer and EU funding to support the implementation of the Plan. Funding opportunities to deliver facilities and infrastructure through national streams such as the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) and National Transport Authority (NTA) funding for implementation of measures set out in (GTS) will facilitate implementation of key transport and public realm projects for the City. Development Implementation Monitoring Framework of Core Strategy Table and Development Plan Objectives The Implementation Monitoring Framework will be supported by GIS mapping and other illustrative documentation. Indicate which Objective/Goal is met Residential Indicators Number NPF RSES MASP Climate Action* UNSDG 1. New home completions (including through refurbishment/ conversions) 2. New home completions in accordance with settlement strategy and neighbourhood areas 3. Planning permissions granted for residential development with: i. A breakdown of units types and size ii. A breakdown per Tier 1 and Tier 2 lands Appendix 1 – Implementation and Monitoring
- 344 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 Commercial Indicators 4. Developed and occupied commercial floorspace 5. Planning permissions for business/ employment uses (m2 of development) for: i. Office ii. Industrial iii. Retail iv. Warehousing/ Logistics Settlement Consolidation Sites and Others Community, Social & Cultural Indicators** 6. Projects i. Healthcare facilities ii. Educational Facilities iii. Recreational Facilities iv. Green Space(s) v. Cultural Facilities vi. Community Spaces (including key public spaces identified in the Public Realm Strategy) Appendix 1 – Implementation and Monitoring
- 7. Regeneration/Opportunity Sites Site Location Enabling infrastructural services delivery Planning permissions granted Units Constructed Phased Use mix by % Funding Applications Made Ceannt Quarter Inner Harbour Dyke Road Headford Rd- Galway Retail Park Headford Rd- Galway Shopping Centre Sandy Road Nun’s Island Seamus Quirke Crown Square Corrib Great Southern Former Dawn Dairies Royal Tara China Shantalla Road Doughiska Road Eyre Square East Former Connaught Laundry Eastgate Knocknacarra District Centre (North) Knocknacarra District Centre (South) 8. Transportation Indicators in Accordance with GTS Progress & Delivery CAP Contribution Funding i. Cycle Improvements ii. Walking Improvements iii. Bus Improvements iv. Road Improvements v. New park and ride facilities * The 2-year review will accord with Section 15 (2) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and the forthcoming Climate Action Plan. ** Social and Community Infrastructure Audit will be untaken in conjunction with the LECP/LCDC and relevant stakeholders to establish a baseline of services in the City as indicated in Specific Objective 7.7 (4) of this Plan. ***SEA Statement incudes approach to monitoring Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 345 Appendix 1 – Implementation and Monitoring
- 346 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 Appendix 2 – Statement of Compliance with Ministerial Guidelines Under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) the Council is required to append a statement to the Development Plan to include information which demonstrates: a) How the Planning Authority has implemented the policies and objectives of the Minister contained in the Ministerial Guidelines when considering their application to the area, or part of the area, of the Development Plan. It is a statutory requirement to append such a statement to a development plan under Section 28 (1A) of the Act. b) Alternatively, if the Planning Authority has formed the opinion that it is not possible, because of the nature and characteristics of the area or part of the area of the Development Plan, to implement certain policies and objectives of the Minister contained in the Guidelines when considering the application of those policies in the area or part of the area of the Development Plan and shall give reasons for the forming of the opinion and why the policies and objectives of the Minister have not been so implemented. The required statement in relation to the Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 is set out below. Section 28 Guidelines Galway City Council Development Plan 2023-2029 A Guide of Planning Enforcement in Ireland (2012) Guidelines for planning authorities on planning enforcement system. These guidelines are not relevant to the preparation of the Development Plan but rather planning enforcement. Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland – Guidance for Planning Authorities (2009) The preparation of the Plan has had regard to this Guidance document. The likely impacts to the integrity of European sites that could arise from measures proposed in the Plan have been fully examined through the AA process. Robust and effective mitigation measures have been integrated into the plan to ensure that it will not have a significant adverse effect on the integrity of European sites either alone or in combination with other plans and projects. A Natura Impact Assessment is part of this Plan in Volume 3. Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2004 and Revised 2011) Chapter 8, Built Heritage, Placemaking and Urban Design sets out measures to protect the architectural heritage of the city and takes account of these guidelines. Architectural Heritage Protection for Places of Public Worship Circular Letter 7/03 Chapter 8, Built Heritage, Placemaking and Urban Design sets out Council’s policy on protecting the City’s architectural heritage. Best Practice Urban Design Manual (2009) Parts 1 & 2 Chapter 3, Housing and Sustainable Neighbourhoods and Chapter 11, Land Use Zoning Objectives and Development Standards and Guidelines address urban design issues and detailed standards for development. Appendix 2 – Statement of Compliance with Ministerial Guidelines
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