Development plan · Kildare County Council
Kildare County Development Plan 2023–2029 — Chapter 11: Built and Cultural Heritage
One part of the council's development plan written statement, which the council publishes in parts. Variations adopted since are not in this text.
Kildare County Council · 2023–2029 · 44 pages
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- County Kildare is set out in Appendix 6 of this Plan. A number of additions and deletions to the RPS are proposed which are listed at the end of Appendix 6. Proposed protected structures are subject to the same legal protection as buildings and structures that are already included on the RPS. The placing of a structure on the RPS seeks to ensure that the character of the structure is maintained and any changes or alterations to it are carried out in such a way as to retain and enhance this character. The usual provisions for exempted development do not apply to protected structures and proposed protected structures. Works to a protected structure, that would materially affect the character of the structure, will always require planning permission. Owners/occupiers are encouraged to engage experienced conservation advice and seek an early pre-planning consultation with the planning department when planning to undertake works to a protected structure that are likely to require planning permission. It is important to note that not all works to a Protected Structure will constitute material alterations. Under Section 57 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended), owners/occupiers may request a declaration from the Planning Authority as to the type of works, which it considers, would or would not materially affect the character of the structure. A Section 57 Declaration is a very useful document, which can give the owners/occupiers clear guidance that is particular to their building on a range of works that can be carried out as exempted development. This might include conservation works to historic windows, redecoration and roof repairs, where carried out in accordance with good conservation practice. Policy It is the policy of the Council to: AH P6 Protect, conserve and manage the archaeological and architectural heritage of the county and to encourage sensitive sustainable development in order to ensure its survival, protection and maintenance for future generations. Objectives It is an objective of the Council to: AH O20 Conserve and protect buildings, structures and sites contained on the Record of Protected Structures of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest.355
- AH O21 Protect the curtilage of protected structures or proposed protected structures and to refuse planning permission for inappropriate development that would adversely impact on the setting, curtilage, or attendant grounds of a protected structure, cause loss of or damage to the special character of the protected structure and/or any structures of architectural heritage value within its curtilage. Any proposed development within the curtilage and/or attendant grounds must demonstrate that it is part of an overall strategy for the future conservation of the entire built heritage complex and contributes positively to that aim. AH O22 Refuse planning permission for the demolition of any protected structure unless the Council is satisfied that exceptional circumstances exist. The demolition of a protected structure with the retention of its façade will likewise not generally be permitted. AH O23 Require an Architectural Heritage Assessment Report, as described in Appendix B of the Architectural Heritage Protection, Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2011), to accompany all applications with potential for visual or physical impacts on a Protected Structure, its curtilage, demesne and setting. This report should be prepared by a person with conservation expertise that is appropriate to the significance of the historic building or site and the complexity of the proposed works. AH O24 - Safeguard the amenities of Castletown House including the main avenue, Donaghcumper, St Wolstans and the River Liffey environs as shown on Map V1 - 11.14. - Safeguard the amenities of The Wonderful Barn including the adjacent buildings. AH O25 Maintain the views from Castletown House to the River Liffey and to protect the integrity of the designed landscape at Castletown Demesne, including the pathways, avenues, and the following views: • Axial views between Castletown House and the Conolly Folly, Obelisk. • Views between Castletown House and the Wonderful Barn including the trees and natural growth areas within same. • Views from the House to the river and across the back parterre • Views across the river and to the linked demesnes of Donaghcumper and St. Wolstans. • Views from the main avenue to, and across, the river towards Castletown, and up and down the river to Celbridge and New Bridges. ensuring development does not inappropriately encroach on same. AH O26 Require that planning applications in proximity to ‘Views to be Preserved” are accompanied by a Visual Impact Assessment. AH O27 Maintain the views to and from Carton House and protect the character of the historic designed landscape within Carton Demesne, as outlined in Map V1 - 11.13. AH O28 Support the re-development of Clongowes Wood College to ensure the continued and enhanced educational use of this protected structure. Any proposed development within the curtilage and/or356
- attendant grounds must demonstrate that it is part of an overall strategy for the future conservation of the entire complex including the structures, demesne and/or attendant grounds. AH O29 Preserve and protect the historic, architectural, and military heritage of The Curragh Camp. Ensure that proposed development within the curtilage and/or attendant grounds demonstrates that it is part of an overall strategy to protect the heritage significance of the entire Curragh Camp. AH O30 Ensure that, in the event of planning permission being granted for development within the curtilage and attendant grounds of a protected structure, a sustainable use and appropriate maintenance plan is in place for the structure and any associated buildings or structures of heritage interest. The proposed works to the protected structure should occur in the first phase of the development to prevent endangerment, abandonment and dereliction of the structure. AH O31 Protect the designed landscapes associated with protected structures and retain important elements of the built heritage including historic gardens, stone walls, pathways, and avenues within the curtilage and attendant grounds of protected structures. AH O32 Ensure that new development will not adversely impact on the setting of a protected structure or obscure established views of its principal elevations. AH O33 Promote best practice and the use of skilled specialist practitioners in the conservation of, and any works to, protected structures. Architectural Heritage Impact Assessment reports should make reference to the DHLGH Advice Series on how best to repair and maintain historic buildings. The AHIA report should summarise the principal impacts on the character and special interest of the structure or site and describe how it is proposed to minimise these impacts. It may also describe how the works have been designed or specified to have regard to the character of the architectural heritage. AH O34 Encourage high quality design in relation to planning applications that are made for the construction of extensions or new buildings affecting protected structures or older buildings of architectural merit not included in the RPS. The Council will have regard for the visual impacts on the setting and character of protected structures and/or buildings of architectural merit not included on the RPS, when considering applications on neighbouring sites. AH O35 Favourably consider the change of use of any structure included on the Record of Protected Structures, where such a change of use does not adversely impact on its intrinsic character or special interest and where such a use may otherwise not conform to the zoning matrix associated with any Local Area Plan. AH O36 Actively encourage uses that are compatible with the character of protected structures. In certain cases, the Planning Authority may relax site restrictions / development standards in order to secure the preservation and restoration of a protected structure or building of architectural merit that is not included on the RPS.357
- AH O37 Promote the use of energy upgrade materials and technologies that follow good conservation practice and are compatible with the character and vapour permeable construction of traditionally built structures. AH O38 Support appropriate and sensitive thermal upgrade of protected structures and other heritage buildings. These works shall be undertaken with the necessary planning permission / statutory declarations with the advice of Kildare County Council’s Architectural Conservation Officer. AH O39 Promote the maintenance and appropriate re-use of buildings of architectural, cultural, historic and aesthetic merit which make a positive contribution to the character, appearance and quality of the streetscape or landscape and the sustainable development of the county. Any works associated with the re-use of such buildings should be carried out in accordance with best conservation practice. AH O40 Encourage appropriate change of use and reuse of industrial buildings of heritage interest, provided such a change does not seriously impact on the intrinsic character of the structure and that all works are carried out in accordance with best conservation practice. AH O41 Promote the retention of original or early building fabric including timber sash windows, stonework, brickwork, joinery, render and slate. Likewise, the Council will encourage the re-instatement of historically correct traditional features. AH O42 Retain where practicable a protected structure which has been damaged by fire, and to retain those elements of that structure that have survived (either in whole or in part) and that contribute to its special interest. AH O43 Ensure that national guidelines and the principles of conservation best practice are followed in assessing the significance of a Protected Structure and in considering the impact of proposed development on the character and special interest of the structure, its curtilage, demesne and setting. AH O44 Co-operate with Waterways Ireland in the management, maintenance and enhancement of the Royal Canal and Grand Canal and associated structures/features. Such projects shall be subject to an AA Screening Report, and where applicable, Stage 2 AA. They shall have a regard for any hydrological connection shared with a European Site and their qualifying interest species. The project shall account for any potential likely significant effects and provide mitigation and monitoring where appropriate. AH O45 Support the implementation of the National Policy on Architecture, ‘Places for People’ prepared by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.358
- Actions It is an action of the Council to: AH A10 Review and amend on an ongoing basis the Record of Protected Structures and make additions, deletions and corrections as appropriate over the period of this Plan. AH A11 Prepare a Buildings at Risk Register to prevent the endangerment of Protected Structures, historic or vernacular buildings. AH A12 Carry out an audit and assess the condition of all protected structures within the Council’s ownership and devise a management plan including a range of proposed uses for these structures, which may include community uses. AH A13 Carry out field surveys of industrial heritage in the county and make recommendations for its protection. AH A14 Carry out an audit of all historic rail and road bridges and disused railway lines in Kildare and liaise with Iarnród Eireann and Transport Infrastructure Ireland regarding the management, maintenance and enhancement of same. AH A15 Carry out a pilot study on the sympathetic re-use of a Protected Structure/ or groups of buildings in an Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) to address high quality residential reuse in historic urban cores of towns and villages. 11.16 Country Houses and Demesnes County Kildare has a large number of country houses and demesnes where the grounds and settings constitute an intrinsic element of their character. County Kildare includes the two most notable country houses in Ireland, Castletown House in Celbridge and Carton House in Maynooth, both of which have demesnes that are accessible to the public. There are many other country houses, with important designed landscapes and substantially intact demesnes that contribute the architectural and landscape heritage of County Kildare. Piecemeal development of demesnes can be detrimental to the historical and architectural importance of the demesne and country house. It is an objective of the Council to prohibit development in gardens or landscapes which are deemed to be an important part of the setting of a protected structure or where they contribute to the character of an Architectural Conservation Area. Policies It is the policy of the Council to: AH P7 Promote appreciation of the landscape and historical importance of traditional and historic gardens, demesnes and parks within County Kildare and particularly where they constitute an important and intrinsic value to the setting of a protected structure.359
- AH P8 Preserve and protect the historic gardens and designed landscapes identified in the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage Survey of Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes. Objectives It is an objective of the Council to: AH O46 Encourage conservation, renewal and improvement which enhances the character and the setting of parks, gardens, and demesnes of historic interest within the county. AH O47 Assess the demesnes and historic designed landscapes within Kildare and promote the conservation of their essential character, both built and natural, while allowing for appropriate re-use. AH O48 Co-operate with owners in the protection, promotion and enhancement of heritage gardens and parks in the county, to support public awareness, enjoyment of and access to these sites and to seek the co-operation and assistance of other interested parties, including Government Departments and state agencies, in this regard. AH O49 Preserve, protect and where necessary encourage the use of heritage/traditional varieties of plants and trees that form part of the local/ regional biodiversity resource and that contribute to local identity. AH O50 Require where appropriate that an Architectural Heritage Impact Assessment report is prepared in accordance with DHLGH Guidelines and conservation best practice to inform visual or physical impacts of a proposed development on a demesne, designed landscape, or park, that is associated with a protected structure or located within an Architectural Conservation Area. AH O51 Require that planning applications take into consideration the impacts of the development on their landscapes and demonstrate that the development proposal has been designed to take account of the heritage resource of the landscape. AH O52 Designate and protect historic landscape areas including demesnes and ensure that new development enhances the special character and visual setting of these historic landscapes and to prevent development that would have a negative impact on the character of the lands within these historic landscape areas. Actions It is an action of the Council to: AH A16 Designate Architectural Conservation Areas, through the local area plan process, and where considered appropriate, to preserve the character of a historic designed landscape. AH A17 Carry out a pilot study to protect and enhance the amenity value of significant demesnes in the county, in cooperation with the property owners.360
- AH A18 Review and update Map V1 - 11.13, with respect to the extent of existing woodland within the Demesne Walls of Carton Demesne, during the life of the Plan. 11.17 Built Vernacular Heritage Built vernacular heritage is generally defined as the homes and workplaces of the general population built by local people using local materials and, most importantly, drawing on longstanding tradition. This is in contrast to formal architecture, such as the grand estate houses of the gentry, churches and public buildings, which were often designed by architects or engineers. The majority of vernacular buildings are domestic dwellings. Examples of other structures that may fall into this category include shops, outbuildings, mills, limekilns, farmsteads, forges, gates and gate piers. This architecture was once commonplace but is vulnerable and has become increasingly rare. The loss of thatched roofs in the county is increasing and every effort will be made by the Council to encourage and facilitate the survival of the remaining examples. The Council through its Heritage Plan carried out a survey of thatched cottages in 2005. The survey revealed that the number of thatched cottages decreased from 92 in 1987 to 55 in 2005. The traditional farm complexes and historic agricultural buildings of Kildare are also under increasing threat as they are seen to be no longer economically viable as part of the modern farm. Often these farm buildings are located on the site of an inhabited main house or active farm but have become redundant and become derelict. Generally, these structures are of mud-wall or rubble stone construction with external lime renders. In some cases, agricultural outbuildings belong to large estates and are of fine cut stone, with excellent detailing of features. The Council will encourage the appropriate re-use of these structures rather than their replacement or dereliction. Reference in this regard should be made to Reusing Farm Buildings, A Kildare Perspective (2007) published by Kildare County Council. Other types of built vernacular heritage under increasing pressure for demolition and inappropriate alteration are historic shop and pub fronts. The loss of built vernacular heritage is seen not only in the loss of entire buildings but also in the gradual attrition of details such as the replacement of roof coverings and windows with modern materials, removal of external render, inappropriate re-pointing and the addition of inappropriate extensions. Alterations to individual buildings can have a significant and cumulative effect on streetscapes and landscapes. By the very nature of built vernacular heritage, it is normally the case that they are the most sustainable forms of construction, built with local materials in a style responding to local conditions, with a low energy use. Many of our surviving examples of built vernacular heritage are homes and places of work, which by definition need to evolve with a changing society to facilitate ongoing occupancy and survival. Any such changes need to be sympathetic to the special features and character of the building.361
- Policy It is the policy of the Council to: AH P9 Promote the protection, retention, appreciation and appropriate revitalisation of the built vernacular heritage of the county. Objectives It is an objective of the Council to: AH O53 Ensure that an assessment of the existing buildings on site is undertaken through an analysis of historic maps and an appraisal of the historic fabric and features. Development proposals should retain and incorporate existing buildings of merit and any elements that contribute to their distinctive character. AH O54 Have regard to guidance in the DHLGH Guidelines and conservation best practice in assessing proposed interventions to vernacular structures, traditional farmhouses, their curtilage, out buildings and settings. AH O55 Resist the demolition of built vernacular heritage, in particular thatched cottages and farmhouses, and to encourage their sensitive reuse having regard to the intrinsic character of the structure and the potential to prolong the life cycle of the embodied carbon contained within the structure. AH O56 Require that a sustainable use and appropriate maintenance plan is in place for earlier dwellings of heritage interest on farms or rural sites, where planning permission is sought for a new dwelling. AH O57 Require the submission of a written report from a suitably qualified professional where it is proposed to redevelop a derelict property or one that has been unoccupied for a long period of time. The report must demonstrate that any proposal will not structurally compromise the subject building and shall outline the measures to be taken in order to protect the building from collapse, both prior to and during construction works. AH O58 Have regard to guidance in The Thatched Houses of Kildare (2005) and Reusing Farm Buildings, A Kildare Perspective (2007) published by Kildare County Council and A Living Tradition – A Strategy to Enhance the Understanding, Minding and Handling of our Built Heritage (2021) published by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in assessing planning applications relating to vernacular buildings, thatched cottages, and traditional farm buildings. AH O59 Respect the setting, form, scale and materials of existing vernacular structures and to only permit changes to these structures where they are sympathetic to their special features and character. AH O60 Preserve the character, including original building features or materials should be retained such as windows, doors, roof coverings and setting (e.g. gates, gate piers, boundary treatments, courtyards362
- etc) of vernacular buildings, where deemed appropriate by the planning authority. Proposals for extensions to historic or vernacular buildings should not erode the setting and design qualities of the original structure and should be in proportion or subservient to the existing building. AH O61 Require the use of appropriate materials and methods when undertaking repairs to the historic fabric. AH O62 Protect (through the use of ACAs, the RPS and in the normal course of development management) vernacular buildings where they contribute to the character of areas and/or where they are rare examples of a structure type. AH O63 Ensure that new buildings adjacent to vernacular structures and extensions to vernacular buildings are of an appropriate design and do not detract from the character of these structures. AH O64 Seek the repair and retention of traditional timber and/or rendered shop fronts and pub fronts, including those that may not be protected structures. Actions It is an action of the Council to: AH A19 Identify and retain good examples of historic street furniture in situ e.g. cast-iron post-boxes, water pumps, signage, street lighting, kerbing and traditional road and street surface coverings. AH A20 Develop and publish guidelines on the conservation and appropriate re-use of Local Authority cottages and similar vernacular structures. 11.18 Architectural Conservation Areas The Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) provides that all development plans must now include objectives for preserving the character of Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs). An ACA is a place, area, groups of structures or townscape of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest, or which contribute to the appreciation of protected structures, and whose character it is an objective of a development plan to conserve. In these areas, the protection of the architectural heritage is best achieved by controlling and guiding change on a wider scale than the individual structure, in order to retain the overall architectural or historic character of an area. Boundaries for Architectural Conservation Areas have been defined for Athy, Ballitore, Celbridge, Kilcock, Kildare, Leixlip, Maynooth, Monasterevin, Naas, Prosperous and Rathangan (Maps V1 - 11.1 to 11.12 refer). Statements of Character have also been prepared for Athy, Kildare and Naas Architectural Conservation Areas. Further Statements of Character will be prepared through the roll out of local area plans, as resources allow, or existing ones updated if required. New development within these areas will be permitted if it can be demonstrated, to the satisfaction of the planning authority, that it will not negatively impact the character or363
- appearance of the area. ACAs provide an opportunity to build upon an existing character by establishing a high standard of urban design. A distinctive sense of place can be achieved through the selection of appropriate street lighting, street furniture, paving, signage, and by encouraging best conservation practice in the repair and maintenance of historic buildings, and also by insisting on high design standards for new developments. Objectives It is an objective of the Council to: AH O65 Ensure that any development, modifications, alterations, or extensions within an ACA are sited and designed appropriately and are not detrimental to the character of the structure or to its setting or the general character of the ACA and are in keeping with any Architectural Conservation Area Statement of Character Guidance Documents prepared for the relevant ACA. AH O66 Ensure that all planning applications for new developments within or immediately contiguous to an ACA include an Architectural Heritage Impact Assessment and Design Rationale addressing design considerations such as urban structure and grain, density and mix, scale, height, materials, landscape, views and landmarks and historic development. Actions It is an action of the Council to: AH A21 Investigate the designation of further ACAs at appropriate locations throughout the county including The Curragh Camp, Johnstown, Ballymore Eustace, Kilcullen, Brannockstown, Rathmore, Clane, Newbridge and Castledermot. AH A22 (a) Prepare “Guidelines for the Management and Development of ACAs” identified in this plan. (b) Carry out a pilot study on developing a pro-active and dynamic framework for ACAs for the physical and economic enhancement of the built heritage character of a town/village. AH A23 Have regard to DHLGH Guidelines and conservation best practice in assessing the character and significance of a historic town or urban area and the formulation of an ACA or in assessing development proposals relating to an ACA. AH A24 Require where appropriate that an Architectural Heritage Impact Assessment report is prepared in accordance with DHLGH Guidelines and conservation best practice to inform the visual or physical impacts of a proposed development on an ACA. AH A25 Prepare a character statement appraisal and area specific policy for each ACA within the county and to preserve, protect and enhance the character of these areas.364
Source Kildare County Council: Kildare County Development Plan 2023–2029 — Chapter 11: Built and Cultural Heritage (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.