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 12 Built and Cultural Heritage 289 | P a g e Map 12.5 Killabban Archaeological Significance Zone
- 290 | P a g e CHAPTER 13 GENERAL LOCATION AND PATTERN OF DEVELOPMENT 13.1 INTRODUCTION The purpose of zoning is to indicate to property owners and the general public the types of development which the Planning Authority considers most appropriate in each land use category. Zoning is designed to reduce conflicting uses within areas, to protect resources and,in association with phasing, to ensure that land suitable for development is used to the best advantage of the community as a whole. Section 10(8) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) states that there shall be no presumption in law that any land zoned in a particular development plan (including a development plan that may have been varied) shall remain so zoned in any subsequent development plan. The land use zoning matrix gives guidance as to the acceptability of a list of uses under each zoning objective. 13.2 ZONING PRINCIPLES The NPF requires for a targeted approach to growth within significant infill/brownfield in settlements. This Plan has specifically provides linkage between zoning of land and the availability of infrastructure. An infrastructure assessment has been carried in order to differentiate between zoned land that is available for development and zoned land that requires significant further investment in services for infrastructure for development to be realized which is required by the NationalPolicy Objectives 72(a) – (c) of the National Planning Framework. There are many other planning considerations relevant to land zoning beyond the provision of basic enabling infrastructure including overall planned levels of growth, location, suitability forthe type of development envisaged, availability of and proximity to amenities, schools, shops or employment, accessibility to transport services etc. Weighing up all of these factors, together with the availability of infrastructure, has assisted Laois County Council in determining an order of priority to deliver planned growth and development. Sufficient lands have been zoned at appropriate locations throughout the county to facilitate the land use requirements for the period 2021-2027; A. Promote the redevelopment of brownfield sites within urban centres; B. Ensure that appropriate locations are sought for new developments. The land use zoning matrix details the most common form of land uses in accordance with the county’s zoning objectives. These are considered as to their acceptability under the following categories:
- Chapter 13 General Location and Pattern of Development 291 | P a g e Table 13.1 Land Use Zoning Acceptability 13.2.1 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATIONS IN THE TYPES OF USES There are a wide range of land use types identified under each of the Land Use Zoning Objectives. Proposals for development will need to demonstrate compliance with the various written provisions of the Plan, as relevant, including those relating to environmental protection and management. Environmental considerations, such as those related to elevated levels of flood risk or European site ecological designations, may limit the types of uses that may be possible at certain sites. Prospective applicants are encouraged to engage with the planning authority at the earliest opportunity to seek guidance as to the appropriateness of emerging proposals. 13.2.2 ESTABLISHED USE AND NON-CONFORMING USES Throughout the county there are uses which do not conform to the zoning objective for the area. These are principally uses which were already in existence on the 1st of October 1964.Extensions to and improvement of premises accommodating these uses may be permitted where the proposed development would not seriously injure the amenities of the area orprejudice the proper planning and development of the area. In some cases, the Planning Authority may encourage relocation of permitted incompatible uses, for example by exchange of sites. Existing uses which do not conform to the zoning objectives outlined will continue to operate. A reasonable expansion of non-conforming uses will generally be accepted notwithstanding the zoning objectives. The intensification of a non-conforming use will be considered with regard to zoning objectives as well as general Planning considerations. 13.2.3 TRANSITIONAL AREAS While the zoning objectives indicate the different uses permitted in each zone, it is important to avoid abrupt transitions in scale and use at the boundary of adjoining land use zones. In these areas, it is necessary to avoid developments, which would be detrimental to the amenities of the more environmentally sensitive zone. For instance, in zones abutting residential areas particular Y= Will Normally beAcceptable A use which will normally be acceptable is one which the Local Authority accepts in principle in the relevant zone. However, it is still subject to the normal planning process including policies and objectives outlined in the Plan. O= Are Open for Consideration Land uses that are listed as ‘open for consideration’ may be acceptable to the Planning Authority subject to detailed assessment against the principles of proper planning and sustainable development, and the relevant policies, objectives and standards set out in this Plan. Such uses may only be permitted where they donot materially conflict with other aspects of the County Development Plan. N= Will Not Normally be Acceptable Development which is classified as not normally being acceptable in a particular zone is one which will not be entertained by the Local Authority except in exceptional circumstances. This may be due to its perceived effect on existing and permitted uses, its incompatibility with the policies and objectives contained in this Planor the fact that it may be inconsistent with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. The expansion of established and approved uses not conforming to land use zoning objectives will be considered on their merits.
- Chapter 13 General Location and Pattern of Development 292 | P a g e attention must be paid to the uses, scale, density and appearance of development proposals and to landscaping and screening proposals in order to protect the amenities of these residential areas. While the zoning objectives indicate the different uses permitted in principle in each zone, it is important to avoid abrupt transitions in scale and use in the boundary areas of adjoining land use zones, where such a transition would have an adverse effect on the amenities of more environmentally sensitive zones. For instance, in enterprise zones abutting residential development within predominantly mixed use zones, particular attention must be paid to the use, scale and density of development proposals in order to protect the amenities of residential property. 13.2.4 PHASED DEVELOPMENT The Council considers it desirable that development takes place in an orderly manner but recognises it would be unduly restrictive to insist that development takes place in a rigidly phased manner. 13.2.5 ZONING The Council recognises that land may not become available for development purposes in an orderly, phased manner and that therefore an allowance must be made over and above the acreage required to accommodate the anticipated development during the Plan period. The area zoned within the development boundary takes account of this fact and permits a more flexible approach to development. Developments in rural areas that would undermine appropriately zoned lands or policies in forgoing chapters will not be permitted. Development cannot take place without the requisite standard of infrastructural services, andthe presence of land use zoning objectives does not necessarily imply that infrastructural services or capacity exist but rather that a particular land use is appropriate to a specific location. Land use zoning objectives are indicated in Table 13.2. The uses considered appropriate to each zone is shown in the land use matrix in Table 13.3.
- Chapter 13 General Location and Pattern of Development 293 | P a g e Table 13.2: Zoning Objectives and Purposes LAND USE ZONING OBJECTIVE PURPOSE Town/ Village Centre To protect and enhance the special physical and social character of the existing town centre and to provide for and improve retailing and commercial activities. The purpose of this zoning is to enhance the vitality and viability of town and village centres through the development of under-utilised land and brownfield sites and by encouraging a mix of uses to make the town and village centres an attractive place to visit, shop and live in. The character of the town and village centres shall be protected and enhanced. The Council will encourage the full use of buildings and backlands; in particular, the full use of upper floors in buildings, preferably for residential use. Mixed Use To provide for a mixture of residential and compatible commercial uses. To facilitate the use of land for a mix of uses, making provisions, where appropriate for “primary” uses i.e. residential and combined with other compatible uses e.g. offices as “secondary”. These secondary uses will be considered by the Local Authority, having regard to the particular character of the area. A diversity of uses for both day and evening is encouraged. These areas require high levels of accessibility, including pedestrian, cyclists and public transport (where feasible). Compatible uses within this zone include: residential, community buildings, civic buildings, entertainment, hotels, leisure and recreation, offices, professional/ specialist services, restaurants etc. Residential 1 To protect and enhance the amenity of developed residential communities. This zone is intended primarily for established housing development but may include a range of other uses particularly those that have the potential to improve the residential amenity of residential communities such as schools, crèches, small shops, doctor’s surgeries, playing fields etc. It is an objective on land zoned for Residential 1 to protect the established residential amenity and enhance with associated open space, community uses and where an acceptable standard of amenity can be maintained, a limited range of other uses that support the overall residential function of the area. Within this zoning category the improved quality of existing residential areas will be the Council’s priority. Residential 2 To provide for new residential development, residential This zone is intended primarily for housing development but may include a range of other uses particularly those that have the potential to foster the development of new
- Chapter 13 General Location and Pattern of Development 294 | P a g e LAND USE ZONING OBJECTIVE PURPOSE services and community facilities. residential communities such as schools, crèches, small shops, doctor’s surgeries, playing fields etc. It is an objective on land zoned for residential 2 to promote development mainly for housing, associated open space, community uses and where an acceptable standard of amenity can be maintained, a limited range of other uses that support the overall residential function of the area. Within this zoning category the improved quality of residential areas and the servicing of orderly development will be the Council’s priority. New housing and infill developments should be of sensitive design, which are complementary to their surroundings. No piecemeal development can take place unless it does not conflict with the possible future development of the reserved development areas of the town. Adequate undeveloped lands have been zoned in the Plan for residential use to meet the requirements for both public and private house building over the Plan period. Strategic Reserve To provide lands for future development in line with national and regional targets over the next Plan period 2031 onwards Regarding lands included in the Strategic Reserve land bank, it is important to highlight that the inclusion of such lands will not in any way infer a prior commitment on the part of Laois County Council regarding their future zoning during the review of the subsequent development plan for the plan period 2031 onwards. Such a decision will be considered within the framework of national and regional population targets applicable at that time and the proper planning and sustainable development of the County. Community, Educational and Institutional To protect and provide for local neighbourhood, community, ecclesiastical, recreational and educational facilities. The purpose of this zoning is to protect and improve existing community, educational and institutional facilities and to safeguard their future provision. The land use will provide for local civic, religious, community, educational and other facilities ancillary to neighbourhood uses and services. Tourism To provide for and improve tourist amenities in the county. The areas included in this zoning objective are intended to meet with the needs of the tourist in the county. Uses such as accommodation of all types and ancillary services such as food and beverage establishments will be encouraged within the land use zone. Open Space and Amenity To preserve, provide for and improve active and passive The areas included in this zoning objective cover both private and public open space and are dispersed throughout urban centres of every size. The Council will not normally permit development that would result in a loss of open space.
- Chapter 13 General Location and Pattern of Development 295 | P a g e LAND USE ZONING OBJECTIVE PURPOSE recreational public and private open space. Industrial and Warehousing To provide for and improve industrial and warehousing development. The purpose of the zoning is to provide for heavy industry associated with environmental emissions, including noise and odour and with intensive or hazardous processing and also provide for warehousing, light industry, technology related office development and general office development that exceed 400 square metres. Other uses, ancillary or similar to industry and warehousing will be considered on the merits of each planning application and may be acceptable in this zone. Where employment is a high generator of traffic, the location of new employment at appropriate scale, density, type and location will be encouraged to reduce the demand for travel. The layout of new employment sites shall have regard for alternative sustainable modes of transport. Proposed site layout should emphasize the necessary connections to the wider local and strategic public transport, walking and cycling networks. Residential or retail uses (including retail warehousing) will not be acceptable in this zone. Where any industrial/warehousing land adjoins other land uses, Laois County Council will require that a buffer zone is provided for and landscaped in accordance with the Development Management Standards of this Plan. General Business To provide for and improve commercial activities. The purpose of this zone is to provide for commercial activities and acknowledge the existing/permitted retailing. Any specific development proposal must have due regard to the location of the site within the wider town context and be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. Enterprise and Employment To provide lands for enterprise and employment use, more specifically low input and emission manufacturing, campus-style offices, storage uses, wholesaling and distribution, commercial services with high space and parking requirements that may The purpose of this zone is to provide for activities which will generate employment and encourage enterprise. Warehousing, commercial, enterprise and ancillary services should be provided in high quality landscaped campus style environments, incorporating a range of amenities. The uses in this zone are likely to generate a considerable amount of traffic by both employees and service traffic. Sites should therefore have good vehicular and public transport access. The implementation of Mobility Management Plans will be required for
- Chapter 13 General Location and Pattern of Development 296 | P a g e LAND USE ZONING OBJECTIVE PURPOSE not be suitable for town centre locations. such developments as they provide important means of managing accessibility to these sites. Transport, Public Services, Wastewater Services and Utilities To provide for the needs of all transport users and other utility providers. Car parks and commercial development associated with the provision of public transport services are considered appropriate in this zoning. This zoning also provides for and preserves land in the ownership of the Council or other bodies charged with the provision of services such as electricity, telecommunications, transport infrastructure, water, wastewater etc. to the town. A building or part thereof or land used for the provision of public services. Public services include all service installations necessarily required by electricity, gas, telephone, radio, telecommunications, television, water services, and other statutory undertakers, it includes public lavatories, public telephone boxes, bus shelters, bring centres, green waste and composting facilities. Constrained Land Use Zoning Objective FOR Natura 2000 site To ensure that the Plan, and any lower tier plans or projects arising, will not impact on this type of designated site. In order to be granted permission, other than demonstrating compliance with other Plan provisions (including those relating to the protection of the environment), proposals for development will need to undergo Appropriate Assessment.
- Chapter 13 General Location and Pattern of Development 297 | P a g e Table 13.3: Land Use Zoning Matrix Land Use Village / Town Centre Mixed Use Residential 1 Residential 2 Enterprise & Employment General Business Neighbourhood Centre Com/Education/ institutional Open Space Tourism Horticulture Industrial Transport and Utilities Apartment Y Y Y Y N N Y O N N N N N Car Park Y Y N N Y Y N N N N Y Y N Animal Housing N N N N N N N N N N Y N O Café Y Y O O Y Y Y N N Y O O N Caravan Camping Y O O O Y Y N O Y Y N O O Cemetery N N N N N N N Y N N N N O Cinema, Dancehall, Disco O Y N N N N N N N Y N N N Community Hall O O Y Y O O Y Y N Y N N N Craft Industry Y N O O Y O O O N Y Y Y N Crèche/ Playschool Y Y Y Y O O Y O N Y O O N Crematorium O O O O Y O O Y O O O Y O
- Chapter 13 General Location and Pattern of Development 298 | P a g e Land Use Village / Town Centre Mixed Use Residential 1 Residential 2 Enterprise & Employment General Business Neighbourhood Centre Com/Education/ institutional Open Space Tourism Horticulture Industrial Transport and Utilities Cultural Uses/ Library Y Y O O O O Y O N Y N N O Dwelling O Y Y Y N N N O N Y N N N Funeral Home O N N N N N N O N N N N N Garages, Panel Beating, Car Repairs N N N N O N N N N N N Y N Garden Centre O N N N O O N N N N Y N N Guest House/ Hostel/ Hotel Y Y O O O O N O N Y N N N Halting Site N N O O N N N O N N N N N Health Centre Y Y O O O O Y O N N N N N Heavy Commercial Vehicle Parks N N N N O N N N N N Y Y N Hot Food Takeaway O O N N N N O N N Y N N N
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.