Laois County Development Plan 2021–2027

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   Chapter 3 Climate Action & Eenergy 79 | P a g e • Part L of the Building Regulations: Part L of the Building Regulations deals with the conservation of fuel and energy in buildings. The Regulations state that a building shall be designed and constructed so as to ensure that the energy performance of the building is such as to limit the amount of energy required for the operation of the building and the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions associated with this energy use insofar as is reasonably practicable. This can be achieved using a combination of measures including the use of renewable energy sources, limiting heat loss and availing of heat gain through the fabric of the dwelling and using energy efficient space and water heating systems. • Nearly Zero Energy Buildings: Arising from the Recast of the European Performance of Buildings Directive 2010/30/EU, from 1 January 2019, every new public building and from 1 January 2021 all other new buildings will have to be designed to nearly zero energy building (NZEB) standards. The Council will have regard to the DoEHLG publication Towards Nearly Zero Energy Buildings in Ireland Planning for 2020 and Beyond and the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (2010/31/EU) which promote the increase in nearly Zero Energy Buildings (nZEB). Energy Efficient for Buildings Policy Objectives EEB 1 Require all new building developments to meet low energy performance targets. Each building’s energy performance, as calculated by the Building Energy Rating (BER), will have a minimum energy efficiency that meets the requirements of Part L of the Building Regulations and Nearly Zero Energy Building standard. New buildings should incorporate renewable energy technologies in order to help achieve the rating required. EEB 2 Inform and encourage new developments to mitigate against, and adapt to, where possible the impacts of climate change through the location, layout and design of the development. EEB 3 Encourage improved energy efficiency of existing building stock and to promote energy efficiency and conservation in the design and development of all new buildings, including Local Authority dwelling. EEB 4 Develop guidelines and standards to assist property owners in respect of energy retrofitting and planning considerations. EEB 5 Encourage the integration of micro renewable energy sources into the design and construction of single and multiple housing developments.

2. Page 82

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   80 | P a g e CHAPTER 4 HOUSING STRATEGY AIM: TO FACILITATE THE PROVISION OF HOUSING IN A RANGE OF LOCATIONS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE COUNTY’S POPULATION, WITH PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON FACILITATING ACCESS TO HOUSING TO SUIT DIFFERENT HOUSEHOLD AND TENURE NEEDS IN A SUSTAINABLE MANNER AND IN APPROPRIATE LOCATIONS. 4.1 INTRODUCTION The previous Laois County Development Plan 2017-2023 was following a period of recession in the national property market post 2008. A review of the Housing Strategy and preparation of Housing Need Demand Assessment (HNDA) as required by NPO 37 of the National Planning Framework was commissioned by Laois County Council in July 2020 and carried out in consultation with Downey Planning Consultants to reflect the fundamental changes that have taken place in the economy. High levels of market uncertainty and the changing nature of housing demand, including mitigating factors such as income, demographics and credit conditions are key aspects which underline the current housing market. 4.2 HOUSING STRATEGY SYNOPSIS AND POLICY The Housing Strategy outlines a number of broad principles that inform the overall approach to the strategy and formalises these aspects through a number of recommended housing objectives. 4.2.1 COUNTY LAOIS HOUSING STRATEGY & HNDA The indication of population projection based on a policy-intervention scenario shows that the population of Laois is expected to increase to 89,349 by 2021 and to 94,700 by 2027 with the latter including an increase of 5,351 individuals compared to Census 2016. With respect to the ESRI research work, and the Ministerial Letter advising this method as the most up to date approach towards demand projection, the overall housing demand over the Plan period is expected to be 3,998 units, which equates to 571 housing units per annum over the Plan period. Studying the income profile of the county and calculating the mortgage capacity of the households in Laois with regard to projection of affordable housing thresholds in the County determines that an average of 30.9 percent of the additional anticipated households will not qualify for a mortgage during the Plan period. Applying the above affordability criteria to the anticipated households per annum indicates that of the 1,235 households which are not qualified for a mortgage over the Plan period (30.9% of the overall housing demand), 816 no. households (20.4%) do not meet the affordability criteria for the private rental market. These households are therefore considered to require social housing, and this shortfall can be met by provision of an average of 117 no. social housing per annum over the Plan period. 4.2.2 SINGLE ONE OFF DWELLINGS Considering the challenges that are faced by the rural communities, ranging from urban generated pressures in some locations, to a declining and ageing population, the structure of the economy and lack of access to quality infrastructure and new technologies, there seems to be an urge for policy intervention which has been quoted as “Cluster Planning” within the NPF and RSES. The cluster planning aims to encourage more focused settlements in the country where “Cluster Living” around

3. Page 83

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   Chapter 4 Housing Strategy 81 | P a g e towns and villages will emerge. Therefore, the estimation of single one-off dwellings over the Plan Period is based on an intervention-policy approach, where the number of rural housing is aimed to be restricted to an average of 100 no. of units for each year over the Plan Period, equating a total number of 600 no. one-off dwellings during 2021-2027. 4.2.3 HOUSEHOLD SIZE COHORTS Analysis of the historical trending of the households with a concentration on the household size cohort per household in the County over 2006-2016 indicates that a growing demand for apartments and smaller-size houses are expected. However, the bigger size houses are still having a steady market in the County which by considering the dominant characteristics of the County is not unexpected. More precisely, the bigger size households, including four-plus households, are expected to form approximately 49% of the total, while single- and two-person households form approximately 35% of the overall households. The following table provides an indication of anticipated households in each cohort over the Plan period. Table 4.1 Indication of Households in Each Household Size Cohort over the Plan Period Year No. of Anticipated Households 1-person Household 2-person Household 3-person Household 4-person Household 5 plusperson Household 2017 29,630 6,556 7,799 5,117 5,551 4,607 2018 30,161 6,711 7,911 5,182 5,704 4,653 2019 30,698 6,869 8,023 5,246 5,861 4,699 2020 31,240 7,030 8,134 5,311 6,021 4,744 2021 31,811 7,198 8,252 5,380 6,189 4,793 2022 32,382 7,367 8,369 5,447 6,359 4,840 2023 32,953 7,538 8,484 5,514 6,531 4,886 2024 33,525 7,710 8,598 5,579 6,706 4,931 2025 34,096 7,883 8,711 5,644 6,884 4,974 2026 34,667 8,058 8,822 5,707 7,063 5,017 2027 35,238 8,234 8,932 5,769 7,245 5,058 Housing Policy Objective HPO1 Ensure that 35% Of Any Residential Developments (10 units or more) provides for single and two person households, unless an up to date housing market assessment justifies a revised percentage, which will be considered on a case by case basis. 4.2.4 HOUSEHOLD TENURE Analysis of the historical trending of the households with a concentration on the household tenure in the County over 2006-2016 indicates that rental market is expected to expand its share in the market, while the owner occupancy is expected to drastically shrink. Assuming a flat rate growth for these markets up to 2027, it is expected that owner occupancy forms approximately 44% of the market, while private rental is anticipated to take almost 45% of the market. The following table provides an indication of the expected households in each tenure type over the Plan period. Table 4.2 Indication of Tenure Composition over the Plan Period Year Owner Occupied Private Rental Other Rental Misc. 2017 20,673 4,649 3,012 1,296

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   Chapter 4 Housing Strategy 82 | P a g e 2018 20,451 5,348 3,073 1,289 2019 20,164 6,132 3,124 1,278 2020 19,807 7,005 3,165 1,262 2021 19,395 7,977 3,196 1,243 2022 18,907 9,043 3,213 1,220 2023 18,345 10,203 3,215 1,191 2024 17,711 11,456 3,201 1,157 2025 17,011 12,796 3,170 1,119 2026 16,252 14,216 3,123 1,076 2027 15,441 15,707 3,060 1,030 4.3 KEY PRINCIPLES OF THE HOUSING STRATEGY • To work to deliver the revised county population target of 94,700 by 2027 and 97,500 by 2031, having regard to the National Planning Framework, Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy and county’s established Settlement Hierarchy as set out in the Laois County Development Plan; • To promote socially balanced and inclusive communities in all housing areas across Laois; • To provide for varying identified needs in the county with respect to housing typology, size and mix; • To monitor the housing strategy, allowing for adequate consultation with those who are central to the implementation of the policies in the strategy. The Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) sets out clear requirements for the monitoring and review of local authority housing strategies. Section 95 subsection (1) (b) requires that a planning authority's development plan should include objectives to ensure that the housing strategy is implemented. These objectives should relate to: • The existing and likely future need for social housing; • The need to ensure the availability of housing for persons who have different levels of income; • The need to provide different types and sizes of housing, to match, in so far as possible, the different types of households to be provided for; • The special needs of the elderly and those with disabilities must be provided for; and • The need to counteract social segregation in the provision of housing. The County Laois Housing Strategy and Housing Needs Demand Assessment is closely aligned with the Core Strategy in that the future housing need is based on the population and household projections outlined in the Core Strategy in Section 2.8.1 of the Plan. The Strategy includes an analysis of housing requirements in the context of affordability and addresses the need to ensure that housing is available for persons with different levels of income. It also assesses the mix of house types and sizes (including accommodation for the elderly and persons with disabilities) and highlights the need to counteract undue segregation in housing between persons of different social backgrounds. The Housing Strategy estimates that there will be a requirement for 1,200 social and affordable units between 2021 and 2027 (1,200 households which are not qualified for a mortgage over the Plan period, 793 no. households (20.4%) do not meet the affordability criteria for the private rental market). The mechanisms for delivering social housing include the following:

5. Page 85

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   Chapter 4 Housing Strategy 83 | P a g e • Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). • Direct construction by Local Authorities or in partnership with Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs). • Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS), Social Housing Lease Initiatives and Housing Assistance Payments (HAPs). • Purchase of new or second-hand residential units. • Casual vacancies. The Housing Strategy and Housing Needs Demand Assessment can be found in Appendix 3 of this Plan. 4.4 HOUSING STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION To ensure the successful implementation of this Housing Strategy, it is necessary to keep it under review. Therefore, not more than two years after the making of the Development Plan, the Chief Executive of Laois County Council will give a report to the elected members on the progress achieved in implementing the Housing Strategy and the Development Plan objectives. Where the report indicates that new or revised housing needs have been identified, the Chief Executive may recommend that the Housing Strategy be amended and the Development Plan varied accordingly. The Housing Strategy has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended as a basis to address the following key issues: • The identification of housing need within County Laois; • The identification of social and specialist housing needs within the County; • The identification of supply side requirements to satisfy identified needs, including the consideration of appropriate land zoning in Laois; • The consideration of specific policy response to the above. The preparation of this strategy has included the assessment of all relevant and up-to-date publications and data resources, which have been analysed in detail to provide a robust basis for future policy development and implementation. In addition to meeting the statutory requirement for its production, this strategy ensures that the proper planning and sustainable development of Laois provides for the housing needs of existing and future populations in an appropriate manner. 4.5 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE URBAN REGENERATION AND HOUSING ACT 2015 The Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015 provides for the imposition of a Vacant Site Levy within areas where housing is required and areas in need of renewal. The levy will support the implementation of the Development Plan and Core Strategy objectives, particularly in respect of promoting the renewal and regeneration of urban areas thus ensuring a compact urban form and sustainable growth patterns. The Urban Regeneration and Housing Act set out two broad categories of vacant land that the levy may apply to: • Lands zoned primarily for residential purposes • Lands in need of regeneration Laois County Council has determined that a need for housing exists in the Towns of Portlaoise, Portarlington, Mountmellick and Graiguecullen as indicated in Table 4.1. The Planning Authority may determine that a need for housing exists in additional Laois Towns during the Plan period.

6. Page 86

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   Chapter 4 Housing Strategy 84 | P a g e 4.5.1 REGENERATION SITES Laois County Council has identified a number of regeneration sites within Volume 2 - Settlement Plans, having regard to NPO 35 of the NPF and the principles of compact development. A regeneration strategy is also included for each settlement. The review of the Local Area Plans for the County (Portlaoise, Portarlington, Graiguecullen and Mountmellick) will also provide a strategy for regeneration and include site specific objectives for each settlement. Strategic regeneration sites identified in the Portlaoise and Portarlington Local Area Plans are outlined in Table 4.3. Table 4.3 Regeneration Sites for Local Area Plans TOWN (LAP) GENERAL LOCATION OVERVIEW Portlaoise The Former Centerpoint development, Mountrath Rd This brownfield retail site is a key site for regeneration, formerly a petrol station and commercial units located at Mountrath Road, with access also from Harpers Lane and an extensive surface car park. The site is within a 10 minute walk of both the Train Station and the Town centre and is in close proximity to both primary and secondary schools. Its Prime location is not located within an Architectural Conservation Area or contains any protected Structures. Future developments shall comprise a high quality design, fine grained active frontage blocks providing a strong built edge to the surrounding public thoroughfare. New buildings should be permanent, timeless and contemporary structures. Development could be intensified to provide a key landmark or gateway building. The Former Maltings Site Harpurs Lane This former brownfield site is located on the N80 (Mountmellick Road) in Portlaoise and within a 5 minute walk of Portlaoise Train Station. It previously had Planning Permission for a substantial mixed use development and is currently the subject of both residential and nursing home permissions. Its extensive site curtilage has been cleared for redevelopment and it is not located within an Architectural Conservation Area. Development could be intensified to provide a key landmark or gateway building at this location to replace the once tall malting buildings. Future development proposals should address both Mountmellick Road and

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   Chapter 4 Housing Strategy 85 | P a g e TOWN (LAP) GENERAL LOCATION OVERVIEW Harpurs Lane and be designed to an exceptional standard. Development shall comprise high quality design, fine grained active frontage blocks providing a strong built edge to the surrounding public thoroughfare. New buildings should be permanent, timeless and contemporary structures. Fitzmaurice Place Portlaoise - Convent Site and CBS Lands Both former school sites (Convent Lands and CBS) occupy a substantial portion of the lands within the Town Centre. Part VIII approval has been granted for approx 130 units (total) on both sites. Both developments have paid due respect to the Fort of Maryborough and archaeological considerations, their location within Portlaoise Architectural Conservation Area and the need to address the Protected Structures on both sites. Portarlington Cooltederry, Lands West of Ballymorris Rd The site is a prime site located in close proximity to the town centre. The 3.84ha. greenfield site is fully serviced and is partially outside of Flood Zones A and B. A Mixed use developments compliant with the zoning objective will be encouraged. The building should address the extensive street frontage and be designed to an exceptional standard. A high quality public realm will be required in any development including pocket parks and green links between Sandy Lane and Ballymorris Road. Foxcroft Street Landbank This site is in a prime location adjacent to the town centre with vehicular access from Foxcroft Street and potential pedestrian access from Main Street. The 4.08ha. is considered greenfield, backland and infill site and is fully serviced. A portion of the site is located within Flood Zone B. There is an opportunity to create a sustainable and compact urban quarter with a mix of uses. The site is located within the study area for the Urban

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   Chapter 4 Housing Strategy 86 | P a g e TOWN (LAP) GENERAL LOCATION OVERVIEW Regeneration Strategy currently under commission by LCC. Pedestrian and cycle links and pocket parks between Main Street, Sandy Lane and Foxcroft Street should form key features to any proposal. Adjoining private amenity spaces of neighbouring residential properties should be protected through the design and layout of any proposal. A high quality public realm will be required in any development. Housing Development Policy Objectives HPO 2 Secure the implementation of the Laois County Housing Strategy in accordance with the provision of national legislation and relevant policies and standards. HPO 3 Support the regional Settlement Strategy, taking into consideration the estimated population growth set out within the NPF and RSES, and make provision for the scale of population growth and housing allocations. HPO 4 To ensure that sufficient zoned land is available at appropriate locations to cater for the envisioned population growth within the County and to satisfy residential development needs within the County in compliance with the Core Strategy and Settlement Strategy of the Development Plan. HPO 5 To engage in active land management and site activation measures, including the implementation of the vacant site levy on all vacant residential and regeneration lands, and address dereliction and vacancy to ensure the viability of towns and village centres, i.e. Portlaoise, Portarlington, Mountmellick and Graiguecullen. HPO 6 To plan for future housing needs and housing allocation within the County in accordance with the estimated population targets and the Core and Settlement Strategy, in order to facilitate the expansion of existing settlements in a planned, sequential and coordinated manner, which ensures development is built alongside the necessary infrastructure including works with Irish Water, and to consolidate the builtup area within the existing settlements. This ensures the creation of sustainable communities in line with national policy. HPO 7 In relation to rural housing, it shall be provided where it promotes the economic role of these areas, negates isolation and promotes social inclusion. Development will be subject to infrastructure being delivered in rural areas or working with Irish Water to develop same. HPO 8 To ensure that an appropriate mix of housing types and sizes is provided in each residential development and within communities in keeping with Development Plan standards. All new housing development is expected to be of a high-quality design in compliance with the relevant standards. HPO 9 To promote residential densities appropriate to the development’s location and surrounding context, having due regard to Government policy relating to sustainable

9. Page 89

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   Chapter 4 Housing Strategy 87 | P a g e Housing Development Policy Objectives development, which aims to reduce the demand for travel within existing settlements, and the need to respect and reflect the established character of rural areas. HPO 10 To promote best practice and innovative solutions in relation to the ongoing management and maintenance of all housing stock and associated public realm. HPO 11 To ensure that investment in infrastructure is distributed in a balanced manner around the County, with priority given to designated growth towns in line with the Settlement Strategy and in accordance with the sequential approach for developments. This includes working with Irish Water to ensure infrastructure is being delivered in rural areas. HPO 12 To encourage the allocation of housing near co-working spaces and remote working hubs, as well as new housing in proximity of community centres which offer co-working services. This can promote a sustainable growth of the towns and villages located to the west of the County, or where deemed appropriate, and address the rising commuting daily trend from County Laois to Dublin. HPO 13 Support the development of serviced sites to address the issue of single one-off dwellings. HPO 14 Promote residential development addressing any shortfall in housing provision through active land management and a coordinated planned approach to developing appropriately zoned lands at key locations including regeneration areas, vacant sites, and underutilised sites. This includes backland development, thus promoting a more efficient use of zoned land. HPO 15 Encourage and ensure high standards of energy efficiency in existing and new residential developments in line with good architectural conservation practice and promote energy efficiency and conservation in the design and development of new residential units, encouraging improved environmental performance of building stock. Improving environmental performance may include measures to reduce carbon emissions, improve resource use efficiency and minimise pollution and waste. HPO 16 In order to address public safety and environmental improvement within Unfinished Housing Estates, the Local Authority shall continue to work with developers and residents of private residential developments, where possible. HPO 17 Meet the needs of the elderly by providing accommodation in central, convenient and easily accessible locations to facilitate independent living where possible. HPO 18 Encourage nursing homes and sheltered housing accommodation to be located within settlements to provide for easy access both for staff and visitors in order to enhance overall quality of life, increase their links with, and accessibility to, local amenities and to adopt a presumption against rural locations; HPO 19 Provide for the housing needs of those with disabilities through the provision or adaptation of appropriate accommodation. HPO 20 Apply flexibility in the application of development management standards with the consideration of performance-based criteria appropriate to general location, which will provide high-quality design outcomes, where appropriate. This more dynamic performance-based approach, applicable to town centre, infill and brownfield

10. Page 90

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    Chapter 4 Housing Strategy 88 | P a g e Housing Development Policy Objectives locations, will facilitate flexible design solutions in instances where a proposal fulfils specific planning requirements. HPO 20 Opportunity sites identified in the County Development Plan shall be subject to a master plan for each site. A mix of type and design of dwelling is encouraged to allow for a transition between age groups such as additional single storey dwellings. Consultation should be held prior to the submission of any such application to ensure connectivity and accessibility has been a priority for the wider community. HPO 21 The Council will facilitate the acquisition of lands by Compulsory Purchase Order to secure such lands for housing provision. REG 1 Maintain the Laois Register of Vacant Sites, entering or deleting Sites from the Register in accordance with the Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015 and related Departmental Guidance. REG 2 Identify additional Regeneration Area(s) and/or make determinations that a need for housing exists in additional Laois Towns during the Plan period as appropriate. REG 3 Use the Derelict Site legislation to identify and address issues of dereliction within the towns and villages of the County. Development Management Standard for Residential Development DM HS 1 RESIDENTIAL HOUSING DEVELOPMENT Applications for residential development will be assessed against the design criteria set out in Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2024) and any subsequent amendments. The Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DTTS and DECLG, 2013) provides guidance in relation to the design of urban roads and streets, encouraging an integrated design approach that views the street as a multi-functional space and focuses on the needs of all road users. DM HS 2 RESIDENTIAL APARTMENT DEVELOPMENT Applications for apartments will be assessed against the design criteria and Special Planning Policy Requirements set out in the Urban Development and Building Heights Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ (2018) and the Planning Design Standards for Apartments (Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2025). The Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DTTS and DECLG, 2019) provides guidance in relation to the design of urban roads and streets, encouraging an integrated design approach that views the street as a multi-functional space and focuses on the needs of all road users. DM HS 3 DENSITY OF RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT The number of dwellings to be provided on a site should be determined with reference to the document Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2024) and any subsequent

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