Kilkenny City and County Development Plan 2021–2027

1. Page 121

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   Chapter 6 Housing and Community Kilkenny City and County Development Plan Volume 1 78 Option 2 Transfer, to the ownership of the planning authority, of a part or parts of the land subject to the planning application (section 96(3) paragraph (a)). This land may be fully or partially serviced by the Developer. Option 3 Transfer to the ownership of the planning authority, or persons nominated by the authority, of housing units on any other land in the functional area of the planning authority (section 96(3) paragraph (b)(iv)). This would be subject to units being deemed suitable by Kilkenny County Council. Second hand houses are not the preferred option, new houses in a turnkey condition are preferred. Option 4 Grant a lease of housing units to the Council either on the site subject to the application or in any other area within the functional area of the planning authority (section 96(3) paragraph (b)(iva)). This option of leasing units might only be considered where the development consists of apartments only, but it is not a preferred solution. An agreement that provides for a combination of options 1-4 above can also be entered into. The Council will continue to meet social and affordable housing needs in the towns, villages and rural areas of the county in a balanced way avoiding over-concentration in any one particular area. The Council recognises the important role played by the voluntary sector in meeting social housing need and will support and facilitate the expansion of that role. The Council will seek to meet the increased demand for social and affordable housing in a number of ways as a housing authority through, • the sale of sites scheme, • the Voluntary Housing Sector and the Rental subsidy scheme, • the capital assistance scheme, • Housing Aid for Older People Grant • Housing Adaptation Grant for a Person with a Disability • Mobility Aids Grant Scheme and other measures, • the Homeless Forum initiative, and • Travellers Accommodation programme 6.5 Travellers A review of the Traveller Accommodation Programme took place in accordance with Section 17 (1) (a) of the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act, 1998. The Traveller Accommodation Programme 2019 -2024 was adopted by Kilkenny County Council on September 21st 2019 and outlines the approach to provision of Traveller accommodation and the provisions for same are set out in Appendix B, Housing Strategy.

2. Page 122

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   Chapter 6 Housing and Community Kilkenny City and County Development Plan Volume 1 79 6.6 Vacant Site Levy A vacant site levy was established under the Urban Regeneration & Housing Act 2015. This levy is a site activation measure, to ensure that vacant land in urban areas is brought into beneficial use. At the passing of this Act, the Minister stated the levy is a "visible demonstration of the Government's commitment to tackle reasons why so many key sites that are suitable for development are not coming forward at a time of such a major need for housing". The Urban Regeneration and Housing Act set out two broad categories of vacant land that the levy may apply to: i) Lands zoned primarily for residential purposes ii) Lands in need of regeneration The Levy is an integral part of the development planning process to incentivise the development of vacant or idle sites identified by planning authorities as “regeneration land” or “residential land”, with a view to bringing such sites into beneficial use. It can be imposed by planning authorities under certain conditions in designated areas where sites remain vacant and site owners/ developers fail to bring forward reasonable proposals, without good reason, for the development/reuse of such property in line with the provisions of the relevant local area or development plan. The Council will examine lands within the City and County, as appropriate as part of its active land management strategy for the purposes as set out in the Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015, in relation to the Vacant Site Levy. The Vacant Sites Register is reviewed on an annual basis (See Section 4.2.1 also).

3. Page 123

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   Chapter 6 Housing and Community Kilkenny City and County Development Plan Volume 1 80 6.7 Residential Development The Core Strategy as set out in Chapter 4 outlines the range of settlements within the county and the housing required. The provision of additional housing throughout the county offers an opportunity to deliver new development of the highest physical and environmental quality that contributes to the achievement of more sustainable communities and balanced regional development. In continuing to facilitate an increase in the number of houses the Council must ensure that it achieves quality in terms of single rural houses as well as quality in urban areas of the county. It must also ensure that there is choice in terms of location and the tenures available. Designers of single houses are referred to the County Kilkenny Rural Design Guide5 prepared and published by the Planning Department. 5 Kilkenny County Council, County Kilkenny Rural Design Guide, 2007 Objectives 6C To promote the redevelopment and renewal of areas identified having regard to the core strategy, that need regeneration, in order to prevent— (i) adverse effects on existing amenities in such areas, in particular as a result of the ruinous or neglected condition of any land, (ii) urban blight and decay, (iii) anti-social behaviour, or (iv) a shortage of habitable houses or of land suitable for residential use or a mixture of residential and other uses. The levy may be applied to all identified ‘Regeneration’ land and ‘Residential’ land in existing land use zonings. Land in the residential category must be served by the public infrastructure and facilities to enable housing to be provided and serviced. In particular, the areas covered by the following zoning objectives are considered to constitute regeneration land: • General Business • Mixed Use • Urban Village • Business, Industry and Technology Parks/Business Park • Community Facilities Other regeneration zonings may be identified in relevant Local Area Plans. 6D To identify vacant sites where appropriate zoning applies and maintain a Vacant Sites Register in the plan area for the purpose of the Vacant Site Levy.

4. Page 124

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   Chapter 6 Housing and Community Kilkenny City and County Development Plan Volume 1 81 Quality in the context of urban development means the development of a high quality built environment through the promotion of high quality urban design. The Council will have regard to and apply the Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas and its companion document Urban Design Manual: A best practice guide6, in assessing and dealing with housing developments. In general, new residential development in smaller towns and villages will be required to take cognisance of the prevailing scale and pattern of development in the area and be of a design, layout, character and scale which fits well with the town or village involved and presents a high-quality living environment. Further details of the standards and requirements for residential developments are set out in Chapter 13, Requirements for Development. This means that it is necessary to tailor the scale, design and layout of housing in rural towns to ensure that a suburban or high density urban approach is not applied to a rural setting and that development responds to the character, scale and density of the town (NPF 18(a))7. 6.8 Universal Design People of diverse abilities should be able to use buildings and places comfortably and safely, as far as possible without special assistance. People should be able to find their way easily, understand how to use building facilities such as intercoms or lifts, and know where pedestrian facilities are, and know where they may encounter traffic. Given the wide diversity of the population, a universal design approach, which caters for the broadest range of users from the outset, can result in buildings and places that can be used and enjoyed by everyone. That approach eliminates or reduces the need for expensive changes or retrofits to meet the needs of particular groups at a later stage. In all development proposals it will be the policy of the Council to promote Universal Design and Lifetime Housing in accordance with best practice and the policies and principles contained in Building for Everyone: A Universal Design Approach8 and Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas9 and its companion document Urban Design Manual: A best practice guide10 and the ‘Strategic Plan for Housing Persons with Disability’11. 6.9 Housing Objectives 6 Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Urban Design Manual: A best practice guide, 2009 7 National Policy Objective 18a page 73 8 National Disability Authority, Building for Everyone: A Universal Design Approach, 2012 9 Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas 10 Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Urban Design Manual: A best practice guide 11 https://www.kilkennycoco.ie/eng/Publications/Council_Publications/Kilkenny-Strategic-Plan-for-Housing- People-with-a-Disability-2016-2020.html

5. Page 125

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   Chapter 6 Housing and Community Kilkenny City and County Development Plan Volume 1 82 6.10 Housing Development Management Requirement • To ensure that all new housing applications give effect to the housing objectives and policy and accord with the requirements for development as set out in Chapter 13 of Volume 1. 6.11 Local Economic and Community Plan The Local Economic and Community Plan 2016-2021 (LECP) is an integrated statutory plan that is reviewed and adopted by the Council every 6 years. The County Development Plan informs the content of the LECP, and the content of the LECP must be consistent with the Development Plan. In this regard, both plans are interdependent in setting out the strategic vision for the economic growth of the County, accompanied by supporting policies and objectives to be employed in securing this vision. The purpose of the LECP is therefore to identify objectives and implement actions to strengthen and develop both the economic and community dimensions of the County over a six-year period. The objective of the County Kilkenny LECP is to further the promotion of economic development, and the promotion of local and community development. Objectives 6E To implement the provisions of the Housing Strategy contained in Appendix B. 6F To require 10% of the land zoned for residential use, or for a mixture of residential and other uses, be made available for the provision of social housing. 6G To require that a mixture of residential unit types and sizes are developed to reasonably match the requirements of different categories of households within the city and county. 6H To implement the provisions of the Traveller Accommodation programme 2019- 2024 and any updates thereof. 6I To ensure that all new housing developments and developments for renewal which includes housing, includes a mix of house types with universal design so as to provide for an aging population. 6J To ensure the widest possible range of housing options in each new development and to prevent the proliferation of limited option house types in any particular area. 6K To seek that all new private residential developments on zoned lands in excess of 20 residential units provide for a minimum of 10% units that can be converted to Universal Design standards in accordance with the requirements of the ‘Building for Everyone: A Universal Design’ developed by the Centre for Excellence in Universal Design (National Disability Authority). 6Ka Acknowledge and support Community-Led Housing as a means of empowering communities to meet their specific housing needs affordability and collectively.

6. Page 126

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   Chapter 6 Housing and Community Kilkenny City and County Development Plan Volume 1 83 The Development Plan and the Local Economic and Community Plan effectively operate along parallel and supportive lines. The LECP provides a supporting framework for economic and local community development, whereas the County Development Plan provides an overarching strategy and statutory policy support for the proper planning and sustainable development of the County at a spatial level. The current LECP contains numerous actions to enhance economic and community development. A new LECP will be commenced in 2021. 6.12 Community Facilities Community facilities are essential to the well-being and functioning of populated areas. These facilities include health clinics, hospitals, schools, churches, shopping facilities, libraries, community halls and burial grounds. The primary role of the Planning Authority is to reserve sufficient lands within the settlement centres to meet likely future demands for community infrastructure. A recurring problem with respect to the provision of this infrastructure is its timely provision in conjunction with new housing. The Council will reserve sites for community facilities as appropriate and seek to remedy deficiencies in existing developed areas. The Council will locate community facilities within existing settlements and where population levels warrant a particular service, and will liaise with community groups and to assist community initiatives subject to the availability of resources. The preferred option for the Planning Authority is for new and existing buildings to facilitate and provide for a range of compatible community uses. The Planning Authority will investigate opportunities for multi-purpose use to ensure that communities are best served without duplication of effort. It is important that the greatest possible use of a building is made, thereby providing community and leisure facilities close to the areas where they are needed. The Council will ensure that, where practicable, community, recreational and open space facilities are clustered, with the community facilities being located in local centres or combined with school facilities as appropriate. Community facilities should be located close to or within walking distance of housing, accessible to all sectors of the community and facilitate multi-use functions through their design and layout. Objective 6L To continue to promote and facilitate the delivery of the objectives and actions set out in the Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan 2016-2021 (or any subsequent replacement).

7. Page 127

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   Chapter 6 Housing and Community Kilkenny City and County Development Plan Volume 1 84 6.13 Education & Childcare 6.13.1 Childcare Facilities The provision of childcare and early education facilities is recognised as a strategic piece of social infrastructure required to enhance children’s early learning experiences and enable people to participate more fully in society, particularly in accessing employment, education and social networks. National policy on childcare facilities is set out in Childcare Facilities Guidelines for Planning Authorities12. Government planning policy on childcare is to improve the quality of childcare services for the community. The primary role of the Planning Authority is to facilitate childcare facilities in appropriate locations to high development standards. The Guidelines identify appropriate locations for childcare facilities including in the vicinity of concentrations of work places, of schools, of neighbourhood, district and town centres and adjacent to public transport corridors, park-and-ride facilities, pedestrian routes and dedicated cycle ways. Kilkenny Council has worked with the Kilkenny County Childcare Committee, to improve the quality, provision and affordability of childcare in the city and county, and will continue to work with the County Childcare Committee in responding to the changing needs of society in terms of childcare demand and services. The Planning Authority will ensure that any new facilities are suitably located, are of a high quality and are inclusive of all children, including children with disabilities. Developers are encouraged to liaise with the County Childcare Committee in advance of preparing planning applications in order to ascertain the local requirements. In so far as possible, the provision of childcare and early childhood education facilities should be adjacent to, or co-located with, other facilities required for other community use. The Council will facilitate the provision of childcare and early childhood education facilities in a sustainable manner in appropriate locations which include the following: larger new housing estates, industrial estates and business parks, in the vicinity of schools, neighbourhood and district centres and adjacent to public transport facilities. The Council will assess, in conjunction with the Kilkenny County Childcare Committee and the Local Community Development Committee, the continuing needs around childcare and related facilities and review progress on the provision of same during the period of this Plan. 6.13.1.1 Childcare Development Management Requirements The Council will implement the Childcare Facilities Guidelines for Planning Authorities. Where a large housing development is proposed, i.e. seventy-five houses or more the planning authority will require the provision of a purpose-built unit for childcare on the site which shall have regard to the existing level of childcare provision in the area. The Council will operate this requirement in a flexible manner. In general, childcare facilities will be assessed on the following: 12 Department of Environment and Local Government, Childcare Facilities Guidelines for Planning Authorities, 2001.

8. Page 128

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   Chapter 6 Housing and Community Kilkenny City and County Development Plan Volume 1 85  The suitability of the site/premises for the type and size of facility proposed, taking into consideration the effects on the existing amenities of the area.  Adequacy of vehicular and pedestrian access and parking provisions, which may be required to include satisfactory and safe collection/drop-off areas where appropriate, for both customers and staff where it is merited by the scale of the development and the resultant intensity of vehicular movements.  Provision of an adequate outdoor play area within the curtilage of all full day care facilities. This outdoor play area shall be located to have minimum impact on the amenity of surrounding properties, particularly in residential areas and should also be separate from car parking and service areas.  The design of the structure and capability of it being assimilated satisfactorily in to the built environment.  Ease of accessibility for all. Applications for crèches, playschools and pre-school facilities shall comply with the Childcare Facilities Guidelines for Planning Authorities, Child Care (Pre-School Services)(No. 2) Regulations 2006 and the Child Care (Pre-School Services) (No2) (Amendment) Regulations 2006 and We Like This Place - Guidelines for Best Practice in the Design of Childcare Facilities (2005) (or any such other relevant standards and legislation that may be enacted) and shall be accompanied with information in relation to details of the proposed opening times, proposed number and age range of children, proposed number of staff, internal floor areas devoted to crèche, excluding areas such as kitchens, toilets, sleeping and other ancillary areas, details of external play areas and car parking arrangements for both parents and staff. 6.13.2 Primary and Post Primary Census 2016 results show that the County’s population increased by 3,813 from 2011 (4%) to 99,232 persons. It is notable that persons in the 0-14 age cohorts has also increased, which has implications for the need for educational facilities. The 2016 Census recorded similar results for Kilkenny City, the level of population increased by 8.52% to 26,512 persons, which was an increase of 2,083 since 2011. The age cohort of 0-14 increased by 488 persons (10%) during this intercensal period. Decisions on the future requirements for educational facilities are primarily a matter for the Educational Authorities. However, the Provision of Schools and the Planning System, A Code of Practice for Planning Authorities13 outlines that the planning system plays a critical role in anticipating future development and co-coordinating the provision of the essential supporting infrastructure such as transport, water services, schools, amenity and community facilities. 13 Depts of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Education and Science, Provision of Schools and the Planning System, A Code of Practice for Planning Authorities, 2008

9. Page 129

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   Chapter 6 Housing and Community Kilkenny City and County Development Plan Volume 1 86 The primary role of the Council is to reserve sufficient land within the identified development centres to meet likely future demands for community facilities including education. The provision of educational facilities should be planned and implemented in concert with residential development. In accordance with Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas14 no significant residential development should proceed without an assessment of the capacity of existing schools or the provision of new school facilities in tandem with the development. The Council will continue to liaise with the Department of Education and Skills, and all providers of education, to assist in the development of adequate education centres. Where new schools are required, they should be located close to, or within, the main residential areas of the village or town so that as many children/students as possible can walk or cycle to school. The opportunity should be taken to locate the schools so that they naturally contribute to the development of a sense of community in new neighbourhoods. Where possible, these schools should be served by a dedicated and safe footpath and cycle-way network. In Kilkenny City, new schools are planned in the emerging neighbourhoods of the Breagagh Valley and Loughmacask. Two new secondary schools are currently at design stage as part of the development of the Breagagh Valley neighbourhood (See Volume 2, Chapter 6). A site has also been reserved for a new primary school at this location. In the Loughmacask neighbourhood, a site has been reserved for a new secondary school to facilitate the relocation of the CBS secondary school from James’s street. The Council will support the intensification of development and/or uses on existing school sites while maintaining sufficient space for required minimum standards of play and recreational facilities. 6.13.2.1 Dual Use of School Buildings Schools and other educational premises represent a valuable resource in terms of land and buildings, which generally is only used on a partial basis. The dual use of educational facilities, where it does not conflict with the delivery of the education service (i.e. outside school hours and during school holidays) can contribute to meeting the wider needs of the community, by helping to satisfy demand for a variety of activities. 14 Department of Environment and Local Government, Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas, 2009 Objective 6M To identify and facilitate the provision of suitable sites for new educational facilities as the need arises throughout the City and County.

10. Page 130

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    Chapter 6 Housing and Community Kilkenny City and County Development Plan Volume 1 87 Where lands and buildings can be beneficially used by the community, the Council will promote such uses. Where new schools or community facilities are proposed, opportunities will be sought to ensure that they are designed in such a way as to facilitate multi-use of the buildings. 6.13.3 Third Level Education The 2016 Census shows that 25% of persons aged 15 years and over in the county whose full-time education has ceased had attained a third level qualification or higher. This is slightly under that of the national average of 28.45%. For the City this figure was 30%15, which is above the national average. Kildalton Agricultural and Horticultural College is located in Piltown in the south of the county. Kildalton is the largest agricultural college in the country, and is a leading provider of training in Equine Studies, Machinery, Agriculture and Horticulture. A range of further education and training courses are also run in a number of Vocational Colleges throughout the county. Additionally, the Design & Craft Council Ireland headquarters in the City and Grennan Mill Craft School in Thomastown run a number of third level courses in in jewellery and ceramics at these locations. Kilkenny 3rd/4th level Research and Innovation Centre officially opened in 2012 at St. Kieran’s College, Kilkenny City, see Section 5.4. Third Level Educational Facilities. Section 5.4 also outlines the Council’s support for the establishment of a multi-campus Technological University of the South East (TUSE). 6.14 Social Capital Social Capital may be defined as that which accrues to a person or group as a result of their active participation in the life of their communities. For example, social capital is said to be gained from neighbourliness, local area networking or volunteering. The Council is committed to the Agenda 21 process of building partnerships between local authorities and local development and other sectors to develop and implement local policies for the development of sustainable communities. This commitment involves a wide range of public consultation in the actions taken by the local authority from plan making and policy formulation to implementation of specific projects such as Kilkenny Age Friendly County Initiative, Kilkenny Integration Forum as well as capital projects involving local community leadership. The Council will promote the development of social capital by providing opportunities for interaction, participation and the co-ordinated provision of public services. Local Community Development Committees, or LCDCs, were established in each local authority area as a way of improving community development and giving local government a more central role in 15http://census.cso.ie/sapmap2016/Results.aspx?Geog_Type=ST2016&Geog_Code=82A1BB79-02A9-47E6-84D0- 467FE8C8A31E#SAPMAP_T10_1001

Source Kilkenny County Council: Kilkenny City and County Development Plan 2021–2027 (2021–2027) · 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.