Development plan · Longford County Council
Longford County Development Plan 2021–2027
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards.
Longford County Council · 2021–2027 · 486 pages
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- Introduction and Strategic Context CHAPTER 1 Lough Ree Viewing Point
- 2 1.2 Vision and Aims The Development Plan sets out an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of County Longford and consists of a written statement and maps indicating the development objectives for the County. The Vision of the Plan is ‘to set out a framework for the sustainable physical development of the County, ensuring the conservation and protection of the built and natural environment, while providing in an equitable manner for all our people within the County’. As such the Longford County Development Plan provides for an overall strategy for the social, economic, cultural and physical development of the County. In order to achieve this, the County Development Plan has the following aims to: 1. Implement relevant national and regional development policy provisions at a County level; 2. Strengthen and develop the economic, social and cultural life of the county in a way that can be sustained to safeguard the quality of life for future generations; 3. Provide a development framework which defines acceptable forms of development and appropriate locations. 1.3 Compliance with Requirements of Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) and Statement of Compliance In terms of the Development Plan process the Office of the Planning Regulator will carry out an independent assessment of the Development Plan to ensure the following are addressed: ■ Matters generally to be contained in a development plan (section 10) and in particular, s.10(2)(n) in relation to climate change; ■ Consistency with the development plan and the National Planning Framework and Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly; ■ Ministerial guidelines and policy directives issued under section 28 (Annex 1), and; ■ Such other legislative and policy matters as the Minister may communicate to the Office in writing. This Development Plan sets out to meet the aforementioned criteria. The Development Plan policy context is primarily guided and informed by the NPF and the RSES in addition to the requirements of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and the relevant Ministerial guidelines. In performing its functions, Longford County Council have also taken into account the objective of contributing to proper planning and sustainable development and the optimal functioning of planning under the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). Statement of Compliance with Ministerial Guidelines In accordance with section 28 (1B) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as revised), the Planning Authority has made and will continue to make every reasonable effort to implement the policies and objectives of the Minister in the relevant guidelines. Where this is not possible, because of the nature and characteristics of the area or part of the area of the development plan, to implement certain policies and objectives of the Minister contained in the guidelines, this has been highlighted in the relevant section and the justification and reasoning for same indicated. 1.1 Statutory Context Under the Planning and Development Acts 2000, (as amended), each Planning Authority is obliged to prepare a development plan for its functional area every six years, the review of which should commence four years after its adoption. These plans set out how the area’s resources can be managed and developed to give the people the best possible services and quality of life. This Development Plan was prepared under the Planning and Development Acts, 2000, (as amended) and replaces the Longford County Development Plan 2015-2021. 2Longford County Council
- 3 1.4 Review Process Under the Planning and Development Acts 2000, (as amended), each Planning Authority is obliged to prepare a development plan for its functional area every six years, the review of which should commence four years after its adoption. Accordingly, the review process of the 2015-2021 County Development Plan began in September 2019 when extensive notification of the review process was given, and notice was published and forwarded to the relevant bodies. 1.5 Consultation Prior to the preparation of this Development Plan, notification of the review process was issued to all statutory prescribed bodies, and also to local community and voluntary groups, associations, societies, and relevant service providers. The general public were consulted through a campaign of newspaper advertisements and public meetings. Three public consultation meetings were held in Longford Town, Granard and Ballymahon. Submissions were invited on the development of the County from all interested persons, bodies and organisations. Following this preliminary consultation phase, the Chief Executive’s Report on all submissions received during the preliminary consultation phase was submitted to the elected members of the County Council in January 2020. This report documented issues raised in the submissions received and also outlined recommendations on the policy sections to be included in the Draft Plan as a result of relevant and important issues raised in the submissions received. Following the consideration of this Chief Executive’s Report the elected members had 10 weeks (which was subsequently extended as a result of the Ministerial Order relating to the COVID-19 pandemic) in order to issue directions regarding the preparation of the Draft Plan. In issuing directions, elected members were restricted to considering the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. No Strategic Directions were received within the consultation stage, following which the Draft Plan was prepared. Saint Catherine’s Church, Killoe, Longford. 3County Development Plan 2021–2027
- 1.6 Draft Development Plan Public Display and Adoption of Final Plan The Draft Plan was placed on public display for a period of ten weeks and submissions and observations were invited from the public, prescribed bodies and all interested parties. Following this phase, a Chief Executive’s Report on all submissions received during the public consultation phase was prepared for the Elected Members. The Elected Members then considered the report of the Chief Executive and subsequently material amendments of the Draft Plan were placed on display for further public consultation. A final Chief Executive’s Report, with respect to submissions received regarding the proposed material amendments, was prepared and circulated to the members for their consideration. The Elected Members considered the report of the Chief Executive and the Plan was subsequently made. 1.7 Development Plan Supporting Documents The preparation of the County Longford Development Plan is supported by a number of detailed support studies which were developed in tandem. These relate to the following: 1.7.1 Strategic Environmental Assessment Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is the formal, systematic evaluation of the likely significant environmental effects of implementing a plan or programme before a decision is made to adopt it. SEA is being undertaken for the Plan in order to comply with the 2001 SEA Directive, as transposed into Irish Regulations that have been in force since 2004. The SEA and County Development Plan process run in tandem with each other, sharing public consultation phases. A Scoping Report was prepared at the initial stages of the process to identify the main environmental issues and the level of detail to be included in the full SEA Environmental Report which is available alongside the County Development Plan. The Environmental Report details the likely significant environmental effects of implementing the Plan. An SEA Statement prepared following adoption of the Plan details how environmental considerations were integrated into the Plan. 1.7.2 Appropriate Assessment The European Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora, better known as ‘The Habitats Directive’, provides legal protection for habitats and species of European importance. Articles 3 to 9 provide the legislative means to protect habitats and species of Community interest through the establishment and conservation of an EU wide network of sites known as Natura 2000 or European Sites; namely Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) designated under the Habitats Directive, and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) designated under the Conservation of Wild Birds Directive (79/409/EEC). Articles 6(3) and 6(4) of the Habitats Directive set out the decision-making tests for plans and projects likely to affect European Sites. Article 6(3) establishes the requirement for Appropriate Assessment (AA): ‘Any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the [Natura 2000] site but likely to have a significant effect thereon, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, shall be subjected to appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site’s conservation objectives….’ Accordingly, an Appropriate Assessment (AA) has been undertaken alongside the Development Plan Review which assesses the implications of the Plan alone and in combination with other strategic actions and projects, on the integrity of European Sites in view of their conservation objectives. The AA conclusion is that the Development Plan will not affect the integrity of the Natura 2000 network of European Sites. The findings of the AA have informed both the Plan and the SEA and all recommendations made by the AA were integrated into the Development Plan. Accordingly, an Appropriate Assessment (AA) has been undertaken alongside the Development Plan Review which assesses the implications of the Plan alone and in combination with other strategic actions and projects, on the integrity of European Sites in view of their conservation objectives. The AA conclusion is that the Development Plan 4Longford County Council
- will not affect the integrity of the Natura 2000 network of European Sites. The findings of the AA have informed both the Plan and the SEA and all recommendations made by the AA were integrated into the Development Plan. 1.7.3 Strategic Flood Risk Assessment A Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) of the Plan has been undertaken in order to integrate flood considerations into the Plan, ensuring that it is consistent with ‘The Planning System and Flood Risk Management: Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ (OPW, 2009). The findings of the SFRA have informed both the Plan and the SEA. Various recommendations were made by the SFRA, which have accordingly been integrated into the Development Plan. 1.8 Planning Context This plan should be read in the hierarchical context of legislation and plans that exist at global, european, national, regional and local levels (Figure 1.1). The UN Sustainable Development Goals, the EU thematic objectives and national and regional policy contain significant policy alignment in order to embed a coherent policy hierarchy and to ensure that future investment is targeted towards identified policy recommendations and goals. In developing the Vision and key policy parameters for the County Development Plan a number of policy documents were considered from global to local level. These include Project Ireland 2040; National Planning Framework (NPF) and National Development Plan 2018-2027 (NDP), along with Ireland’s National Enterprise Policy 2015-2025, Enterprise 2025: Innovative, Agile, Connected. Figure 1.1: Strategic Policy Inputs into the Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027 Global Level UN Sustainable Development Goals European Level Europe 2020 - 11 Thematic Objectives National Level NPF, NDP, Ministerial Guidlines Regional Level RSES, Shannon Touism Masterplan, Just Transition Local Level Corporate Plan, LECP Development Plan (supported by other relevant ancillary national, regional and local documents) 5County Development Plan 2021–2027
- At a regional level, key policy parameters for the County Development Plan are set by the Eastern and Midland RSES, the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan (MREP) to 2020, the Shannon Tourism Masterplan and the Just Transition report, along with a number of other reports (Annex 2). The preparation of the County Development Plan has thus been directly informed by Project Ireland 2040 and associated National Policy Objectives (NPOs), along with the RSES and associated Regional Policy Objectives (RPOs). In developing the Vision and key policy parameters for the County Development Plan the key policy documents which were considered from global to local level (Annex 2) are outlined accordingly. 1.9 Global Level 1.9.1 UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030 The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development encourages countries to develop national responses to the 17 no. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (Figure 1.2) and incorporate them into planning and policy. Subsequently Ireland prepared a Sustainable Development Goal National Implementation Plan 2018-2020 which provides a framework for how Ireland will achieve the 17 no. SDGs domestically by 2030 and support their global implementation. It reflects Ireland’s ‘whole-of-government’ approach to the SDGs, which will see the mainstreaming of the SDGs across national policies. Many of the measures through which Ireland will achieve the SDGs will take place within the context of Project Ireland 2040 (made up of the National Planning Framework to 2040 and the National Development Plan 2018-2027), which is the Government’s overarching policy initiative to make Ireland a better country for all people. These in turn filter down into regional and accordingly Development Plan policy. 1.10 European Level 1.10.1 Europe 2020 European spatial planning is closely interlinked with a number of trans-national, regional, economic and environmental policies and programmes. The European Union’s cohesion policy is currently divided into 11 no. Thematic Objectives (TO) (Figure 1.3), aimed at reducing disparities in the Figure 1.2: UN Sustainable Development Goals 6Longford County Council
- development of its territories and to contribute to the priorities of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth envisaged by the Strategy ‘Europe 2020’. Europe 2020 is a strategy which outlines the European Union’s (EU) agenda for growth and jobs, emphasising smart, sustainable and inclusive growth as a way to overcome the structural weaknesses in Europe’s economy, improve its competitiveness and productivity and underpin a sustainable social market economy. The next EU programming period 2021-2027 is under development, and there is an emerging convergence of territorial and cohesion policy in this process, which will give greater focus on the delivery of national and regional spatial policy. The European Commission has proposed a new framework for the future Regional Development and Cohesion Policy that identifies 5 no. main objectives: 1. A smarter Europe (innovative and smart economic transformation); 2. A greener, low-carbon Europe (including energy transition, the circular economy, climate adaptation and risk management); 3. A more connected Europe (mobility and ICT connectivity); 4. A more social Europe (European Pillar of Social Rights); 5. A Europe closer to citizens (sustainable development of urban, rural and coastal areas and local initiatives). These will be translated into County Development Plan policy as appropriate. By ensuring good policy alignment, the Development Plan can drive investment that is targeted towards identified priorities at European, national, regional and local scale, assisting in identifying partnership opportunities and leveraging funding from EU Regional Operational Programmes. 1.11 National Level 1.11.1 Project Ireland 2040 Project Ireland 2040 aims to guide the future development of Ireland to 2040 and to influence the spatial patterns of a projected 1 million increase in population. It consists of 2 components; the National Planning Framework (NPF) and the National Development Plan (NDP), both of which have been developed in conjunction with each other in order to link spatial planning policy and infrastructure capital investment to support the potential in all regions. 1.11.2 National Planning Framework (NPF) The NPF is closely linked to the UN Sustainable Goals. One of the key drivers for the NPF is the promotion of effective regional development that manages more Figure 1.3: 11 EU Thematic Objectives Research and Innovation SMART SUSTAINABLE INCLUSIVE Combating climage change Employment and Mobility Competitiveness of SMEs Sustainable transport Better education, training Information and Communication technologies Environment and resource efficiency Social Inclusion Low-carbon economy Better public administration 7County Development Plan 2021–2027
- National Planning Framework and its National Strategic Outcomes and Priorities of the National Development Plan National Strategic Outcomes 6. High-Quality International Connectivity 8. Transition to a Low Carbon and Climate Resilient Society 10. Access to Quality Childcare, Education and Health Services 9. Sustainable Management of Water, Waste and other Environmental Resources 5. A Strong Economy supported by Enterprise, Innovation and Skills 4. Sustainable Mobility 1. Compact Growth 2. Enhanced Regional Accessibility 3. Strengthened Rural Economies and Communities 7. Enhanced Amenity and Heritage Housing and Sustainable Urban Development Rural Development Environmentally Sustainable Public Transport Airports and Ports Water Infrastructure National Road Network Enterprise, Skills and Innovation Capacity Culture, Heritage and Sport Climate Action Education, Health and Childcare 2 1 3 8 5 7 10 9 4 6 Strategic Investment Priorities balanced regional growth. While it is recognised that Dublin is at the forefront of international competition for investment, the NPF encourages significant regional concentration towards the second-tier cities of Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford and some regionally important larger settlements, such as Athlone, Dundalk and Drogheda. The NPF sets out a number of key national objectives which include enhanced regional accessibility, strengthened rural economies and communities, and enhanced amenities and heritage. The NPF places specific emphasis on the regeneration and rejuvenation of towns through the promotion of compact growth and the consolidation of future development within and close to the existing footprint of built-up areas. This is to be achieved through infill and brownfield development rather than an overreliance on greenfield, edge-of-town development. Investment in towns and villages is to be targeted through regeneration, public realm improvements and the appropriate adaptation and re-use of built heritage. There is also a focus on placemaking and upon securing improvements to quality of life. The NPF also places a great emphasis on addressing the issues associated with climate change. The key elements of the growth strategy identified in the NPF at national level, which set the parameters for the development of the County Development Plan growth strategy include: ■ A focus on contained growth and reduced sprawl by targeting infill and brownfield lands in existing built-up areas; Figure 1.4: NPF National Strategic Outcomes (Source: NPF) 8Longford County Council
- 6. High-Quality International Connectivity 8. Transition to a Low Carbon and Climate Resilient Society 9. Sustainable Management of Water, Waste and other Environmental Resources 7. Enhanced Amenity and Heritage Housing and Sustainable Urban Development Rural Development Environmentally Sustainable Public Transport Airports and Ports Water Infrastructure National Road Network Enterprise, Skills and Innovation Capacity Culture, Heritage and Sport Climate Action Education, Health and Childcare 2 1 3 8 5 7 10 9 4 6 Strategic Investment Priorities ■ Sequential provision of infrastructure with some critical infrastructure in place to promote investment; ■ A comprehensive approach to rural fabric supporting sustainable growth and reversing decline. National Strategic Outcomes The NPF also contains 10 no. National Strategic Outcomes (NSOs) which underpin the overarching vision for the country and serve as shared goals (Figure 1.4). These are further developed into 75 no. National Priority Objectives (NPOs), of which cognisance to those of relevance has been given in the preparation of this Development Plan. 1.11.3 National Development Plan (NDP) 2018- 2027 The NPF is underpinned by capital investment in the National Development Plan (NDP) 2018- 2027. The NDP sets out the investment priorities that will underpin the successful implementation of the NPF (Figure 1.5). This will guide national, regional and local planning and investment decisions in Ireland over the next two decades, to cater for an expected population increase of over 1 million people. Specifically, in terms of County Longford the following are identified in the NDP: 1. The N4 from Mullingar to Longford, as a section of the national road network which will be progressed through pre-appraisal and early planning during 2018, to prioritise projects which are proceeding to construction in the National Development Plan; 2. In terms of rural development opportunities and the application of the Rural Regeneration Development Fund (RRDF): ■ The visitor resort project near Ballymahon, intended to create new tourism and visitor experiences in conjunction with bodies such as Fáilte Ireland and Waterways Ireland. ■ Advancing plans in the Midlands to convert former Bord na Móna peat railways and trackways into cross-country walking, cycling and peatway routes, coupled with strengthening nearby towns and villages as hubs for tourism activity and local businesses. These NDP projects of relevance to County Longford will be translated into County Development Plan policy. Figure 1.5: Strategic Investment Priorities of the NDP (Source: NPF) 9County Development Plan 2021–2027
- 1.12 Regional Level Global, EU and particularly national policy have been distilled to a regional level through the preparation of Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies (RSESs). 1.12.1 Eastern and Midland Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2019-2031 The Eastern and Midland Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES), which relates to County Longford, sets out at a regional level to support the implementation of Project Ireland 2040 and the economic policies and objectives of the Government by providing a long-term strategic planning and economic framework for the development of the Eastern and Midland Region. This in turn further guides policy making decisions at a local level through the County Development Plan. The Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) covers 9 no. counties containing 12 no. local authorities; Longford, Westmeath, Offaly, Laois, Louth, Meath, Kildare, Wicklow, Fingal, South Dublin, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown and Dublin City. In terms of particular characteristics, the Region contains some of the fastest growing communities in the country and the long-term trend is for residential development moving further outwards from Dublin, with significant growth in many of the small towns and villages in the peri-urban area surrounding the city, leading to an increase in carbased long-distance commuting. At the same time an overall lack of adequate housing supply to meet a growing population has resulted in affordability issues and increasing homelessness, with a resulting negative impact on quality of life and regional competitiveness. One of the key challenges identified as facing the Region is the need for better alignment between population growth, location of residential development and employment to create healthy and attractive places, and this is reflected in the Vision Statement: ‘To create a sustainable and competitive Region that supports the health and wellbeing of our people and places, from urban to rural, with access to quality housing, travel and employment opportunities for all’. At its core, the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) sets out a settlement and economic growth strategy that seeks to ensure that the needs of the Region’s citizens, such as access to employment opportunities and services, ease of travel and overall well-being are met. The RSES seeks to promote smart specialisation and clustering underpinned by an orderly settlement strategy and investment in ‘placemaking’. The RSES also sets out Regional Policy Objectives (RPOs) to provide a competitive and resilient economic base and develop our skills, innovation and technology capacity, recognising the key roles played by the enterprise agencies (IDA, EI, LEO, SFI), and to support the implementation of Regional Action Plans for Jobs (RAPJs) and Local Economic and Community Plans (LECPs). The EMRA RSES includes the following: ■ Spatial Strategy – to manage future growth and ensure the creation of healthy and attractive places to live, work, study, visit and invest in. ■ Economic Strategy – that builds on our strengths to sustain a strong economy and support the creation of quality jobs that ensure a good living standard for all. ■ Metropolitan Plan – to ensure a supply of strategic development areas for the sustainable growth and continued success and competitiveness of the Dublin metropolitan area. ■ Investment Framework – to prioritise the delivery of key enabling infrastructure and services by government and state agencies. ■ Climate Action Strategy – to accelerate climate action, ensure a clean and healthy environment and to promote sustainable transport and strategic green infrastructure. ■ Economic Strategy – identifies regional assets, opportunities and pressures along with funding and investment priorities for the region. The Eastern and Midland RSES identifies 3 no. key principles for growth: 1. Healthy Placemaking - to promote people’s quality of life through the creation of healthy and attractive places to live, work, visit and study in. 2. Economic Opportunity - to create the right conditions and opportunities for the region to realise sustained economic growth and employment that ensures good living standards for all. 10Longford County Council
Source Longford County Council: Longford County Development Plan 2021–2027 (2021–2027) · Licence the publisher's termsText read from the publisher’s PDF; tables, maps and drawings do not survive as text, and page numbers are the PDF’s (its first page is 1). Check the original before relying on a passage.