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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- 11.8 Wetlands Co. Leitrim contains a wide range of wetlands which provide a habitat for a range of species of national and international importance. These wetlands include water courses, water bodies, marshes, fens, reed beds, raised bogs, blanket bogs, cutover bogs, heath and wet woodlands. Wetlands tend to have high biodiversity value for a broad range of flora and fauna, protect water quality and reduce flood risk. Wetlands are important assets that deliver a range of economic benefits for water supplies, fisheries, the maintenance of water tables, pollution control, timber and agricultural production, carbon sequestration, and a recreation and tourism asset. The ecological importance of wetland habitats has been recognised by the European Union, with several wetland types listed under Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive (CEC, 1992). These wetland habitats include “priority” habitats, such as lagoons, turloughs, active raised bogs and calcareous fens. Increased drainage or flooding can cause significant change in habitat value and species diversity. The Water Framework Directive and Ramsar Convention provide for the protection and wise use of wetlands. The Council will work to manage, enhance and protect wetlands throughout the lifetime of this Plan through specific policy objectives. Leitrim County Council has undertaken surveying and mapping of wetland habitats in the county and will continue to survey and monitor wetland habitats to improve wildlife knowledge and conservation of biodiversity. POLICIES WET POL 1 To have regard to the Co. Leitrim Wetlands Survey 2019 and subsequent wetland surveys that may be published during the lifetime of this Plan in assessing individual development management proposals. This will include the protection of surveyed wetland sites that have been rated as A (International), B (National) and C+ (County) importance. WET POL 2 To implement the relevant parts of the Planning and Development (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2011 and the European Communities (Amendment to Planning and Development) Regulations 2011 which require planning permission has to be applied for where the area impacted by works relating to the drainage or reclamation of a wetland exceeds 0.1 hectares or where such works may have a significant effect on the environment. Such planning applications may also require the undertaking of an Appropriate Assessment where considered necessary. WET POL 3 To ensure that all proposed land zonings take cognisance of appropriate riparian setback distances that support the attainment of high ecological status for water bodies, the conservation of biodiversity and good ecosystem health, and buffer zones from flood plains. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 271 11 Heritage & Biodiversity
- 11.9 Peatlands The Council is aware of the importance of several peatlands in the county and recognise that they are an irreplaceable resource that act as a carbon sink, play an important role in water regulation and are of significant ecological value. Peatlands are protected under the EU Habitats Directive and 9 bogs have been designated as Natural Heritage Areas in the county (Listed in Table 11.3). The National Peatlands Strategy, published in 2016, contains a comprehensive list of actions, necessary to ensure that Ireland’s peatlands are preserved, nurtured and become living assets within the communities that live beside them. The National Raised Bog Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) Management Plan 2017-2022 has been developed taking account of the various viewpoints and offers a way forward by outlining how a representative network of raised bogs will be conserved, restored and managed. The Council recognises the importance of peatlands as a major natural, archaeological and non-renewable resource in addition to recognising the important historical traditions and peat management skills associated with cutting turf for domestic use. In their natural state, peatlands act as long-term sinks for atmospheric carbon dioxide. Peatlands are the most important long-term carbon store in the terrestrial biosphere. They sequester and store atmospheric carbon for thousands of years. Given the extent of intact and relatively intact bogs in Co. Leitrim, considerable potential exists to use this valuable resource to mitigate against the impacts of climate change. Leitrim County Council will work in conjunction with interested parties including landowners, the National Parks & Wildlife Service, the Irish Peatland Conservation Council, The Irish Wildlife Trust and BirdWatch Ireland, in the management of these ecologically important sites. POLICIES PEAT POL 1 To conserve peatlands and protect peatland landscapes within the county. PEAT POL 2 To seek hydrological reports for significant developments within and close to peatlands, to assess potential impacts on the integrity of the peatland ecosystems. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I272 11 Heritage & Biodiversity
- 11.10 Trees, Woodlands & Hedgerows Trees, woodlands and hedgerows make a significant contribution to the county, in terms of their positive impact on the landscape, their visual attractiveness and in terms of their biodiversity value as wildlife habitats. They are a vital part of a network of habitats, ecological ‘corridors’ and ‘stepping stones’ essential for wildlife to flourish and move between and within habitats. They also have a vital role to play in climate adaptation. They filter out noise, dust and pollutants and help minimise flooding by retaining moisture. The Council considers the wooded nature of much of the county to be one of its most attractive features and is anxious to protect existing mature deciduous trees and woodlands that contribute to the high visual amenity of the county. The Council will consider the preparation of further Tree Preservation Orders for individual trees/groups of trees and woodlands as and when necessary. The Council also recognises the recreational potential of woodlands in the county. The Council will landscape new roadworks, housing schemes and other works for which the Council is directly responsible with deciduous trees and other native species, of local provenance where possible. Other agencies and private-sector developers will be encouraged to do likewise. New development will be required to integrate existing mature trees of amenity value into the new schemes, where this is appropriate and practical in the opinion of the Planning Authority. Hedgerows constitute an important natural and historic resource given both their role as wildlife corridors between habitats, their value in terms of visual amenity and their historic significance as townland and field boundaries. The Council will seek to ensure that hedgerows and verges are maintained and trimmed in the interests of ensuring road safety. The Council will avoid the cutting of hedgerows during the bird nesting season, as defined in the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000, from March 1 to August 31. The Council will also seek to enhance the county hedgerows by increasing coverage using locally native species, taking opportunities provided by the consideration of new development proposals. The Council will protect and preserve existing hedgerows where possible and seek their replacement with new hedgerows, consisting of appropriate native species, where their removal is necessary during roadworks or other works. The Council have, in association with the Heritage Council, previously carried out a Hedgerow Survey. The Council will be informed by the results of the survey in terms of their role in the protection and preservation of hedgerows. Table 11.5: Sample Native Wood Species found in Leitrim Hedgerows Latin Name Common Name Frequency of Occurrence Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn 99% Fraxinus excelsior Ash 68% Ilex aquifolium Holly 63% Prunus spinosa Blackthorn 61% Salix spp Willow 52% Ulex europaeus Gorse 22% Corylus avellana Hazel 17% Alnus Glutinosa Alder 15% Sorbus Aucuparia Rowan 13% Sambucus nigra Elder 8% Viburnum opulus Guelder Rose 8% Euonymus europaeus Spindle 5% Malus sylvestris Crab Apple 5% Ulmus spp Elm 3% Betula spp. Birch 3% Quercus spp Oak 1% Prunus Avium Wild Cherry 1% Source: Leitrim County Hedgerow Survey 2006 LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 273 11 Heritage & Biodiversity
- POLICIES TWH POL 1 To discourage the felling of healthy mature trees to facilitate development and to encourage the retention of healthy mature trees within developments to the maximum extent practicable. TWH POL 2 To require the planting of native broadleaved species, and species of local provenance, in new developments as appropriate. (See Table 11.5 in this regard). TWH POL 3 To support the Native Woodland and Neighbourwood schemes and other initiatives that aim to establish and enhance woodlands for recreational and wildlife benefits, in partnership with local communities. TWH POL 4 To protect and preserve existing hedgerows and minimise their removal. Where their removal is necessary, to seek their replacement with new hedgerow material native to the area (See Table 11.5 in this regard). TWH POL 5 To retain distinctive boundary treatment such as stone walls, when undertaking, authorising or approving development. Where the loss of the existing boundary is unavoidable as part of development, to ensure that the wall is re-built using local stone and local vernacular design. OBJECTIVE TWH OBJ 1 To use Tree Preservation Orders to protect important trees, groups of trees or woodlands, as appropriate which may be at risk or have an amenity, biodiversity or historic value during the lifetime of this Plan. 11.11 Pollinators One third of our bee species are threatened with extinction from Ireland. Habitat loss, loss of food sources, pests and disease, pesticide and climate change all contribute. In addition to their intrinsic value, they are vital to our agricultural and horticultural industries, contribute to our health and wellbeing, and also pollinate up to 78% of flowering plants. Leitrim County Council has adopted the All Ireland Pollinator Plan (www.pollinator.ie), a national framework which aims to make Ireland a place where pollinators thrive. The National Biodiversity Action Plan 2017-2021 supports the implementation of the All Ireland Pollinator Plan (NBAP Action 4.1.8). The Council will continue to support the implementation of the All Ireland Pollinator Plan and is committed to undertaking actions to support pollinators in the county. OBJECTIVE POLL OBJ 1 To manage and restore semi-natural habitats and their native plants on Council land in as far as is practicable and affordable. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I274 11 Heritage & Biodiversity
- 11.12 Invasive Species Invasive non-native plant and animal species (animals and plants that are introduced accidently or deliberately into a natural environment where they are not normally found) are a significant threat to biodiversity. They can negatively impact on native species, can transform habitats and threaten ecosystems causing serious problems to the environment, buildings and the economy. Irish legislation makes it an offence to plant, breed, disperse, allow dispersal or cause to grow a range of plant and animal species, or to import or transport these or vector material such as soil or spoil from which they can grow (Articles 49 and 50 of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011). The Council will seek to prevent the spread of invasive non-native species. POLICY IS POL 1 To require relevant development proposals to address the presence or absence of invasive alien species on proposed development sites and (if necessary) require applicants to prepare and submit an Invasive Species Management Plan where such a species exists to comply with the provisions of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011-2015 and the EU Regulation on Invasive Alien Species 1143/2014. 11.13 Landscape 11.13.1 Introduction Co. Leitrim has an exceptional landscape of unspoilt natural beauty which must be protected for the enjoyment of the people who live here, tourists who visit and for future generations. Landscape contributes to overall wellbeing and a greener, healthier lifestyle. The protection of landscape is recognised as a priority at European, national, regional and local level. 11.13.2 Policy Context The Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, requires that Planning Authorities, make provision in their Development Plans for the protection of landscape character including the preservation of views and prospects and the amenities of places and features of natural beauty and interest. 11.13.3 The European Landscape Convention and National Landscape Strategy The European Landscape Convention (ELC) is dedicated to the protection, management and planning of all landscapes in Europe. The ELC encourages member states to introduce a national landscape policy that is not restricted to the protection of exceptional landscapes but also takes everyday landscapes into consideration. The ELC defines landscape as ‘an area as perceived by people whose character is the result of the action and interaction of natural and/or human factors’, and this definition has been incorporated into the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. The ELC requires landscape to be integrated into planning policies and promotes interaction between local and central authorities and trans-frontier co-operation to protect landscapes. The Convention recognises the cultural, environmental and economic value of landscape and how it contributes to our quality of life and sense of place. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 275 11 Heritage & Biodiversity
- 11.13.4 National Landscape Strategy (NLS) 2015-2025 The National Landscape Strategy (NLS) seeks to ensure compliance with the ELC above in Ireland. The objective is to provide a high-level policy framework to achieve balance between the protection, management and planning of the landscape by way of supporting actions. The strategy vision states ‘our landscape reflects and embodies our cultural values and our shared natural heritage and contributes to the well-being of our society, environment and economy. We have an obligation to ourselves and to future generations to promote its sustainable protection, management and planning’. The NLS recognises the importance of landscape protection and its interconnectivity with biodiversity and climate change. A core objective seeks to develop a national Landscape Character Assessment, to provide a framework for greater consistency in the approach to landscape classification and assessment to ensure the conservation of special landscape areas, which by their nature often extend across administrative boundaries. It sets out specific measures to integrate and embed landscape considerations in all sectors which influence the landscape and improve and enhance the quality of decision-making by those who have an impact on it. 11.13.5 National Planning Framework (NPF) – Project Ireland 2040 The NPF acknowledges the value of landscape which offers a wealth of natural and cultural assets supporting our quality of life and our visitor economy. It aims to facilitate landscape protection, management and change through the preparation of a National Landscape Character Map and development of guidance on local landscape character assessments, to ensure a consistent approach to landscape character assessment, particularly across planning and administrative boundaries. The NPF also seeks to protect and promote the sense of place and culture and the quality, character and distinctiveness of the Irish rural landscape that make Ireland’s rural areas authentic and attractive as places to live, work and visit. 11.13.6 Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020- 2032 (NWRA RSES) The RSES recognises the need to protect the regions unique sense of place, culture and the quality, character and distinctiveness of the landscape. The RSES seeks to protect, conserve and manage the landscape and its natural, built and cultural assets so that its potential is fully realised for the benefit of all. Specifically, it contains a policy objective to protect manage and conserve the quality, character and distinctiveness of the landscapes and seascapes. The Regional Assembly has committed to preparing a regional Landscape Character Assessment to promote improved landscape management and designation (RPO 5.2 refers). LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I276 11 Heritage & Biodiversity
- 11.14 Landscape Character Assessment Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) is a process which describes, maps and classifies landscapes. 33 An approach to Landscape Character Assessment, 2014 Natural England. Landscape character is defined as a distinct, recognisable and consistent pattern of elements in the landscape that makes one landscape different from another, rather than better or worse. It is the process of identifying and describing variation in the character of the landscape. Defining landscape character enables an understanding to be formed of the inherent value and importance of individual elements and the processes that may alter landscape character. The cultural and ecological aspects of the landscape cannot be subtracted from its physical and visual characteristics so all of these elements are considered. To inform the preparation of this Plan, Leitrim County Council commissioned RPS Group to undertake a review of the Landscape Character Assessment of Co. Leitrim, published in 2002. The purpose of the review was to ground truth and verify the original study undertaken, documenting any changes and including these changes in an updated Landscape Character Assessment for Co. Leitrim. The new Landscape Character Assessment forms Appendix VII of the Plan. It provides guidance for a detailed understanding of the landscapes of our county. The assessment classifies 17 different Landscape Character Types across the county and defines 14 distinct Landscape Character Areas. The new LCA assessment will be used as a tool to guide development to be sympathetic to local variations in landscape character and to inform land management activity so as to conserve and enhance landscape character. The new LCA creates a baseline to inform decision making by the Local Authority. 11.14.1 Landscape Character Types Landscape Character Types (LCTs) are as “distinct types of landscape that are relatively homogeneous in character. They are generic in nature in that they may occur in different areas in different parts of the country, but wherever they occur they share broadly similar combinations of geology, topography, drainage patterns, vegetation, historical land use, and settlement pattern”33 The LCTs identified in the LCA review broadly align with those published in the 2002 report although some differences are noted as a result of the review as follows: ● The new assessment identifies LCT 8 ‘Valley Farmland’ located within the glens or U-shaped valleys in the northern half of the county and LCT 9 ‘Drumlin Farmland’ covering a large area in the southern part of the county. These two LCTs replace the ‘Drumlin Farmland’ identified in the 2002 report which covered both LCT 8 ‘Valley Farmland’ and LCT 9 ‘Drumlin Farmland’. This change recognises that the drumlin farmland in the 2002 report is in fact comprised of two LCTs, namely that contained within the glens and that comprised of lowland drumlin areas. ● The new assessment identifies LCT 1 ‘Coastal Plain’ as a distinct landscape character type associated with the coast. This differs from the 2002 report which identifies coastal fringe farmland along the coast and associated with Lough Melvin. 277LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 11 Heritage & Biodiversity
- ● The new assessment identifies LCT 2 ‘Coastal Drumlin Farmland’. This replaces the ‘Coastal Lowlands’ LCT in the 2002 report in recognition of the drumlin topography present in this landscape. ● The new assessment identifies LCT 3 ‘Wooded Lakeside Farmland’ as a distinct landscape character type associated with the wooded landscape around Lough Melvin. This, along with the landscape at the coastline was previously identified as ‘Coastal Fringe Farmland’ in the 2002 report. ● The new assessment identifies LCT 14 ‘Drumlin Farmland with Peat Bogs’ in the southern part of the county instead of the ‘Eskers and Raised Peat Bogs’ LCT identified in the 2002 report. This change recognises the drumlin topography present in this landscape. ● A written description is provided for ‘The Major Loughs LCT’, identified in the 2002 report but on the mapped landscape character types figure and not in the written text. The order in which the LCTs are presented in both mapped and written outputs is changed from the 2002 report reflecting the changes to the landscape character types overall as outlined. The identified Landscape Character Types in Co. Leitrim are as follows: 4 Coastal Plain 5 Coastal Drumlin Farmland 6 Wooded Lakeside Farmland 7 Cliffed Uplands and Landslips 8 Moorland Plateau 9 Moorland Hills 10 Upland Farmland and Foothills 11 Valley Farmland 12 Drumlin Farmland 13 Major Loughs 14 Drumlin Loughs and Stream Margins 15 River Floodplain 16 Low Limestone Outcrops 17 Drumlin Farmland with Peat Bogs 18 Undulating Hill Farmland 19 Steep Mountain Peaks 20 Tabular Hills The 17 no. Landscape Character Types are illustrated in Figure 11.1 overleaf and in greater detail in Map No. 8 of Volume III (Book of Maps). LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I278 11 Heritage & Biodiversity
- 11.14.2 Landscape Character Areas Co. Leitrim is subdivided into 14 no. Landscape Character Areas as illustrated in Figure 11.2 and in greater detail in Map No. 9 of Volume III (Book of Maps). For each of the Landscape Character Areas, a summary description and key characteristics are outlined together with a map of the area. Further detail is presented regarding valued landscape attributes, current landscape designations, landscape condition and forces for change. Recommendations for landscape conservation are then presented for each Landscape Character Area. These recommendations relate to the safeguarding of the valued and sensitive attributes identified in each area along with a range of measures to be considered regarding land-based activities and to manage future change. Figure 11.1: Landscape Character Types 'DWD6RXUFHV/HLWULP&RXQW\&RXQFLO /DQGVFDSH&KDUDFWHU7\SHV &RDVWDO3ODLQ &RDVWDO'UXPOLQ)DUPODQG :RRGHG/DNHVLGH)DUPODQG &OLIIHG8SODQGVDQG/DQGVOLSV 0RRUODQG3ODWHDX 0RRUODQG+LOOV 8SODQG)DUPODQGDQG)RRWKLOOV 9DOOH\)DUPODQG 'UXPOLQ)DUPODQG 0DMRU/RXJKV 'UXPOLQ/RXJKVDQG6WUHDP0DUJLQV 5LYHU)ORRGSODLQ /RZ/LPHVWRQH2XWFURSV 'UXPOLQ)DUPODQGZLWK3HDW%RJV 8QGXODWLQJ+LOO)DUPODQG 6WHHS0RXQWDLQ3HDNV 7DEXODU+LOOV LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 279 11 Heritage & Biodiversity
- Figure 11.2: Landscape Character Areas 'DWD6RXUFHV/HLWULP&RXQW\&RXQFLO /DQGVFDSH&KDUDFWHU$UHDV 7XOODJKDQ&RDVW /RXJK0HOYLQ/RZODQGV /RXJK0DFQHDQ8SSHU $UURRDQG0RXQWDLQ2XWOLHUV 7LHYHEDXQ8SODQGV 7KH'RRQVDQG&URFNDXQV %HQER 7KH%ROH\EUDFN8SODQGV 7KH1RUWKHUQ*OHQVDQG&HQWUDO/RZODQGV 6OLHYH$QLHULQ &RUU\0RXQWDLQ %DOOLQDPRUH/RXJKODQGV 6RXWK/HLWULP'UXPOLQVDQG6KDQQRQ%DVLQ &RUULJD8SODQGV LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I280 11 Heritage & Biodiversity
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.