Development plan · Laois County Council
Laois County Development Plan 2021–2027
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards.
Laois County Council · 2021–2027 · 317 pages
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- Chapter 9 Rural Laois 179 | P a g e Most recently, Bord na Móna applied to Laois County Council for planning permission to develop a renewable gas facility at Cúil na Móna Bog. The proposed facility is designed to treat 80,000 tonnes per annum of biodegradable and organic waste material through an anaerobic digestion process to produce a renewable gas for injection into the local natural gas network. This proposed development is aligned with and will significantly contribute to achieving the targets and objectives set out in National and Regional policy by contributing to the development of a low carbon economy, achievement of renewable energy targets and the provision of much needed waste treatment capacity for the management of biodegradable waste. 9.4.1.2 Green Infrastructure As we transition away from commercial peat production, the rehabilitated cutaway will naturally revert to a rich and diverse natural habitat enhancing biodiversity and supporting other ecosystem services and green infrastructure. Examples of Bord na Móna enabled green infrastructure in the county include the restored Abbeyleix bog, which is now leased to the local community as a conservation project. The Abbeyleix bog is part of a Natural Walking Loop and is a very popular local walking route located in a natural landscape. Bord na Móna also restored Knockahaw Bog (312 ha raised bog) in 2018 as part of its Biodiversity Action Plan and peatland rehabilitation commitments. Both Abbeyleix Bog and Knockahaw Bog are examples of high value biodiversity sites where Bord na Móna have made the decision to conserve and manage these sites for their biodiversity value and other ecosystem services. Other activities, such as amenity, are compatible with this primary objective. Peatland rehabilitation will also bring additional benefits of improving water quality and flood attenuation to downstream water-courses. Derryounce Bog was originally purchased by Bord na Móna and developed as part of their greater Clonsast group of bogs in the mid-20th Century. The bog was cut for sod peat by Bord na Móna over several decades with peat supplying the old power station at Portarlington. The remaining cutaway bog was planted with a conifer plantation by Coillte when industrial peat production ceased in the 1980s. With the lowering of ground levels during peat production, a basin was created in the central area and this area flooded permanently which is now known as Lough Lurgan. Derryounce Walks and Lakes are a valuable amenity asset for Portarlington and the wider hinterland. The area offers opportunity for walkers, anglers, naturalists, photographers and people who want to experience its peace, tranquility and vistas. The connectivity of Derryounce with Portarlington is an opportunity to be explored within this plan period. Policies in relation to this are located in Chapter 10 Infrastructure and Chapter 11 Biodiversity and Natural Heritage. 9.5 MINING AND AGGREGATES The Council recognises that the aggregate and concrete products industry contribute to the development of the national, regional and local economies by the proper use and management of natural resources for the benefit of the community and the creation of employment opportunities. These products are required as essential building materials in the social and economic development process including the provision of housing and infrastructure. Laois County Council will seek to safeguard these valuable resources for future extraction. The National Guidelines on Quarries and Ancillary Activities for Planning Authorities (DOEHLG, 2004) is the guiding document against which applications for quarries and ancillary activities will be considered.
- Chapter 9 Rural Laois 180 | P a g e Aggregate extraction can only take place where suitable aggregate resources exist; they are a ‘tied’ resource. It is considered, therefore, that planning policies should be carefully constructed to avoid adverse effects on aggregate resources and the related extractive industries and added value production that are essential for the built environment, infrastructure and future economic development. Like many forms of development, extractive industries have the potential to cause harm to the environment, heritage and the landscape if not appropriately designed and managed. However, aggregates are a necessary resource and are of great importance to the economy and society. In addition, well managed and designed quarry sites minimise environmental effects. There is also the potential for habitat creation through the restoration of quarry sites following the cessation of operations. The following National Guidelines (as may be superseded and/or updated) should be complied with: • Environmental Management(EPA 2006); • Quarries and Ancillary Activities: DOECLG Guidelines 2004); • Environmental Code(ICF 2006); • Geological Heritage Guidelines(ICF & GSI 2008); • Archaeological Code of Practice((ICF & DOECLG 2009); • Sections 261 & 261A Planning and Development Acts 2000 – 2013. Map 9.1: Quarrying Sites in County Laois
- Chapter 9 Rural Laois 181 | P a g e 9.6 COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN RURAL AREAS Rural businesses and enterprises are an important source of local employment in the County. Many examples of fine rural businesses exit throughout the county. This includes agricultural, equine, engineering/manufacturing, recreational, tourism, energy/renewable energy, and rural resource based enterprises. Whilst this Plan supports such enterprises and the diversification of the rural economy, it is also recognised that a balance is required between supporting rural based enterprises and projects and protecting the local environment. In the first instance, new employment related developments are directed to settlements where services are available and lands have been identified for employment uses. It is also recognised that there are instances where a development can be more readily accommodated or is more appropriate to a rural area. This can be due to a locational specific, or resourced based development, or a development of regional or national importance. In relation to the expansion of an existing rural enterprise, consideration will be given to the scale of the existing and proposed development, the capacity of local infrastructure to accommodate the expansion, and the compatibility of the development with the surrounding area. Policy Objectives for Rural Development RL 4 Support the expansion, diversification and intensification of agriculture and the agri-food sector by facilitating appropriate related development subject to environmental and planning considerations. RL 5 Support and facilitate agri-tourism and the work of farming / local bodies within the county in the promotion of the rural economy, including agriculture development, tourism adaptation, rural diversification and in the development of new initiatives to support farming. RL 6 support In principle the appropriate expansion of the forestry sector and related manufacturing activities subject to environmental, traffic and planning considerations; support an increase in the broadleaf component of any planting programme to a minimum of 33%. RL 7 Encourage, subject to compliance with the Habitats and Birds Directives, access to forestry including private forestry foe amenity and educational purposes including the provision of walking routes, cycling routes, mountain biking routes, mountain trails, nature trails and orienteering. RL 8 Seek to have planting and felling conducted in a manner which takes into account best practice in forestry planting and felling in the context of landscape design so that it integrates into the landscape. RL 9 Plan and prepare for the future use of large industrial peatland sites when peat harvesting finishes in conjunction with NPWS, Coillte and ESB/Bord na Mona and other stakeholders. RL 10 Support the longer-term strategic planning for industrial peatland areas, which should include a comprehensive after-use framework plan for the industrial peatlands and associated infrastructure which addresses environmental, economic and social issues including employment and replacement enterprise reflecting the current transition from employment based around peat extraction.
- Chapter 9 Rural Laois 182 | P a g e Policy Objectives for Rural Development RL 11 Support the Midlands Regional Transition Team in developing a ‘Holistic Plan for Just Transition in the Midland Region’ including an inventory of project proposals and actions to support Just Transition in the Midlands and to assist the region in identifying potential investment needs for inclusion in a programme of support under the new EU Just Transition Fund. RL 12 Reconcile the need for resource-based economic activities to conduct a reasonable operation and the needs of residents in rural areas to access a good quality of life and access to rural areas. RL 13 Have regard to Laois’ Landscape Character Assessment, as well as more general Planning considerations, such as transport, environmental sensitivities, habitat considerations, the need for buffer zones around water bodies in its determination of planning applications related to land-based economic activities. RL 14 Support in principle the expansion of the aggregates and concrete products industry which offers opportunity for employment and economic development generally subject to environmental , traffic and planning considerations and ensure that any plan or project associated with extractive industry is subject to Appropriate assessment screening in compliance with the Habitats Direction and subsequent assessment as required , applicants for planning permission shall have regard to the GSI-ICF Quarrying Guidelines. RL 15 To secure the long-term supply of value-added products (such as concrete products and asphalt, which are often, but not always, produced in conjunction with aggregate extraction. RL 16 To support the necessary role of the extractive industries in the delivery of building materials for infrastructural and other development and to recognize the need to develop extractive industries for the benefit of society and the economy; RL 17 Support in principle the processing of minerals to produce cement, bitumen or other products in the vicinity of the source of the aggregate, where the transport network is suitable to reduce trip generation. RL 18 Protect rural amenities, natural archaeological and natural heritage, visual amenities, eco-systems, conservation areas, landscape and scenic views from adverse impacts of agricultural practices and development particularly in high amenity areas and ensure that it is appropriate in nature and scale, and ensure it does not have an undue negative impact on the visual/scenic amenity of the countryside and identify mitigating measures where required. Integrate into the landscape, including the minimal use of signage. RL 19 Facilitate land-based or resource-based economic activities in rural areas that support a sustainable environment and resilient communities. RL 20 Investigate the feasibility of mapping the full extent of aggregate resources of the county during the lifetime of the County Development Plan 2021- 2027. RL 21 Laois County Council will implement the objectives and targets at county level of the EU ‘A Farm to Fork strategy’, published in May 2020. The Council will also implement the targets of the 14 point EU Nature Restoration Plan in the ‘EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 - Bringing nature back into our lives’. Agricultural development proposals must demonstrate compliance with the targets and policies of both strategies, with those agricultural installations below the Industrial Emissions
- Chapter 9 Rural Laois 183 | P a g e Policy Objectives for Rural Development Directive thresholds for EPA licencing will be subject to appropriate assessment screening and that assessment of these impacts should follow EPA Guidance published in May 20211 . 1 https://www.epa.ie/publications/licensing--permitting/industrial/ied/Assessmentof-Impact-of-- Ammonia-and-Nitrogen-on-Natura-sites-from-Intensive-Agericulture- Installations.pdf Enterprise Development Management Standard DM RL 2 COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN RURAL AREAS Development proposals in the open countryside should satisfy a high standard of siting and design, while being properly located to ensure their assimilation into their rural setting. The following considerations should be taken into account: 1) Buildings should be kept simple and should be finished with materials appropriate to a rural setting such as nap plaster, stone and slate; 2) Buildings should reflect the scale and pattern of the rural development in the vicinity; 3) Building height should be restricted to that required for the normal operation of the premises, buildings of excessive height will not be permitted; 4) Buildings should be sited to make use of existing hedgerows and topography to provide natural screening, buildings in open landscapes should be avoided; 5) Access roads and driveways should respect existing site contours; 6) Car parking should be located to the rear of the building and in compliance with the car parking standards in Table 18; 7) Advertising signs should be kept to a minimum; 8) Large advertising signs at the road frontage will be resisted; 9) Hedgerows or stone walls should be used for boundary treatments; 10) Any new building will be required to respect the appearance of and character of the landscape. 11) It will not be acceptable where it is unduly prominent in the landscape, where it results in build-up of development when viewed with existing and/or approved building or where the impact of the ancillary works, including the creation of visibility splays would damage rural character or impact negatively on the environment or which fails to protect Natura Sites, conservation areas, natural heritage or the environment or fails to protect and improve or is injurious to amenities(including visual amenities). 12) A justification as to why the proposed development is to be located in a rural area over a settlement where adequate zoning is in place shall be submitted. DM RL 3 Mining and Aggregates
- Chapter 9 Rural Laois 184 | P a g e Applications for new development for aggregate extraction, processing and associated processes, shall 1) identify existing public rights of way and walking routes which may be impacted on or are adjacent to the development site. They shall be kept free from development as a Rights of Way/Walking Route 2) ensure the protection, conservation, preservation and safeguarding of recorded monuments and areas in their vicinity, World Heritage Sites(including Tentative Sites), NHA’s, Euro Sites, Nature Reserves, scenic views and prospects archaeological sites and features, natural heritage, natural environment, features of natural beauty or interest and prescribed sites, geological sites and areas of geological/geomorphological or historic interest and areas of high scenic amenity from inappropriate development that might be detrimental to them. 3) minimise adverse effect on the environment and visual and natural amenities to the greatest possible extent must be carried out during all life cycle stages, whether in respect of new quarries or extensions to existing ones and development will be prohibited if the quality of the environment or landscape, particularly sensitive landscape, is adversely affected or there is a reduction of the visual amenity of areas of high amenity. 4) be landscaped either by the retention of existing vegetation or by screening to minimise the detraction from the visual quality of the landscape. 5) Require that development proposals on or in proximity to a quarry site should investigate the nature and extent of the risks associated with the development together with appropriate mitigation.
- 185 | P a g e CHAPTER 10 INFRASTRUCTURE Aim: To achieve a sustainable, integrated and low carbon transport system for the county and to protect, improve and extend water services and other enabling infrastructure in line with national, regional and local population and economic growth for the county 10.1 TRANSPORTATION The timely provision of a full range of transportation services is critical if County Laois is to continue to develop as an attractive location for business and residential development. Achieving spatial balance by developing the potential of areas will depend on enhancing capacity for the movement of people, goods, energy and information between different places. The attractiveness of particular locations depends on their relative accessibility and connectivity which in turn depends on the quality and quantity of the transport infrastructure. Although Laois County Council is only directly responsible for the development of some transportation modes, the Council will continue to provide those elements of the transportation system which are within its remit and to facilitate the development of those elements provided by others. 10.1.1 INTEGRATION OF TRANSPORTATION AND LAND USE PLANNING Laois County Council recognises that the current trends in transportation are unsustainable, in particular the relentless increase in private car traffic. The Council is strongly committed to the promotion of sustainable means of travel including public transport, walking and cycling, and the encouragement of modal change from private car use to these more sustainable alternatives. In planning for transport development, the Council will ensure that the needs of people with differing abilities are taken into account. The Council seeks to reduce the degree of commuting in the first instance by facilitating the creation of additional jobs within the County for the resident population. The integration of good land use planning with transportation is fundamental to efficient and sustainable planning. For instance, a combination of urban design, land use patterns and transportation systems that promote walking and cycling will help create active, healthier and more liveable communities. The Council will continue to provide for all components of the transportation system which are within its own remit and will encourage and facilitate the development of those other elements provided by external agencies, such as the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). 10.1.2 POLICY CONTEXT 10.1.2.1 The National Planning Framework – Ireland 2040 The NPF places a strong emphasis on sustainable mobility with a particular focus on electrification of public transport fleets and use of electric vehicles and the transition to more sustainable modes of travel such as public transport, cycling and walking. In particular, Enhanced Regional Accessibility (NSO 2), Sustainable Mobility (NSO 4) and Transition to a Low Carbon and Climate Resilient Society (NSO 8) apply to this section of the Plan. 10.1.2.2 Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy The RSES, in Chapters 7 Environment and Climate and Chapter 8 Connectivity supports sustainable and low carbon transport modes through a modal shift from carbon heavy to more
- Chapter 10 Infrastructure 186 | P a g e sustainable transport mode and promoting walkable communities and the importance of sustainable greenway, blueway and peatway networks. 10.1.2.3 Climate Action Plan 2019 The Climate Action Plan identifies the nature and scale of the climate challenge and sets the course of action and carbon proof polices over the coming years to address climate change.This Plan clearly recognises that Ireland must significantly step up its commitments to tackle climate disruption. The leadership role both the Government and public bodies can play in taking early action on climate is fundamental to achieving our decarbonisation goals. The infographic below provides an overview of targets set. 10.1.2.4 National Guidance The policy objectives of this Plan shall be informed by the following National and Regional guidance and policies: • The National Climate Mitigation Plan and Climate Adaptation Framework • Building on Recovery: Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2016-2021 • National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP) • Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways, 2018 • Local Link Rural Transport Programme Strategic Plan 2018 to 2022 • Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets • Smarter Travel–A Sustainable Transport Future: A New Transport Policy for Ireland 2009-2020 • Smarter Travel - National Cycle Policy Framework 2009-2020 • Developing Resilience to Climate Change in the Irish Transport Sector • National Cycle Manual • Spatial Planning and National Roads-Guidelines for Planning Authorities (DECLG, 2012) • National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017 – 2021 • Provision of Tourist and Leisure Signage on National Roads (March 2011)
- Chapter 10 Infrastructure 187 | P a g e Transportation Policy Objectives TRANS 1 Maintain, improve and protect the safety, capacity and efficiency of Laois’s roads networkand associated junctions in accordance with the Spatial Planning and National Roads Guidelines for Planning Authorities, DECLG, (2012) and the Trans-European Networks (TEN-T) Regulations. TRANS 2 Upgrade and improve the hierarchy of Laois’s road transportation infrastructure including reserving corridors for proposed routes, free of development, so as not to compromise future road schemes. TRANS 3 Co-operate with Transport Infrastructure Ireland [TII] in the upgrade of existing Interchange[s] on the National Routes where appropriate and to restrict development immediately adjacent to Interchange[s] to provide for the future enlargement of Interchange. TRANS 4 Prevent inappropriate development on lands adjacent to the existing road network, including the intensification of the use which would adversely affect the safety, current and future capacity and function of national roads and having regard to possible future upgrades of the national roads and junctions. TRANS 5 Prepare a Local Transport Plan for Portlaoise in compliance with RPO 8.6 of the RSES and carried out in accordance with the Area Based Transport Assessment (ABTA) guidance document (PE-PDV-02046).and Support the strategic vision of J17 National Enterprise Park Masterplan to deliver a strategic economic zone within Portlaoise. TRANS 6 Discourage the proliferation of access points onto public roads, particularly in areas where the maximum speed limit applies or where road safety is of concern. The Council also encourages and promotes shared access points in all circumstances. TRANS 7 Subject to availability of resources, provide for and carry out improvements to sections of local roads that are deficient in respect of realignment, structural condition or capacity, and to maintain that standard thereafter. TRANS 8 • Require development proposals accessing onto Laois’s roads network to comply with the Council’s road standards contained in the Road Design Section document titled Roads and Parking Standards (2007) and to any subsequent revisions thereto. • Where developments are permitted in rural areas along National, Regional and County Roads that they must conform to the minimum distance listed in Table 4.1 – Minimum Desired Building Lines and Fence Lines, of the Laois County Council Roads and Parking Standards (2007) guidelines. • In situations where there is an established building line, new houses, where appropriate, shall conform to the established building line. Building lines in developed areas will be determined having regard to the historic urban grain of the area and the need to provide pedestrian friendly streets with a sense of enclosure. TRANS 9 Where the capacity, width, alignment or surface condition of the road are inadequate, development will not be favoured. Where new development would adversely impact on road drainage, development will not be permitted unless applicants agree proposals with the Council to improve the road.
- Chapter 10 Infrastructure 188 | P a g e Transportation Policy Objectives TRANS 10 Work with the National Trails Office, Coillte, the Department of Planning, Housing and Local Government, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, and other relevant stakeholders, to improve on the existing level of transport infrastructure and facilities for walking and cycling. TRANS 11 Integrate land use policies and transportation in a manner which reduces reliance on car based travel and promotes more sustainable transport choice and coordinates particular land uses with their accessibility requirements. TRANS 12 Support sustainable travel in the tourism sector by the promotion of public transport use and by undertaking enhancements to overall accessibility thereby making the County easier for visitors to navigate. Integrate the County’s transport and tourism strategies to promote increasingly sustainable travel patterns among visitors to the County. Support the construction of green routes/cycleways/pedestrian routes. TRANS 13 Encourage transition towards sustainable and low carbon transport modes, through the promotion of alternative modes of transport, and ‘walkable communities’ together with promotion of compact urban forms close to public transport corridors to encourage more sustainable patterns of movement. TRANS 14 To undertake Local Transport Plans in conjunction with the NTA, TII, and relevant stakeholders which will identify a transport strategy to address modal shift traffic issues,parking and active travel deficiencies in the existing network and make recommendations on same in the following towns. - Portlaoise & Environs - Mountrath & Environs - Mountmellick & Environs - Durrow & Environs - Abbeyleix & Environs - Stradbally & Environs - Portarlington & Environs (Joint Study with Offaly Co Co to be explored) - Graiguecullen & Environs (Joint Study with Carlow Co Co to be explored) The strategic aim of the LTP is to • examine the current lack of alternatives to the car and land use patterns which can better affect a modal shift to public transport, walking and cycling; • address current issues and anticipate future problems in the transport network of the town and its strategic routes; and in doing so will present a detailed analysis of the current transport situation and present potential interventions and recommendations for retention or not of roads objectives, active travel options, roads based solutions including the strategic routes and solutions to encourage provision and greater use of public transport. TRANS 15 It is a Policy Objective that where projects for new roads or other linear projects, identified in Chapter 10 and Volume 2, are not already provided for by existing plans/programme or are not already permitted, that the feasibility of progressing these projects shall be examined, taking into account environmental sensitivities
Source Laois County Council: Laois 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.