Development plan · Leitrim County Council
Leitrim County Development Plan 2023–2029
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards.
Leitrim County Council · 2023–2029 · 398 pages
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- 10.6.5 Forestry Policy Framework Leitrim County Council supports a transition away from the current monoculture coniferous forestry model dependent on clear felling to one that is consistent with climate change, biodiversity, enhances community life and supports the local economy. The Plan aims to support the sustainable growth of forestry as an economic activity and acknowledges its potential role as a climate mitigation measure whilst affording maximum protection to the rural environment, residential amenity and to the receiving landscape. The Plan will seek to maximise the employment creation potential of timber grown locally and also recognise the importance of the forestry value chain to our local economy. The development of woodchip production from thinnings, for alternative energy provision, will be encouraged as an on-farm scale activity. The Council also recognises that forests and woodlands can have a significant recreational and amenity value in the local community such as Coillte’s Glenfarne Demesne and Derrycarne forests. While walking is the most popular activity, forest recreation embraces other specialised activities including orienteering, mountain biking, horse riding and fishing. The Council are keen to further exploit opportunities in this area. In line with Forest Service Guidelines, the Council will support the development of roads, tracks, and purpose built trail and cycle tracks in selected locations. The Council will also support and encourage the carbon neutral harvesting of forestry. Equally, the protection of rural communities is also an integral part of the policy framework of this Plan including the protection of agriculture and of farming practices and livelihoods. The introduction of forestry into an area can have potentially negative impacts on visual, social and environmental grounds and thus must be appropriate in terms of their scale and location. This Plan cannot seek to remove a statutory entitlement, i.e. exempted development status of afforestation as it is beyond the ability of a development plan to do so. The Plan can however provide the evidential basis for the Planning Authority to contribute to the forest consent process of the Forest Service through comment on forest consent applications that are referred by the Forest Service to the Council for comment and also give a commitment that the Local Authority intends to take a more proactive role over the life of the Plan where a proposed forestry plantation is at variance with the policy framework contained therein. Landscape capacity to accommodate further commercial plantations is a key consideration for Leitrim County Council in deciding whether or where forestry expansion occurs. The Council generally favours deciduous over coniferous planting on the basis that native species of deciduous trees sit more comfortably in the Co. Leitrim landscape and also have more benefits for biodiversity. The Local Authority position will be informed by the recommendations contained in the Landscape Capacity Study for Commercial Forestry, or as updated during the life of this Development Plan, in our responses to all applications for Tree Planting and Tree Felling referred to the Local Authority by the Forest Service. Responses from Leitrim County Council on Applications Submitted to the Forest Service for Tree Planting Applications The responses to consent applications to the Forest Service for Tree Planting by the Local Authority will be qualified on the basis of such commercial plantations comprising primarily of coniferous plantations, although it should not be assumed that no such concerns would arise for an exclusive broadleaf plantation. In the Landscape Character Types which have been determined as having a very high or high sensitivity to further commercial forestry plantations and no capacity or very limited capacity for further plantations, the Local Authority will object to all further Tree Planting applications on the basis of potential adverse and cumulative impacts to the sensitive receiving landscape. In the Landscape Character Types which have been determined as having a ‘high’ or ‘medium to high’ sensitivity to further commercial forestry plantations and very limited or limited capacity for further plantations, the Local Authority will object to such applications where the siting of such plantations is recommended for exclusion in the Landscape Capacity Study for Commercial Forestry on the basis of the determinantal impact to the sensitive receiving landscape. For the remaining Landscape Character Types which have been determined as having a medium to low sensitivity to further commercial forestry plantations and capacity for further plantations, the Local Authority will object only to those limited areas therein where the siting of such plantations is recommended for avoidance in the Landscape Capacity Study for Commercial Forestry. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 251 10 Rural Development
- In all instances, regard will be given to the siting and design guidance for each Landscape Character Type which have been determined as having some level of capacity for further commercial plantations. Furthermore, any proposed commercial forestry plantation must not have a detrimental impact on a designated Protected View or Prospect identified in this Plan. Afforestation should be avoided on lands containing deep peat soils and where the land slope is steep, especially where the latter slopes towards a water body. Moreover, the Local Authority discourages and is opposed to the planting and replanting of commercial forestry on peat lands. Policy AGR POL 4 seeks to identify and protect from inappropriate forms of development areas of High Nature Value agricultural land in the county to include consideration of future climate scenarios and water quality and availability for agricultural purposes. The impact of forestry plantations on such identified areas of High Nature Value farmlands needs to be carefully considered. The Council will also give consideration to the designation of North Leitrim, Sliabh an Iarainn and its hinterland as a Landscape Conservation Area in conjunction with TOUR OBJ 3 which seeks to investigate the feasibility and potential of this area as a National Park/Recreational Area designation. The designation of this area as a Landscape Conservation Area may allow for exempted development to be brought under the control of the Local Authority subject to the prescription of the Minister of such development. POLICIES FOR POL 1 To seek the sustainable development of the forestry sector in Co. Leitrim in a manner which maximises its contribution to, and does not detract from, the economic and social wellbeing of the county and which is compatible with the protection of the environment including the avoidance of likely significant effects on European Sites (SACs and SPAs) and other designated and non-designated habitats and sensitive landscapes. FOR POL 2 To encourage sustainable forestry development, which is established, managed and harvested in accordance with national and European law and standards set by the Forest Service and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and in particular by the ‘Environmental Requirements for Afforestation, Felling and Reforestation Standards’. FOR POL 3 To have regard to the recommendations contained in the Landscape Capacity Study for Commercial Forestry or as updated during the life of this Development Plan which forms Appendix VI to this Plan in informing the responses submitted by the Local Authority to all relevant applications for Tree Planting and Tree Felling licenses to the Forest Service or subsequent appeals to the Forestry Appeals Committee. This will be line with the content of Section 10.6.5. FOR POL 4 To encourage the provision of public access in conjunction with relevant stakeholders to new and existing forests through walking and bridle paths, recreational areas and other similar facilities. FOR POL 5 To actively participate in the consenting process by the Forest Service on applications seeking to plant additional land for afforestation or tree felling which mandates replanting in landscapes sensitive to commercial plantations or other environmental grounds to ensure that the policies and objectives contained in this Plan are secured. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I252 10 Rural Development
- OBJECTIVES FOR OBJ 1 To work in conjunction with the relevant key stakeholders to develop and expand suitable industries dependent on the considerable timber resource of the county such as fuel-wood production, sawmills and stake producing facilities. FOR OBJ 2 To co-operate with the Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to encourage and promote the preparation and implementation of an Indicative Forest Strategy for the county consistent with the policy framework of this Plan. FOR OBJ 3 To give consideration to the designation of North Leitrim, Sliabh an Iarainn and its hinterland as a Landscape Conservation Area in conjunction with TOUR OBJ 3 which seeks to investigate the feasibility and potential of this area as a National Park/Recreational Area designation. FOR OBJ 4 To actively participate in any Regional Fora established by the North West Regional Assembly to ensure sustainable land management of the forested area of the region. FOR OBJ 5 To actively make representations to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in the review of the Irish Forestry regime and the any subsequent development of a new national Forestry Strategy. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 253 10 Rural Development
- 10.6.6 Trees and Hedgerows Trees, woodlands and hedgerows are an important natural and landscape asset within the county and provide a biodiversity function in the provision of food, habitat and shelter in exposed areas, and also act as pollution filters and carbon sinks. Trees are valuable natural resources that improve the quality of life in our communities and make our neighbourhoods greener and more livable, while providing many other social and ecological benefits. With an increasing need for greener and more sustainable urban communities, there is also a growing awareness of the value of trees in settlements. There are only 2 no. Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) adopted in the county. The Council will consult with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine advisors regarding its recommendations on Tree Felling Licence applications. Ash Dieback disease is caused by the Chalara fraxinea fungus. The disease causes leaf loss and crown dieback in affected trees, and it can lead to tree death. The disease was first identified in Ireland in a plantation in Co. Leitrim in Autumn 2012 on plants imported from continental Europe. The disease is now prevalent throughout most of the island of Ireland and is likely to cause the death of the majority of the ash trees over the next two decades. The decline poses a risk to landowners and others for both public safety and deterioration of woodland cover and the ecological, social and economic benefits these woodlands provide. Leitrim County Council supports the measures underway by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Teagasc and Council for Forest Research and Development in the development of an ash breeding programme identifying and planting species of ash that are tolerant to the disease. Hedgerows are a characteristic feature of the rural landscape and provide an important habitat for many species and act as a wildlife corridor for small mammals, birds and bat species. The removal of existing roadside boundaries, except to the extent that this is needed for a new entrance and traffic safety purposes, shall be resisted where at all possible. Where disruption is unavoidable the replacement with ‘like for like’ boundary hedges and trees will be required. Elaborate walls and gates in rural areas will be discouraged. The Council encourages the augmentation of existing hedgerows and stands of trees and the planting of new trees and hedgerows, using native broad leaf species, where possible of local provenance, at the boundaries of new housing developments and around new housing, to create shelter and help absorb/assimilate the new development into the receiving landscape. POLICIES TREE POL 1 To require the submission of landscape plans, where appropriate, to accompany planning applications for rural development proposals prepared by competent professionals and to promote the use of native trees for boundary treatment and shelter belts. TREE POL 2 To retain and protect significant stands / lengths of existing trees/hedgerows/woodlands, and seek increased planting of native trees, where appropriate, in new developments. TREE POL 3 To protect and preserve existing hedgerows in new developments and where their removal is necessary to seek their replacement with new hedgerows of native species and of native provenance indigenous to the area. OBJECTIVES TREE OBJ 1 To consider the use of Tree Preservation Orders for the preservation of any tree, trees or group of trees or woodland of special amenity or environmental value. TREE OBJ 2 To support the measures being undertaken by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Teagasc, Council for Forest Research and Development (COFORD) dealing with the effects of Ash Dieback disease and in the development of an ash breeding programme identifying and planting species of ash that are tolerant to disease. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I254 10 Rural Development
- 10.7 Extractive Industry and Building Materials Production The county contains a variety of raw materials critical to the construction industry in the form of sand, gravel and stone reserves. The potential of these resources to underpin construction output and provide employment and economic growth in the local and regional economy is recognised as is the need to exploit such resources in an environmentally sound and sustainable manner. The Council recognises that the aggregates (stone, sand and gravel) and concrete products industry contribute to significantly to the economic development of the county. The Council accepts the need for extractive industries in terms of the supply of aggregate materials, essential building materials for future development by the construction sector, delivering transport infrastructure projects, and for the export market. By their nature, aggregates can only be worked where they occur. The cost of haulage affects economic competitiveness in this sector. It is equally accepted that extractive industries by their nature can give rise to detrimental environmental and residential amenity effects including traffic generation, vibration, dust, noise, water pollution, visual intrusion and loss of ground water supplies. The impact on the road network of the county can be significant. There is therefore an acknowledgment of the importance of these industries to the economic growth strategy of this Plan but equally an acknowledgement for the potential for conflict in the operation of these industries with wider environmental issues. As a result, such proposed developments and intensifications of existing developments requires careful consideration. The Council recognises therefore that the aggregates and concrete products industries have a particularly sensitive role in relation to the environment and as such any development of aggregate extraction, processing, delivery and associated concrete production must be carried out in a manner which minimises adverse effects on the environment and the local community. Applications for planning permission will require to demonstrate their commitment to good environmental management through the implementation of a recognised environmental code of practice. Transportation of extracted material from the source must be carried out without causing nuisance to other road users. Developers must ensure that on completion of operations that the site of the former quarry is left in a satisfactory state and be of beneficial use. In the assessment of planning applications relating to the extractive industry, including related buildings and restoration/rehabilitation of existing quarries, the Council will have regard to the policies/objectives for the specific landscape character of the area. (Appendix VII Landscape Character Assessment refers.) The wide distribution of resources is recognised and known deposits and sites were mapped by The Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) in 2004 and updated in 2014. The GSI Aggregate Potential Mapping illustrates potential crushed rock and sand and gravel deposits and assesses the interactions between the development of these resources and certain land uses such as bore holes and events such as landslides. Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Quarries and Ancillary Activities were published by the former Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DoEHLG) in 2004. The Council has undertaken an examination of quarries within its administrative area in accordance with section 261A of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended to determine whether development was carried out which would have required Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or Appropriate Assessment (AA) having regard to the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive and the Habitats Directive. 13 no. quarries sought registration under the Section 261 Registration of Quarries process in Co. Leitrim. At present, there are 7 no. quarries active in Co. Leitrim, all of which were registered and 3 no. of which are operating with the benefit of planning permission whilst also having additional conditions imposed as part of the Section 261 registration process. The remaining 4 no. active quarries were operational pre October 1st 1964 and did not require planning permission but are subject to operating conditions that were imposed as part of the Section 261 registration process. 5 no. quarries were declared as having been abandoned. The subsequent Section 261A Review of Quarries required 4 no. of the registered active quarries to obtain Substitute Consent. 3 no. of these subsequently obtained Substitute Consent and 1 no. choose to cease operations due to being worked out. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 255 10 Rural Development
- POLICIES AGG RES POL 1 To facilitate adequate supplies of aggregate resources to meet the future growth needs of the county and the wider region while addressing key environmental, traffic and social impacts and details of rehabilitation. AGG RES POL 2 To facilitate the further development of the extractive industry by permitting the continuation and extension of existing quarries and the development of new quarries, where such development does not adversely impact on human health, the receiving environment including the visual quality of the landscape, existing infrastructure, adjoining land uses and the amenity value of neighbouring lands and of adjoining residential development. AGG RES POL 3 To facilitate the exploitation of the county’s natural resources and to exercise appropriate control over the types of development, including rural housing, taking place in areas containing proven deposits, whilst also ensuring that such developments are carried out in a manner which would not unduly impinge on the visual amenity or environmental quality in the area. AGG RES POL 4 To ensure that projects associated with the extractive industry carry out screening for Appropriate Assessment in accordance with Article 6(3) of the E.U. Habitats Directive and comply with all relevant environmental legislation as required. AGG RES POL 5 To ensure that the extractive industry and associated development minimises adverse impacts on the road network in the area and that the full cost of road improvements, including during operations and at time of closure, which are necessary to facilitate those industries are borne by the industry itself. AGG RES POL 6 To ensure that all existing workings are rehabilitated to suitable land uses and that all future extraction activities allow for the rehabilitation of pits and proper land use management. The biodiversity value of the site should be considered in the first instance when preparing restoration plans. Where land filling is proposed, inert material is the preferred method. Each planning application shall be considered on a case by case basis and where relevant will be dealt with under the relevant Regional Waste Management Plan. AGG RES POL 7 To ensure that development for aggregates/mineral extraction, processing and associated processes does not significantly impact in the following areas: a) Special Areas of Conservation and/or Special Protection Area b) Natural Heritage Areas and Proposed Natural Heritage Areas c) other areas of importance for the conservation of flora and fauna d) areas of significant archaeological potential e) in the vicinity of a recorded National Monument f) sensitive landscapes g) County Geological Sites and/or sites of geological importance. AGG RES POL 8 To ensure that the extraction of minerals and aggregates protects to the maximum practicable extent the visual quality of the receiving landscape and do not adversely affect the environment or adjoining existing land uses. AGG RES POL 9 The use of the following chemicals as a processing agent shall not be permitted as part of any proposed processing operation located above or adjacent to surface or ground waters, or which could potentially impact such waters regardless of their location - mercury, cyanide or cyanide compounds, breakdown products of cyanide, or sulfuric acid. These present an unreasonable risk of environmental harm due to the toxicity of such chemicals and their demonstrated potential to cause damage to the environment. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I256 10 Rural Development
- 10.7.1 Unconventional Gas Exploration and Extraction The then County Development Plan 2015-2021 was prepared and adopted at a time when proposals for unconventional oil/gas exploration and extraction projects/operations within Co. Leitrim and its surrounds were under consideration. It was a strategic goal of the then County Development Plan to adopt the ‘precautionary principle’ in respect of development where significant environmental implications are involved. Further to this, the Council wished to safeguard and nurture the unspoilt/green image and reputation of Co. Leitrim and the health of its present and future communities, centred on the rural characteristics of the county, agricultural activity, the landscape and its environmentally sensitive lands and water bodies – both surface and groundwater. A policy framework was developed around these principles which prohib ited the development of unconventional oil/gas exploration and extraction projects/operations within Co. Leitrim. Since the existing Development Plan was adopted and came into effect in early 2015, the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development (Prohibition of Onshore Hydraulic Fracturing) Act, 2017 (Number 15 of 2017) was enacted. This Act prohibits the exploration for and extraction of onshore petroleum by means of hydraulic fracturing. The Act was commenced on its date of enactment (6th July 2017). It is no longer considered necessary to include a policy framework within this Plan dealing with proposals for unconventional oil/gas exploration and extraction projects/operations within Co. Leitrim when such proposals cannot be approved within the regulatory system now in place in Ireland which policy this Council fully supports. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 257 10 Rural Development
- 258 LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 10 Rural Development
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- 11.1 Introduction The unique and diverse built, natural and cultural heritage of the county is key to Leitrim’s identity and sense of place. Heritage is a key component of quality of life in our towns, villages and rural communities. Our unique heritage is also an intrinsic part of the character and attractiveness of the county and is a catalyst in attracting tourism and investment. Landscapes, drumlins, rivers, woodlands, hedgerows, geology, plants and animals are all part of our natural heritage. Archaeological sites and many other buildings and structures such as houses, shops, churches, bridges and mills are features of our built heritage. Within this great variety of building types and uses are structures of significance and distinctive character that are deemed worthy of protection. Our cultural heritage includes aspects of heritage such as traditions, practices, knowledge and skills, which are an expression of our distinctive culture. The Council, in its capacity as Planning Authority and through the mechanism of the Development Plan, is one of the key agencies responsible for the protection of the natural and built environment. At a time of rapid social, economic and cultural change, the management of changing land uses is critically important. The Council recognises that attempting to simply resist change is futile. It aims to manage that change with the following strategic goal in mind: “To seek the protection and sustainable management of Leitrim’s heritage for the benefit and enjoyment of current and future generations; to encourage the collection of knowledge to inform its protection; and to promote access to, awareness of and enjoyment of heritage”. The protection and enhancement of our heritage is vital to the health, well-being and quality of life of our communities. Co. Leitrim’s heritage also plays a key role in planning for climate change in the county. It will be affected by changes in climate, and it also has the capacity to be part of our climate adaptation and resilience strategies. The National Heritage Plan - Heritage Ireland 2030 and the National Biodiversity Action Plan recognise the key role that Local Authorities, and locally-led action, plays in heritage awareness and management. A key element of both plans is an enhanced role for Local Authorities in heritage management, to be given effect through the preparation and implementation of County Heritage Plans and Biodiversity Action Plans. The Co. Leitrim Heritage Plan 2020-2025 and Co. Leitrim Biodiversity Action Plan (when completed) are both incorporated into this Plan Under this remit, the Council will support the implementation of the National Heritage Plan and the National Biodiversity Action Plan 2017-2021 (and subsequent plans). It will seek the protection and sustainable management of the heritage of Co. Leitrim for the benefit of current and future generations. Through its policies and actions, the Council will promote increased awareness of the heritage of the county. 260 LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I
Source Leitrim County Council: Leitrim County Development Plan 2023–2029 (2023–2029) · 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.