Development plan · Limerick City and County Council
Limerick Development Plan 2022–2028 (as varied)
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards.
Limerick City and County Council · 2022–2028 · 414 pages
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- Chapter 4: Housing109 •• The need to ensure that housing is available for persons who have different levels of income; •• The need to ensure that a mixture of house types and sizes is developed to reasonably match the requirements of the different categories of households, as may be determined by the Planning Authority and including the special requirements of older people and persons with disabilities; •• The need to counteract undue segregation in housing between persons of different social backgrounds; •• The provision of good housing mix in all developments will be encouraged to ensure that residents have access to a range of house types and tenures. The Housing Strategy and the HNDA process compliments the Core Strategy in providing the quantitative evidence base to articulate the medium to long-term housing and spatial development strategy for the functional area of the Local Authority. In so doing, it demonstrates that the Plan and its objectives are consistent with national and regional development objectives. 4.2.2 National Policy Housing for All: A New Housing Plan for Ireland was published in 2021, it represents the Government’s housing plan to 2030, replacing Rebuilding Ireland. It reiterates the national target of building an average of 33,000 new homes every year from 2021 to 2030, including approximately 10,000 social homes and 6,000 affordable homes for purchase or rent. It provides a comprehensive strategy and an action plan across all tenures and elements of the Irish Housing system, guided by four main pathways to improving the housing system: •• Supporting home ownership and increasing affordability; •• Eradicating homelessness, increasing social housing delivery and supporting social inclusion; •• Increasing new housing supply; •• Addressing vacancies and efficient use of existing stock. Local Authorities will play a key role (in partnership with Approved Housing Bodies) in delivering new social and affordable homes under Housing for All. Each Local Authority were tasked with producing a Housing Delivery Action Plan by December 2021, to translate national targets into clear local targets and actions, underpinned by an evidence–based assessment of local housing need. Limerick City and County Council has published a Housing Delivery Action Plan. The strategy also supports the role of the Land Development Agency (LDA) in delivering new social and affordable homes on major publicly – owned sites, with State land planned to be transferred to the LDA. In order to align with the provisions of the NPF and RSES, the Council will continue to utilise all policy options available to it, to ensure the optimum delivery of residential units over the duration of the Plan, from both the public and private sectors in the delivery of a mix of tenures. Policy HO P1 Implementation of the Housing Strategy, including the Housing Need Demands Assessment It is a policy of the Council to facilitate the implementation and delivery of the Housing Strategy and Housing Need Demand Assessment (HNDA) 2022 – 2028, to meet the increasing projected population, changing household size and housing needs, including social and affordable housing requirements of Limerick over the lifetime of the Plan.
- LIMERICK DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028110 4.2.3 Housing Mix To cater for the projected population growth and the establishment of sustainable residential communities, a mix of dwelling types and sizes will be required to meet the housing needs of all members of society. The HNDA, which informed the Housing Strategy, identifies the need for a mix of house types to reflect the diverse housing needs of the existing and future population. All new residential schemes shall be designed having regard to the National Disability Authority’s standards. The principles of universal design, adaptable housing designs and Lifetime Homes in new housing development will also be promoted. Objective HO O1 Social Inclusion It is an objective of the Council to ensure that new developments are socially inclusive and provide for a wide variety of housing types, sizes and tenure, in suitable locations, throughout Limerick, to cater for the demands established in the Housing Strategy and the Housing Need Demand Assessment. 4.2.4 Residential Density A key objective of the NPF and RSES is to increase the density of development in all built up areas, in order to achieve the indicated population targets in a compact and sustainable manner. Increased densities will facilitate optimising the use of serviced lands and maximising the viability of investment in social and physical infrastructure, in particular public transport. Integration of land use and transport planning is crucial to deliver the 10-minute city/town concept and this will be supported with higher densities at appropriate locations. Residential density requirements have been set out in Chapter 2: Core Strategy, in line with national planning policy and relevant guidelines. Objective HO O2 Density of Residential Developments It is an objective of the Council to: a) Promote, where appropriate, increased residential density in the exercise of its development management function and in accordance with Table 2.6 Density Assumptions per Settlement Hierarchy in Chapter 2: Core Strategy and the Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas Guidelines for Planning Authorities and the accompanying Urban Design Manual, DEHLG, May 2009. b) Encourage increased densities that contribute to the enhancement of a town or village by reinforcing street patterns or assisting in redevelopment of backlands and centrally located brownfield sites. 4.2.5 Protecting Existing Residential Amenity Residential amenity is influenced by a range of factors, such as private outdoor amenity space, privacy and natural light. The relationship of buildings to each other and their individual design can have a significant impact on these factors and on residents’ comfort. In older residential areas, infill development will be encouraged, while still protecting the existing residential amenity of these areas. Objective HO O3 Protection of Existing Residential Amenity It is an objective of the Council to ensure a balance between the protection of existing residential amenities, the established character of the area and the need to provide for sustainable new development.
- Chapter 4: Housing111 4.2.6 Re-use of Buildings The existing housing stock of Limerick provides a valuable resource in terms of meeting the needs of a growing population and its retention and management is of considerable importance. Retaining and adapting, including measures to promote downsizing as appropriate, and encouraging energy retrofitting of the existing housing stock, is important to stem population loss in these areas as this promotes and encourages additional dwelling units within existing communities, particularly those suited to the emerging demographics of an area. The Council is currently working on a programme for the retrofitting of social housing units across Limerick. In addition, the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications are in the process of developing a new Local Authority Energy Efficiency Retrofit Loan proposal for homeowners as supported in Objective HPO 21.8 of the Housing for All - A New Housing Plan for Ireland. The forthcoming initiative will enable Local Authorities to provide low cost retrofit loans to individual homeowners. Housing design that contributes to climate resilience and climate mitigation, including innovative low-carbon construction methods and reduction of embodied energy will be promoted. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage are currently working with the Heritage Council to unlock the potential in the country’s villages, towns and cities to utilise heritage building stock (pre-1940) to help tackle the housing crisis and to develop guidance in the reuse and/ or refurbishment of protected structures as residential accommodation. The Council will support forthcoming guidance in line with Part IV of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). Objective HO O4 Re-use of Existing Buildings It is an objective of the Council to encourage redevelopment and reuse, including energy retrofitting, of existing housing stock and conversion of other suitable buildings to sustainable housing accommodation. 4.2.7 Apartments Just under 10% of households in Limerick live in apartments, according to the 2016 Census which is lower than the national average (12%). Apartments are a key and growing part of the way in which we live in various parts of our country and particularly in our cities and towns. A move towards a much greater level of apartment living is essential in ensuring our major urban areas develop sustainably, rather than sprawling inexorably outwards. Objective HO O5 Apartments It is an objective of the Council to encourage an increase in the scale and extent of apartment development, particularly in proximity to core urban centres and other factors including existing public transport nodes, or locations where high frequency public transport can be provided, close to locations of employment and a range of urban amenities including parks/ waterfronts, shopping and other services.
- LIMERICK DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028112 4.2.8 Build-to-Rent Accommodation Build-to-Rent (BTR) describes the practice of delivering purpose-built residential rental accommodation and associated amenity space that is designed with the sole purpose of being used as long-term rental accommodation and professionally owned and managed. Specific Planning Policy Requirements (SPPR’s) for Build-To- Rent (SPPR 7 and 8) set out in the 2020 Sustainable Residential Design Standards for New Apartments details the specific criteria, which should be considered in the delivery of this type of accommodation. High quality design and amenity shall be ensured for future residents in terms of delivery of development of this nature. Build-To-Rent accommodation shall be considered in appropriate locations, close to amenities and high frequency public transport services. BTR will be considered as a key part of achieving an appropriate mix of housing, however, an overconcentration of such accommodation type shall not be permitted. Objective HO O6 Build–To-Rent Accommodation It is an objective of the Council to facilitate the provision of Build-to-Rent Accommodation* in suitable locations in Limerick, in accordance with the provisions of Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments (2020). * Subject to SPPR9 - Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments, 2020. 4.2.9 Shared Accommodation Co-Living The updated Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments issued in 2020, revised SPPR 9 stating that there shall be a presumption against granting planning permission for shared accommodation/co-living development, unless the proposed development is either: i) Required to meet specific demand identified by a Local Planning Authority further to a Housing Need and Demand Assessment (HNDA) process; or ii) On the date of publication of these updated Guidelines, a valid planning application has been lodged to a Planning Authority, appeal to An Bord Pleanála, or Strategic Housing Development (SHD) planning application to An Bord Pleanála, in which case the application or appeal may be determined on its merits. Objective HO O7 Shared Accommodation/Co-Living It is an objective of the Council to facilitate the provision of Shared Accommodation/Co-Living Accommodation subject to the requirements of (i) and (ii) above and in accordance with SPPR 9 of Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments (2020).
- Chapter 4: Housing113 4.2.10 Student Accommodation Students are an increasingly important part of the housing demand in Limerick, particularly in Limerick City, Suburbs and Annacotty. According to Census 2016, 11,703 residents of Limerick City reported their principle economic status as students (15.4% of all those aged 15 and over) as did 8,454 residents of Limerick County (5.4%), which includes some secondary-level students. The main third level institutions in Limerick include University of Limerick, Technological University of the Shannon and Mary Immaculate College, all of which are seeking to increase student numbers, within the lifetime of the Plan, which accordingly will result in increased demand for high quality student accommodation. Objective HO O8 Student Accommodation It is an objective of the Council to: a) Support the provision of high quality, professionally managed purposebuilt student accommodation either on campus, or in appropriate and accessible locations on public transport or cycle networks. All forms of student accommodation shall respect and protect the existing residential amenities of the area in which it is proposed. Student accommodation shall be of appropriate design, in accordance with the Department of Education and Science Guidelines on Residential Development for Third Level Students (1999), and (2005) and any subsequent updates. Applications for change of use from student housing to any other form of use shall be strongly resisted, without adequate demonstration that there is no longer a need for such use in the area and an over-provision of student housing exists. b) Ensure that all applications for new off campus purpose built student accommodation, the change of use to student accommodation in existing residential areas, or extensions to existing dwellings to facilitate student accommodation, must include details outlining the presence and distribution of any permanent residential occupiers; the extent of students renting in the private housing market; and the presence of any other housing catering primarily for students and short term lets in the area/estate. The application should address any potential impacts of the proposal on residential amenity and any permanent residents in the area. c) Require all applications for off-campus purpose-built student accommodation to be accompanied by a Student Management Plan outlining how the scheme will be professionally managed. The Plan shall demonstrate how the development will be managed so as to avoid potential negative impacts from occupants on surrounding properties and neighbourhoods and ensure the maintenance of safe, secure and clean environments for the community, occupants and nearby residents. d) Ensure permissions for student accommodation will be subject to a condition requiring planning permission for a change of use to any other type of use, including short-term holiday letting. Future applications for this type of change of use will be resisted. Where it is demonstrated that such student accommodation is no longer required, a planning application will require details of a proper management plan for the non-student use of the units to prevent adverse impacts on traditional residential estates.
- LIMERICK DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028114 4.2.11 Housing for Older People Limerick, like the rest of the country has an ageing population. The Council is committed to accommodating the needs of older people, by encouraging the provision, of suitable accommodation to allow older people remain in their established communities. Objective HO O9 Support Housing Options for Older People It is an objective of the Council to: a) Support the provision of specific purpose-built accommodation, including assisted living units and lifetime housing and adaptation of existing properties, which will include opportunities for ‘downsizing’ or ‘right sizing’ within their community. b) Support the concept of independent living for older people within their community and ensure, where possible that such accommodation is integrated with mainstream housing. 4.2.12 Nursing Home/Care Home Accommodation Proposals for nursing homes/care home accommodation shall be located in existing residential areas well served by appropriate levels of infrastructure and amenities such as footpath networks, local shops and public transport. This will ensure appropriate integration with the local community and afford the residents an appropriate level of independence and access to services. Objective HO O10 Location Criteria for Nursing Homes/ Care Home Accommodation It is an objective of the Council to ensure that the maximum distance from nursing homes/care homes shall be no more than 300m safe walking distance to community facilities, convenience retail facilities and amenities. 4.2.13 Housing for Dependent Relatives The Council will encourage the provision of suitable housing for people with a sensory disability, mental health disability, physical disability and intellectual disability, in appropriate locations served by public transport, local community services and facilities. All development shall comply with Part M of the Building Regulations or any replacement hereafter. Objective HO O11 Subdivision of Dwelling to Accommodate Dependent Relative It is an objective of the Council to facilitate the provision of accommodation for older people and dependant relatives within the existing family home, subject to compliance with the following criteria: •• Accommodation by way of extension shall be attached to the main dwelling; •• There shall be an internal connecting door with the main residence; •• The extension shall be subservient to the main dwelling; •• In a rural location any external door shall not be located on the front elevation; •• On vacancy of the unit, the accommodation shall be integrated with the main dwelling. No such unit shall be used as rental accommodation. There will be a presumption against proposals for detached independent units within the curtilage of a dwelling, regardless of urban or rural location. Proposals must accord with planning considerations such as residential amenity, environmental and public health standards and traffic safety.
- Chapter 4: Housing115 4.2.14 The Living Limerick City Centre Initiative The Living Limerick City Centre initiative is promoting the concept of community housing initiatives that supports the development of community led housing proposals for specific cohorts/groups in a cost-efficient manner. The use of cost rental and cost purchase models of delivery will be investigated over the course of the Plan and the expansion of this initiative to rural towns and villages will be supported. Objective HO O12 The Living Limerick City Centre Initiative It is an objective of the Council to support the Living Limerick City Centre Initiative for the delivery of community housing across the City and the extension of similar initiatives to rural towns and villages. 4.2.15 Social Housing Social housing is defined as housing provided by a Local Authority or a housing association, to individuals who are unable to provide accommodation from their own resources. Property rented or leased from the private sector by Local Authorities or voluntary housing bodies is now also included in the social housing sector. Housing for All, A New Housing Plan for Ireland set ambitious targets for the delivery of social and affordable housing and put in place the mechanisms to support an increase in the supply of housing. The Affordable Housing Act has introduced several important changes for housing. It establishes a legislative basis for new forms of affordable housing for households who cannot afford private market housing, but are also above eligibility thresholds for social housing. The Act amends ‘Part V’ housing requirements to include a requirement for up to 20% social and affordable housing in developments in excess of four units (intended by Government to comprise 10% social and 10% cost rental and/or affordable purchase where justified). Objective HO O13 Provision of Social and Affordable Housing It is an objective of the Council to require lands zoned for residential use, or for a mixture of residential and other uses and any land which is not zoned for residential use, or for a mixture of residential and other uses, in respect of which permission for the development of 4 or more houses is granted, to comply with the Affordable Housing Act 2021 and Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and any subsequent amendments thereof. The Council reserves the right to determine the appropriateness of ‘Part V’ Cost Rental and/or affordable purchase delivery on individual sites on a case-bycase basis. Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) is one of the means through which Limerick City and County Council can seek to address demand for social housing in Limerick. The Council works in partnership with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Approved Housing Bodies to deliver and manage social housing. In addition to Part V, the delivery of social housing is achieved through Direct Build, Acquisitions, Void Management, Long Term Leasing, Enhanced Leasing, Repair to Lease, Private Rental (RAS and HAP) and the Buy and Renew Scheme. The Council will promote the provision of public (including social and affordable) housing by prioritising sites for servicing that have a potential for public (including social and affordable) housing.
- LIMERICK DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028116 4.2.16 Housing Delivery Action Plan Limerick City and County Council’s Housing Development Directorate are currently developing a Housing Delivery Action Plan for Limerick covering the next five years. The Plan will set out details on how and when the Council will deliver housing targets, including the delivery of affordable homes. Objective HO O14 Limerick Housing Delivery Action Plan It is an objective of the Council to support the implementation of the forthcoming Limerick Housing Delivery Action Plan. 4.2.17 Homeless Accommodation The Council will continue to work in conjunction with voluntary housing bodies and other agencies to provide emergency accommodation for the homeless and those who find themselves in need of crisis facilities. The Council will continue to support means of preventing homelessness and providing pathways out of homelessness in line with the Housing First National Implementation Plan and any subsequent updates, working in cooperation with public and voluntary bodies and central government. The Council acknowledge that supporting younger people at risk of becoming homeless can help avoid a cycle of longerterm homelessness and will support the implementation of the forthcoming Youth Homelessness Strategy. Policy HO P2 Homeless Accommodation It is a policy of the Council to implement measures to address the homeless crisis in Limerick. Objective HO O15 Homeless Accommodation It is an objective of the Council to support the provision of homeless accommodation and/or support services throughout Limerick. In this regard, proposals for such facilities should not result in an overconcentration in one area and should not unduly impact upon existing amenities. Objective HO O16 Youth Homelessness Strategy It is an objective of the Council to support and implement the forthcoming Youth Homelessness Strategy, currently under preparation by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. 4.2.18 Traveller Accommodation Limerick City and County Council has an adopted Traveller Accommodation Programme, which outlines the accommodation needs, policy and implementation measures to address the accommodation needs of the Traveller Community. The accommodation programme for the period 2019-2024 has been prepared in accordance with the provisions set out in the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998. The Council’s Traveller Accommodation Programme sets out the range of social housing supports for Travellers, including standard Local Authority Housing, Approved Housing Body Housing, Group Housing and Halting Site Bays. Objective HO O17 Traveller Accommodation It is an objective of the Council to: a) Support improvements in the quality and quantity of Traveller specific accommodation, in conjunction with the relevant agencies; b) Implement the Traveller Accommodation Programme 2019 – 2024 and any subsequent updates.
- Chapter 4: Housing117 4.2.19 Accommodation for Refugees and Asylum Seekers The Council will continue to liaise and work with the relevant agencies and stakeholders in securing appropriate accommodation for refugees and asylum seekers in appropriate locations throughout Limerick. Objective HO O18 Accommodation for Refugees and Asylum Seekers It is an objective of the Council to: a) Implement government policy in relation to the provision of accommodation for refugees and asylum seekers. b) Work with Central Government, relevant State Agencies, AHBs and other bodies to support the provision of appropriate housing for asylum seekers and refugees in Limerick in accordance with identified requirements, and to support the phasing out and replacement of the Direct Provision system in accordance with national policy and requirements. 4.3 Serviced Sites in Towns and Villages To help strengthen and consolidate the settlement structure and reverse the decline in Limerick’s towns and villages, residential serviced sites will be promoted in the settlements. This objective is reinforced in the Government’s Rural Development Policy 2021 – 2025 – Our Rural Future, which sets out a clear ambition to support the regeneration, re-population and development of rural towns and villages, to contribute to local and national economic recovery. It aims to enable people to live and work in a high-quality environment. Residential serviced sites offer a real alternative to the single one-off rural house, enabling those who seek the opportunity to build their own homes to one’s own design, but located in a town or village. The Council will adopt a flexible approach to proposals for development in all settlements lacking adequate water and sewerage facilities, where such proposals are consistent with the Settlement Hierarchy outlined in Table 2.4, Chapter 2: Core Strategy and the obligations of the Council under environmental and water services legislation. Serviced sites refer to a number of individual residential plots typically in the order of 0.1ha. with access to services such as utility connections, footpaths, lighting and within walking distance of the town or village core. The density shall generally be 10 housing units per hectare. Whilst individual house design on serviced sites is encouraged, the overall design of the scheme must be consistent in terms of boundary treatments and landscaping. Sites must comply with the requirements of Code of Practice: Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems (EPA 2021). Where necessary, cumulative effects must be considered in accordance with Guidance on the Authorisation of Discharges to Groundwater (EPA 2011). Minimum site size will be determined by house size, number of bedrooms, type of treatment proposed and soil conditions, but will be typically in the order of 0.1ha for a four bedroomed house.
- LIMERICK DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028118 It is important to note that not all lands will demonstrate suitable drainage characteristics to allow this type of development. It will be a requirement that these houses connect to the public sewage system once the relevant wastewater treatment plant is upgraded and has sufficient capacity. Provision for this must be made at the time of construction. Once connected to the sewerage system, on site wastewater systems should be decommissioned. Objective HO O19 Serviced Sites in Towns and Villages without adequate Water Services Infrastructure It is an objective of the Council to permit serviced sites in towns and villages across Limerick to offer an alternative to rural one off housing, where individuals can build their house on a Serviced Site, in the case where each house is served by an individual on-site wastewater treatment system, in settlements where there is insufficient wastewater treatment capacity, the existing municipal wastewater treatment plant is not scheduled for upgrade by Irish Water in its current investment plan and there is no risk of nuisance or pollution. (Refer to Chapter 11: Development Management Standards for further information). The amount and location of these sites shall be controlled to ensure that they would not significantly impact on the fabric and character of the town or village and its sense of identity and place would be retained. The development would also need to ensure the definition of a strong urban edge resulting in a clear distinction between the urban area and open countryside. Where Local Area Plans/ zoning maps exist for towns and villages, these sites may only be located on suitable zoned lands with connection to services if available within the settlement, if no connection is available, exploration of the Serviced Site Policy may be considered. 4.4 Rural Housing The NPF and RSES acknowledge that our countryside ‘is and will continue to be, a living and lived-in landscape, focusing on the requirements of rural economies and rural communities, based on agriculture, forestry, tourism and rural enterprise, while at the same time avoiding ribbon and overspill development from urban areas and protecting environmental qualities’. The rural development strategy for Limerick seeks to achieve a balance in terms of promoting sustainable rural development, which celebrates the vibrancy and vitality of our rural areas, and also seeks to protect the rich heritage, amenity and recreational value of the rural landscapes and countryside, in line with national and regional policy. Development proposals will be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of the Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines for Planning Authorities, 2005 (and any amendment thereof) and Circulars SP 05/08 and PL 2/2017. The NPF and RSES make a distinction between areas under urban influence, i.e. those within the commuter catchment of cities and large towns and centres of employment, which includes Electoral Divisions where at least 15% of their workforce commute to a City and rural areas outside these catchments, where a more flexible approach to rural housing will apply. Limerick can be divided into two broad categories, in terms of defining the Rural Settlement Strategy as follows: •• Rural Housing Category 1 - Areas under Strong Urban Influence; •• Rural Housing Category 2 – Rural Areas Elsewhere. Consideration of planning applications for development in Rural Housing Category 1: Areas under Strong Urban Influence and Category 2: Rural Housing Elsewhere, will have regard to Objective TR O39 National Roads in Chapter 7: Sustainable Mobility and Transport.
Source Limerick City and County Council: Limerick Development Plan 2022–2028 (as varied) (2022–2028) · 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.