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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- 201 7.2 Statutory Context Section 10(2) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) sets out a list of mandatory objectives to be included in a Development Plan. A number of these objectives relate to social infrastructure, either directly or indirectly. The creation of healthy, socially inclusive communities is a cross cutting theme of the Development Plan. 7.3 Policy Context 7.3.1 National Planning Framework (NPF) 2018 The National Planning Framework (NPF) in Chapter 6 ‘People, Homes and Communities’ outlines how location, place and accessibility influence the quality of life that people enjoy. 7.3.2 Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly Spatial Economic Strategy (RSES) The Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) for the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) emphasises the concept of Placemaking as a tool to enable sustained economic growth and employment, including the integration of better urban design, public realm, amenities and heritage to create attractive and liveable places that support active lifestyles and human health. The RSES addresses a wide range of issues including education, health, sports and community facilities and attempts to address mis-alignment in the Region across a range of factors including school provision, facilities and child-friendly amenities. The following Regional Strategic Outcomes (RSO) are of note: - ■ RSO 2: Promote the regeneration of our cities, towns and villages by making better use of under-used land and buildings within the existing built-up urban footprint and to drive the delivery of quality housing and employment choice for the Region’s citizens. ■ RSO 3: Support sustainable rural development and strengthen rural networks, economies and communities. Manage urban generated growth in areas under strong urban influence and encourage sustainable growth in areas that have experienced decline or stagnation. ■ RSO 4: Protect and enhance the quality of our built and natural environment to support active lifestyles including walking and cycling, ensure clean air and water for all and quality healthcare and services that support human health. ■ RSO 5: Enhance, integrate and protect our arts, culture and heritage assets to promote creative places and heritage led regeneration. The County Development Plan has been aligned to the Regional Strategic Outcomes (RSOs) and associated relevant Regional Policy Objectives (RPOs). 7.3.3 Framework for Town Centre Renewal, 2017 This sets out key characteristics of a successful town centre and includes an Action Plan for Town Centre Renewal. ‘Key Attributes’ for successful town centres are also listed which include the following Strategies: ■ A Placemaking Strategy – to ensure that a town positions itself as an attractive location for investment, for talent and as a place to enjoy a good quality of life and the need for planning policy to place greater emphasis on placemaking for town centres at the key stages of development of Local Area Plans and Development Plans. ■ A Visual Appearance Strategy – to ensure that town centres are attractive places to visit if they are to succeed and thrive and in particular the importance of revitalising existing spaces incrementally rather than depending on largescale redevelopment. Longford County Council is committed to ensuring a plan-led and delivery focused approach to securing compact sustainable growth centred on the principles of placemaking and the provision of social infrastructure in accordance with the National Planning Framework, the Eastern and Midlands Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy and the relevant guidance documents. 7.4 County Longford Placemaking Strategy 7.4.1 Healthy Placemaking Healthy placemaking seeks to protect and enhance the unique identity and character of places and to facilitate improvements to human wellbeing and the quality of life that comes from the 201County Development Plan 2021–2027
- interaction of people and their environment. The creation of healthy and attractive places requires ongoing improvements to the physical and social infrastructure of urban centres. Placemaking is underpinned by good urban design, which seeks to create public spaces that are vibrant, distinctive, safe and accessible and which promote and facilitate social interaction. Figure 7.1: Placemaking Strategy (EMRA RSES) Smart Specialisation Entrepreneurial Discovery Process. for industry, enterprise agencies, HIEs, communities & stakeholders Placemaking Creation of place for Human Capital with Innovation, Infrastructure and access to Trade Clustering Create, maintain or upgrade economic strongholds in a favourable business ecosystem Orderly Growth Strategic employment locations aligned with Growth Strategy Future Proof & Risk Management Economic Opportunity To diversify local and rural economies and create quality jobs, to achieve a sustainable, competitive, inclusive and resilient Region. Figure 6.3. The Economic Strategy 126 Regional Spatial & Economic Strategy 202Longford County Council
- It is recognised that good Placemaking is physical, social and environmental; and as such incorporates both tangible and non-tangible elements (see Figure 7.1). It incorporates an appropriate recognition and placement of the role of the town centre, associated good town centre management, public realm works and the creation of creative spaces and the provision of adequate social infrastructure. A key element of healthy placemaking is the need to ensure the provision of alternatives to the car in the design of streets and public spaces, and to prioritise and promote cycling and walking as active means of transport. The provision of high-quality public transport, greenways and cycleways can enhance areas, contributing to more attractive places and creating opportunities to be physically active, and reduce the negative consequences of car-based commuting. The Eastern and Midland RSES identifies ‘Healthy Placemaking’ as one of the 3 no. key principles for growth, which aims ‘to promote people’s quality of life through the creation of healthy and attractive places to live, work, visit and study in’. In terms of regional guidance, the EMRA RSES contains a number of Guiding Principles for Healthy Placemaking which have been incorporated into the Development Plan. EMRA Guiding Principles for Healthy Placemaking ■ Good urban design principles are integrated into the layout and design of new development, as set out in Departmental Guidelines ’Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas’ and the ‘Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS)’ ■ Future development prioritises the need for people to be physically active in their daily lives and to promote walking and cycling in the design of streets and public spaces ■ New schools and workplaces are linked to walking and cycling networks ■ Exposure of children to the promotion of unhealthy foods is reduced such as the careful consideration of the location of fast food outlets in the vicinity of schools and parks ■ Provision of open space should consider types of recreation and amenity uses required ■ Public open spaces to have good connectivity and be accessible by safe, secure walking and cycling routes ■ Open space to be planned for on a multi-functional basis incorporating ecosystem services, climate change measures, Green Infrastructure and key landscape features in their design. In this regard the Development Plan sets out to protect and enhance the unique identity and character of Longford’s towns and villages and improve quality of life and well-being through the application of Healthy Placemaking, underpinned by good urban design, with the creation of attractive public spaces that are vibrant, distinctive, safe and accessible and which promote and facilitate positive social interaction. It is also recognised that in accordance with Regional Policy Objective (RPO 9.10), there is a need to provide alternatives to the car, and to prioritise and promote cycling and walking in the design of streets and public spaces. Regard has been given to both the ‘Guiding Principles for Healthy Placemaking’ and ‘Integration of Land Use and Transport’ as set out in the RSES and to national policy as set out in ‘Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas’ and the ‘Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS)’. Lough Forbes Estate entrance Newtownforbes 203County Development Plan 2021–2027
- CPO 7.1 CPO 7.2 CPO 7.3 CPO 7.4 CPO 7.5 CPO 7.6 CPO 7.7 CPO 7.8 Healthy Placemaking – County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Support new development which supports public health policy. Promote the development of healthy and attractive places by ensuring exposure of children to the promotion of unhealthy foods is reduced such as through the careful consideration of the location of fast food outlets in the vicinity of schools and parks. Provide alternatives to the car and to prioritise and promote cycling and walking in the design of streets and public spaces. Promote and encourage connectivity improvements to promote sustainable travel in urban and rural areas in accordance with relevant funding initiatives. Encourage sustainable and low carbon transport modes through the promotion of alternative modes of transport and ‘walkable communities’, whereby a range of facilities and services between residential and employment centres will be accessible within short walking or cycling distance. Have regard to national policy as set out in ‘Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas’ and the ‘Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS)’ and regional policy as set out in the Guiding Principles for ‘Healthy Placemaking’ and ‘Integration of Land Use and Transport’ in the EMRA RSES. Cater for all levels of disability, through the appropriate mitigation of the built environment, and in particular for the needs of an ageing population. Promote the development of healthy and attractive places by ensuring: ■ Provision of open space should consider types of recreation and amenity uses required; ■ Public open spaces to have good connectivity and be accessible by safe, secure walking and cycling routes; ■ Open space to be planned for on a multi-functional basis incorporating ecosystem services, climate change measures, Green Infrastructure and key landscape features in their design. 7.4.2 Elements of Placemaking Placemaking includes many elements, the principal ones of which are addressed accordingly: 7.4.2.1 Public Realm Improvements Public realm comprises of the public outdoor spaces accessible to everyone, from squares, parks and open spaces to the footpaths and the streets that link them. Effective public realm interventions can dramatically improve human wellbeing and the vitality and viability of town and villages centres by enhancing the attractiveness of places for business investment, as well as for residents, workers, visitors and shoppers. Public realm plays a vital role in presenting the identity, character, image and ‘atmosphere’ of our towns and villages. Social activity in the public realm is heavily dependent on the quality of the built environment Poorly considered infrastructure such as overhead wiring, excessive or garish signage and advertising, and an array of street furniture styles can be detrimental to the visual amenity of public spaces. It is essential that a consistent approach is maintained in the selection of street furniture, materials and installations rather than an ad-hoc mix of styles. A simple, uncluttered and consistent design approach is considered as the key to success. For example, 204Longford County Council
- CPO 7.9 CPO 7.10 CPO 7.11 CPO 7.12 CPO 7.13 CPO 7.14 Public Realm Improvements – County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Prepare Design Guidelines to provide for improvements in the appearance of streetscapes and for revitalising spaces. Promote the value of placemaking in town centres, by preparing a Placemaking Strategy for the towns of Longford, Granard, Ballymahon, Edgeworthstown and Lanesborough, and any other urban areas as deemed appropriate. Seek funding to support the preparation of site-specific Public Realm Strategies to enhance the unique characteristics and assets of Longford's towns and villages. Ensure the best quality of design is achieved for all new commercial and residential development, which respects and enhances the specific characteristics of the different towns and villages in the County, by promoting quality urban design that accommodates creative patterns of use having regard to the physical, cultural, and social identities of individual settlements. Provide for improvements to the appearance of streetscapes and revitalisation of public spaces for example with cost effective, temporary uses that build on the longer-term vision for space. Apply the following key attributes when considering public realm and public space enhancements: ■ Accessible - connected and linked permeable spaces to ensure ease of movement; ■ Functional - safe, adaptable and social environments to attract and foster activity; ■ Attractive - visually pleasing spaces with high quality design, materials and installations (lighting, furniture and signage) based on a singular common design theme; ■ Distinctive - reference to local context and building on the character and identity of place. in historic quarters, traditional signage, lighting columns and benches may be more appropriate, whereas a more contemporary modern approach would be suited for new innovative developments. The concept of creative placemaking presents an opportunity to evolve our existing urban spaces to create attractive and memorable places that interweave and showcase Longford’s arts, culture and heritage as part of the urban fabric. Development should contribute to the creation of a distinct sense of place and identity that not only facilitates, but encourages and creates opportunities for activity and interaction, from simple day to day activity to social, seasonal and planned events. It is important therefore that proposals for development show regard to existing features of interest and incorporate such features into design proposals. It is also recognised that the installation of Public Art can provide for interesting and creative focal points within our towns and villages. Maria Edgeworth Centre, Edgeworthstown 205County Development Plan 2021–2027
- Quality placemaking should integrate the principles of universal access in the design of buildings, housing, public realm, amenities and transport services to create places that are safe, easy to move around and accessible to all Granard MarketGranard Market Pig Market Lane, Longford Town Torc Cafe, Parklet, Longford Town Pig Market Lane, Longford Town 206Longford County Council
- CPO 7.15 CPO 7.16 CPO 7.17 Universal Design – County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Require proposals for public realm and built environment enhancements, include inclusive universal design principles. Require that all new developments and social infrastructure provision, including public open spaces, are accessible and inclusive for a range of users and provide for an age friendly and disability friendly society by way of appropriate design of the built environment. Promote simple and considered design interventions in urban environments as follows: ■ Elimination of stepped features to facilitate wheelchair users and to assist people with prams, suitcases or shopping trolleys, those using walking or mobility aids and people with impaired vision; ■ Use of clear, well-placed signage and way-marking using recognised symbols or pictograms and visual supports to help the visually impaired and people with reading or cognitive difficulties and which can be understood by different language speakers; ■ Provision of sensory-friendly designs and layouts, with considered lighting and wayfinding installations together with sensory sensitive physical spaces to provide an inclusive and autism friendly environment; ■ Provision of designated parking spaces for older persons close to shopping centre entrances and any other such places as deemed appropriate; ■ Provision of outdoor retractable seating for older and infirmed persons; ■ Provision of seating areas for older persons and infirmed persons in commercial and retail premises. 7.4.2.2 Universal Design Universal Design refers to the design and composition of an environment so that it can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by everyone. Successful public spaces are multi-dimensional and appeal to people of all abilities, young and old, for a variety of reasons and purposes with a central focus on improving quality of life. In catering for various cohorts in terms of older persons and disabled persons, families etc., it is important to recognise that successful buildings, urban spaces and public realms should not only be attractive but should serve a functional purpose that is easily accessible to everyone, regardless of age or ability. It is therefore important in the creation of new or adapted built environments that an inclusive universal design approach is undertaken. Quality placemaking should integrate the principles of universal access in the design of buildings, housing, public realm, amenities and transport services to create places that are safe, easy to move around and accessible to all (National Disability Authority ‘Building for Everyone: A Universal Design Approach’). 207County Development Plan 2021–2027
- 7.4.2.3 Town Centre Placemaking Successful town centres are the chosen destinations that attract a variety of people offering retail, business, hospitality and a range of amenities and services, thus playing an important and influential role in supporting and promoting local economic growth. They are the destinations that represent the social and economic heartbeat of our towns with an active role in retaining the vibrancy and vitality of the urban fabric. Successful town centres are people-orientated places - they present attractive and welcoming destinations, where residents and visitors can enjoy a safe, pleasant and vibrant destination and where businesses can thrive, in turn adding value to the vitality and vibrancy. However, town centres are facing challenges presented by the growth of online shopping. It is therefore essential that our town centres adapt and offer more than the traditional ‘high street’ retail offering. As such to maintain and create activity in town centres, ongoing physical and social infrastructure improvements are required. It is important to provide a competitive mix of compatible uses, including retail and non-retail/ entertainment (café’s, bars, restaurants) providing for a bustling vibrant atmosphere attracting people to work, live and recreate in the same area. This is dealt with in more detail in Chapter 8: Economic Development. The Town Centre Renewal Framework (2017) outlines the key attributes of a successful town centre and identifies existing supports and best practice examples from around the country. The Framework includes an Action Plan for Town Centre Renewal which is intended to be a blueprint for towns and villages that also provides a structure for collaborative partnerships among stakeholders to achieve successful town centre renewal, whether a large town or small village. CPO 7.18 CPO 7.19 CPO 7.20 CPO 7.21 CPO 7.22 Town Centre Placemaking – County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Support investment in town and village centres so that they can become more sustainable places for communities to live, work and enjoy. Promote a range of complimentary commercial activities in existing buildings previously in single commercial use. Ensure that all town and village centre proposals positively enhance the public realm. Support the key attributes and strategies of the Framework for Town Centre Renewal 2017. Support the use of targeted financial incentives to strengthen the role of town and villages centres. 208Longford County Council
- CPO 7.23 CPO 7.24 CPO 7.25 7.4.2.4 Regeneration In terms of placemaking this overlaps with the concept of regeneration. A central objective of this Plan is to regenerate the County’s towns and villages by making better use of under-used land and buildings within the existing built-up urban footprint (see Chapter 3: Core Strategy and Housing and Chapter 6 Regeneration for more detail). Given the varied nature and attributes of the town and village centres in Longford, these chapters provide a framework to guide new development, regeneration and renewal of our towns and villages. 7.4.2.5 Industry and Enterprise Placemaking While a range of factors is required to attract inward investments such as good access and location, success is hugely dependent on the quality and appropriateness of the facilities provided. In an increasingly competitive business market, investing in design and innovation can serve to assist Longford with a comparative advantage. In order to sustain a competitive business edge, it is important that applications for new business and enterprise sites are accompanied by a Design Statement, which supports the local topography of the area and is underpinned by sustainable and energy efficient development and transportation principles. Also, the Longford Economic Strategy as detailed in Chapter 8: Economic Development encompasses the creation of ‘live work’ communities by promoting economic development in tandem with an inclusive and diverse community structure. This will allow people not just to live in the County, but also to invest in, work in and learn in Longford. Industry and Enterprise Placemaking – County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Require all new enterprise / industry proposals to submit Design Statements which provide a positive visual presence underpinned by sustainable and energy efficient principles. Ensure Greenfield Developments integrate with existing landscape features and incorporate natural features into the site layout. Require industry / enterprise proposals to be accompanied with a Mobility Management Plan (in accordance with NRA and TII threshold requirements) to include a site-specific programme to facilitate and promote sustainable operational practices, including the use of public transport services, walking and cycling. 209County Development Plan 2021–2027
- 7.4.3 Social and Community Infrastructure Part of placemaking is the provision of adequate social and community infrastructure. Successful places support a wide range of services and facilities that meet local and strategic needs and contribute towards a good quality of life. Such social infrastructure plays an important role in developing strong and inclusive communities and includes facilities in relation to health, education, libraries, childcare, recreation, cultural facilities, burial grounds and emergency facilities. Social infrastructure should be easily accessible by walking, cycling and public transport. Shared use and colocation of facilities should be encouraged, in order to align service provision, use land more efficiently and facilitate opportunities for further inclusion and community participation. Over the lifetime of the Development Plan population growth and changing demographics will require a policy response to ensure positive health outcomes for children, young people, older people, and families to support the population throughout life stage development. In catering for the provision of adequate social and community infrastructure, the County faces a number of challenges in terms of placemaking and its demographic components. Understanding the County’s demographic structure is central to preparing a strategy which will address future community needs. The CSO figures highlight demographic pressures that will likely remain a feature in the County. 7.4.3.1 Growing Population County Longford has experienced significant population growth. In 2011 County Longford had a population of 39,000 persons, which grew by 4.8% (1,873 persons) to 40,873 persons by 2016. Taking account of the characteristics of the growth categories this has implications in terms of social infrastructure provision. 7.4.3.2 Growing Youth Cohort According to Census 2016, the population aged 19 years and under in County Longford accounted for 12,111 persons, equating to 29.6 % of the to the total county population and an increase of 1.8 % (695 persons) since the 2011 Census. This generates requirements for provision of adequate childcare, educational facilities and other associated infrastructure provision. 7.4.3.3 Ageing Population According to Census 2016, the population aged 65 years and over in County Longford accounted for 5,824 persons (14.3%) of the total population, equating to an increase of 19.3% since the 2011 Census. Nationally the demographic of Ireland’s population is changing with an increasing ageing population. By 2026 there will be 1.15 million people in Ireland aged 60 or over, representing almost one out of every four people. Figure 7.2: Changing Demographic Profile – Age Structure 2016 to 2031 (Source: CSO) 45,000 40,000 35,000 30,000 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42 45 48 51 54 57 60 63 66 69 72 75 78 81 84 87 90 93 96 99+ Year of Age – EMRA 2016 – EMRA 2031 Total Population 210Longford 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.