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 11 Biodiversity and Natural Heritage 269 | P a g e SITE NAME PRINCIPAL CHARACTERISTICS TOWNLAND(S)/DISTRICT SUMMARY DESCRIPTION containing goniatites and lamellibranchs Killeany Quarry Quarry Killeany Small quarry cut into a small, but prominent, steep-sided limestone hill. Killeshin Glen Fossiliferous Rocks, Goniatites and Killeshin Siltstone Formation Coorlaghan, Keeloge /Killeshin A valuable stream section through Upper Namurian fossiliferous rocks in which goniatites are frequent. The Killeshin Siltstone Formation is mainly grey argillaceous or silty mudstones (Higgs 1987) poorly bedded with occasional plant remains, dark grey to black shales occur occasionally containing goniatites and lamellibranchs Kyle Spring Wells Kyle/Timahoe Springs Lisduff Quarry Limestone Quarry Lisduff/Knockahaw Lisduff Oolite Member (Ballysteen Formation) bedrock comprising thick bedded, pale bluegrey, cross-bedded, welljointed oolite of Lower Carboniferous (Mississippian) age Luggacurran Fireclay Pit Farm Borrow-pit Luggacurren Site exposes Namurian rocks of part of the Killeshin Siltstone Formation Luggacurran Stream Section Namurian stratigraphical section through Castlecomer Plateau Luggacurren Two stream sections provide almost continuous exposure in the Namurian of the CastlecomerPlateau M7 Road Cut Derryvorrigan 500m long road cut through limestone bedrock on the M7 Motorway Derryvorrigan Bedrock is Lower Carboniferous (Mississippian) darkcoloured muddy limestone
- Chapter 11 Biodiversity and Natural Heritage 270 | P a g e SITE NAME PRINCIPAL CHARACTERISTICS TOWNLAND(S)/DISTRICT SUMMARY DESCRIPTION (Ballysteen Formation) M8 Road Cut Addergoole 800m long road cut through limestone bedrock on the M8 Motorway Addergoole Bedrock is Lower Carboniferous (Mississippian) shaly limestone (Durrow Formation) Modubeagh Mine Spring coal mine discharge spring with steps Swan An old coal mine northeast of Wolfhill Colliery. Reportedly has a capped well which was piped to Athy as a water supply. Reportedly has steps built to precipitate iron from mine adit spring Moyadd Stream Westphalian stratigraphical section Moyadd / Swan An excellent example of the typical lithologies of the basal Coal Measures is shown in this stream section. Many of the beds are fossiliferous. Old Rossmore Anthracite Rossmore, Clogrenan Anthracite Poulastore cave situated in the top of Killone Hill Killone, Killmurry, Ballythomas The cave is in Carboniferous Limestone rock, in the Clogrenan Formation which is the youngest part of the limestone sequence. The age of the cave is unknown but may be older than the immediate post glacial period of the last 10,000 years (Holocene) Rathleague Spring warm spring Rathleague Derry Warm spring Ridge of Portlaoise Esker ridges Townparks, Ballycullenbeg, Strahard, Debicot, Acragar, Cloncosney, Derrydavy, Kyletalesha, Ballytegan, Gorteen, Maryborough, Borris, Beladd, A glacial esker ridge. It has a road on top. This long, narrow ridge is an excellent example of a straight, uncomplicated esker which does not have a complex
- Chapter 11 Biodiversity and Natural Heritage 271 | P a g e SITE NAME PRINCIPAL CHARACTERISTICS TOWNLAND(S)/DISTRICT SUMMARY DESCRIPTION Downs, Rathleague, Meelick, Capoley, Ballycarnan topography. It lies 90 degrees to the Kinnity- Clonaslee esker, but was formed in the same tunnel system. Rock of Cashel deposition features, crinoids and brachiopods Cashel Small outcrop of limestone with characteristics of deposition in turbid environments. The rock is highly fossiliferous with crinoids and brachiopods Rock of Dunamase Small Limestone hills: Hums. Park or Dunamase One of a series of small limestone hills, erosion features known as 'hums' above a plain. Youngest Brigantian strata in the area. Rock of Dunamase - representative site for Stradbally Hills. Site is large enough to include the glacial sediments around it. Sluggory Cross Roads Complex active sinkhole (swallow hole) in karstic limestone, northeast of Portlaoise Ballydavis, Rathbrennan The sinkhole, drainage and cave development are probably all postglacial in age, formed over the last 11,000 years Timahoe Eskers Esker ridges Esker, Coolnabracca, Kyle, Orchard Lower, Clondoolagh, Fallowbeg Lower, Guileen, Clopook, Fallowbeg Middle One of the best examples of esker ridges in the country showing branching and other characteristic features. A nice anatomising ridge, associated with moraine and fan features in a nice topographic setting. 11.11.1 ESKER The Council recognises the unique importance of esker landscape and its archaeological and historic value. All proposals for sand and gravel extraction will be determined by considering the need to conserve the environment and the extent to which proposed developments would be damaging. There is a presumption against new quarry development on eskers. The Council recognises that the exploitation of deposits can have seriously damaging environmental impact on the esker network.
- Chapter 11 Biodiversity and Natural Heritage 272 | P a g e Policy Objectives for Eskers GEO 5 Protect, preserve and conserve the landscape and natural heritage and geo-diversity values of esker systems from inappropriate development. Ensure that any plan or project affecting eskers are adequately assessed with regard to their potential impacton the environment. GEO 6 Assess applications for quarrying activity and gravel extraction and other development in proximity to eskers, with respect to their landscape importance or amenity value and the need to conserve them free from inappropriate development and to conserve their environmental character values and the extent to which proposals would damage these qualities.
- 273 | P a g e CHAPTER 12 BUILT AND CULTURAL HERITAGE Aim: To protect, conserve and manage the archaeological and architectural heritage of County Laois and to encourage sensitive sustainabledevelopment so as to ensure its survival and maintenance for future generations. 12.1 INTRODUCTION County Laois has a considerable variety of the built heritage that contributes to the identity and culture of the county itself and also to the wider region that are deemed worthy of protection. It includes the Rock of Dunamase the seat or fort of the ancient Irish kings of Laois, the historic towns of Abbeyleix and Durrow, great country houses, demesne landscapes and a significant industrial heritage of our boglands. 12.2 POLICY CONTEXT Ireland has signed and ratified a number of International and European Conventions and EU Directives such as the European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage, 1992 - the Valletta Convention and the Convention for the Protection of the Architectural Heritage of Europe, 1985 - the Granada Convention, which have provided the context for the formulation of national and regional legislation and policy to protect our built and naturalheritage. The following legislation and policy has informed this Chapter: 12.2.1 PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ACT 2000, AS AMENDED Comprehensive and systematic legislative provisions for the protection of architectural heritage were introduced by the Planning and Development Act, 2000. It is a mandatory requirement for the Development Plan to include a Record of Protected Structures (RPS) and also provide a number of objectives in relation to the protection of archaeological heritage, structures andareas of special interest, the preservation of the character of the landscape, views and prospects. 12.2.2 THE NATIONAL MONUMENTS ACTS 1930 – 2004 Archaeological heritage is legally protected from unauthorised damage or interference through powers and functions under the National Monuments Acts 1930-2004. Section 10 of the National Monuments (Amendments) Act 1994 made provision for the compilation of all recorded sites and features of historical and archaeological importance in the county into the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP). 12.2.3 FRAMEWORK AND PRINCIPLES FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL HERITAGE (1999) Policy and Guidance on Archaeological Excavation (1999) This Framework and these principles which stipulate the basic principles for the protection of archaeological heritage are based on a presumption of avoiding development impacts on archaeological heritage with preservation in-situ being the first option followed by preservation by record where the archaeological heritage is affected or proposed to be affected by the development. 12.2.4 THE ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE PROTECTION GUIDELINES 2011 These Guidelines are issued under Section 28 and Section 52 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. Under Section 52(1), the Minister is obliged to issue guidelines to planning authorities concerning development objectives, a) for protecting structures, or parts of structures,
- Chapter 12 Built and Cultural Heritage 274 | P a g e which are of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest, and b) for preserving the character of architectural conservation areas. Guidelines issued under Section 28 of the Act require planning authoritiesto have regard to them in the performance of their functions. 12.2.5 THE NATIONAL PLANNING FRAMEWORK (NPF) Ireland has an abundance of iconic natural heritage areas that not only play a key part in our cultural heritage, but are also an important part of our tourism industry. The NPF also notes that there is a need to conserve, manage and present our heritage for its intrinsic value and as a support to economic renewal and sustainable employment. 12.2.6 REGIONAL SPATIAL AND ECONOMIC STRATEGY (RSES) The RSES acknowledges that the region’s historic environment provides a unique sense of place and makes a positive contribution to quality of life. The RSES highlights the importance of incorporating best practice in heritage management into land use planning through the protection of historic urban fabric, the sensitive reuse of historic properties and the enhancement of places of special cultural or natural significance and the provision of highquality public realm and recreational spaces. It is a regional policy objective to - promote historictowns in the Region in the practice of heritage-led generation, to promote sensitive and adaptive re-use of historic building stock, industrial features and protected structures. 12.2.7 NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN - BUILT & ARCHAEOLOGICAL HERITAGE CLIMATE CHANGE SECTORAL ADAPTATION PLAN The adaptation strategy and accompanying action plan is a sectoral subset of the National Adaptation Plan in relation to the impact of climate change on built heritage and aims to: • Build adaptive capacity within the sector; • Reduce the vulnerability of built and archaeological heritage to climate change; • Identify and capitalise on the various potential opportunities for the sector. 12.3 ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE The Council supports the conservation, marketing, interpretation and appreciation of significant architectural assets in the county. Some of these assets comprise individual structures with distinct architectural integrity, groups of buildings, streetscapes, demesne landscapes intrinsically linked to the special interest of country houses, the arrangement of buildings in and around spaces such as in vernacular farmyards and at market squares, the sympathetic evolution of individual structures displaying different architectural trends. There are two primary mechanisms to protect the county’s architectural heritage: • If a structure is considered to be of significant importance, the Council may designate it as a protected structure. A protected structure must be of architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, technical and social interest. • If a group of buildings is considered special and is of significant importance, the Council may designate it as an Architectural Conservation Area. At present there are seven Architectural Conservation Areas in County Laois. 12.3.1 PROTECTED STRUCTURES Protected Structures are buildings, features and structures that are protected because they are representative of the diversity of the architectural heritage of the county which are of architectural,
- Chapter 12 Built and Cultural Heritage 275 | P a g e historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, technical and social interest. Such features are contained in the Record of Protected Structures (RPS). A protected structure, unless otherwise stated, includes the exterior and interior of the structure, the land lying within the curtilage of the structure and any other structure lying within the cartilage. The protection also extends to any features specified as being in the attendant grounds. The 900 structures in the County Laois Record of Protected Structures (RPS) are listed at Appendix 1 of the Plan. 12.3.1.1 Works to a Protected Structure 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. Works to a protected structure, that would, materially affect the character of the structure, 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. Total or substantial demolition of a Protected Structure or any significant element of the Protected Structure will not be acceptable in principle, save in exceptional circumstances where demolition and redevelopment would produce substantial strategic benefits for the community which would decisively outweigh the loss resulting from demolition. Policy Objectives for Protected Structures PS 1 Consult with the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government in considering planning applications that may affect Protected Structures or Architectural Conservation Areas (ACA). The Council will have regard to comments made by the Department and relevant guidelines such as the Architectural Heritage Protection: Guidelines for Planning Authorities (DAHG, 2011) and other pertinent guidelines regarding energy ratings for Protected Structures. PS 2 Protect and conserve buildings, structures and sites contained in the Record of Protected Structures in accordance with ‘Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelinesfor Planning Authorities’ 2004 and ensure the effective promotion of the Architectural Heritage provisions of Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and therefore the protection of Laois’s built heritage, including Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs) and Protected Structures. PS 3 Any development, modification, alteration, or extension affecting a Protected Structure must be prepared by suitably qualified persons and Accompanied by appropriate documentation as outlined in the Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities [DAHG, 2011] to enable a proper assessment of the proposed works and their impact on the structure or area and be carried out to best practice conservation standards. Its setting will be considered against the following criteria, and whether it is: a) Sensitively sited and designed; b) Compatible with the special character; c) Views of principal elevations of the protected structures are not obscured or negatively impacted; d) Of a premium quality of design and appropriate in terms of the proposed scale, mass, height, density, layout, and material so that the integrity of the structure and its curtilage is preserved and enhanced. Where appropriate, the Protected
- Chapter 12 Built and Cultural Heritage 276 | P a g e Policy Objectives for Protected Structures Structure status is used as a stimulus to the imaginative and considered design of new elements. PS 4 Where the restoration or refurbishment of a Protected Structure or a key Architectural Conservation Area building that is in poor or fair condition is proposed and is for a purpose compatible with the character of the building, the relaxation of development management standards on unit sizes, amenity space or parking will be considered by the Council. PS 5 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. PS 6 Favourably consider the change of use of any structure included on the Record of Protected Structures provided such a change of use does not adversely impact on its intrinsic character. In certain cases, the Planning Authority may relax site zoning restrictions / development standards in order to secure the preservation and restoration of the structure. PS 7 Review and update the Record of Protected Structures on an on-going basis and to make additions and deletions as appropriate. PS 8 Integrate climate-change adaptation measures into all heritage works and maintenance plans by demonstrating green ways of working in historic buildings, ensuring that the carbon footprint of adaptation measures is considered. PS 9 Promote the repair and reuse of existing building stock, including heritage buildings, asa means of avoiding unnecessary carbon outlays with new build. PS 10 Support proposals to improve the thermal performance of historic buildings with renewable energy technologies. Such proposals shall be sensitive to traditional methods of construction to ensure that the proposed works are appropriate and do not cause damage to the structure, require the removal of historic fabric such as original windows, doors and floors, or have a detrimental visual impact.
- Chapter 12 Built and Cultural Heritage 277 | P a g e Protected Structures Development Management Standards DM PS 1 DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE CURTILAGE OF A PROTECTED STRUCTURE In considering applications for development within the curtilage and/or attendant grounds of a protected structure, the Council shall have regard to the following: • The various elements of the structure which give the protected structure its special character and how these would be impacted on by the proposed development. • The proximity of any new development to the main protected structure and any other buildings of heritage value. • The design of the new development that should relate to and complement the special character of the protected structure. • Outward and inward views from the protected structure are to be protected. High quality design will be a foremost consideration when assessing proposals for development within the curtilage of a protected structure, with particular emphasis on siting, building lines, proportions, scale, massing, height, roof treatment and materials. This does not preclude innovative contemporary buildings. High quality contemporary interventions will be encouraged over historic pastiche. Development proposals should include appraisal of the wider context of the site and structure including its demesne landscape, where applicable. DM PS 2 RESTORATION OF A PROTECTED STRUCTURE The following information is required to be submitted with respect to applications for permission for restoration, refurbishment, demolition development or change of use of protected structures: • An Architectural Assessment Report as per the “Architectural Heritage Protection: Guidelines for Planning Authorities” (2011) Department of the Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht carried out by a suitably qualified person; • A comprehensive schedule of proposed work that follows the guidelines set out in the “Architectural Heritage Protection: Guidelines for Planning Authorities” (2011) Department of the Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht. DM PS 3 ARCHITECTURAL ASSESSMENT REPORT The following information is required to be submitted with respect to applications for permission for restoration, refurbishment, demolition development or change of use of protected structures: • An Architectural Assessment Report as per the “Architectural Heritage Protection: Guidelines for Planning Authorities” (2011) Department of the Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht carried out by a suitably qualified person; A comprehensive schedule of proposed work that follows the guidelines set out in the Architectural Heritage Protection: Guidelines for Planning Authorities” (2011) Department of the Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht. 12.3.2 ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION AREAS Section 81 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) describes an Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) as: “An area, place, group of structures or townscape of special
- Chapter 12 Built and Cultural Heritage 278 | P a g e architectural historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest, or an area that contributes to the appreciation of a Protected Structure”. Architectural Conservation Areas within County Laois are identified in Volume 2 Settlement Plans of this CDP on the relevant settlement maps in the following settlements: • Abbeyleix • Ballinakill • Castletown • Clonaslee • Durrow • Portlaoise • Timahoe The Council will examine the potential for designating additional ACAs within the County during the lifetime of this Plan. In considering the designation of additional ACAs, the Council will have regard to the following factors: • The sensitivity of areas of special interest to inappropriate development; • Availability of resources; • Local support for the designation; • National architectural heritage protection guidelines or government circulars. Policy Objectives for ACA ACA 1 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. ACA 2 Demolition of buildings or substantial parts of structures in cases where those structures make a positive contribution to the special character of the ACA will not be acceptable in principle. Only in exceptional circumstances, where the redevelopment or replacement structures would produce substantial benefits for the community which would decisively outweigh the loss resulting from demolition, would demolition of this nature be considered. ACA 3 Investigate the designation of further ACAs at appropriate locations throughout and prepare a character statement appraisal and area specific policy for each ACA to include Stradbally, Mountmellick Mountrath and Portarlington, (the latter in collaboration within Offaly County Council).
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.