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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- 13.10 Green Infrastructure Climate Context and Associated Actions In accordance with the format set out in Chapter 3: Climate Change of this Plan the following is an assessment of the content of this chapter in a climate context and associated actions. Green Infrastructure serves a wide variety of important functions including but not limited to; provision of habitat, increase biodiversity, ecological corridors, climate change adaptation and mitigation, water treatment, water retention, local amenity provision, air quality improvement, cultural and heritage preservation, a mental restorative environmental and flood mitigation (RSES – EMRA 2019, p164). Biodiversity’s protection relies heavily on quality Green Infrastructure, defined as a strategically planned network of natural and seminatural areas, designed and managed to deliver a wide range of ecosystem services in both rural and urban settings (EU Green Infrastructure Strategy). (RSES – EMRA 2019, p166). The EU Biodiversity Strategy has set the backdrop, requiring that by 2020, ecosystems and their services are maintained and enhanced by established ‘Green Infrastructure’ and restoring at least 15% of degraded ecosystems. The responsibility lies with the local authority to consider the potential for carbon sequestration in Green Infrastructure Strategies, whereby certain areas can be considered as a strategic and integral mechanism for the long-term storage of carbon to mitigate the contribution of fossil fuels emissions and combat climate change. Careful land management is also needed to ensure that land use changes do not impact on the ability of the natural environment to absorb climate impacts. Sustainable land use management and natural flood risk mitigation measures can slow down the water flow in catchments and rivers, for example by protection and/or rewetting of peatlands and bogs and by planting hedgerows across hillsides. Such measure may not be able to solve severe flood problems on their own but can form part of the solution and can also help to achieve environmental goals, including improving water quality, nature conservation / biodiversity and climate change mitigation and adaptation (RSES – EMRA 2019, p158). Green adaptation seeks to use ecological properties to enhance the resilience of human and natural systems in the face of climate change, such as creation of green spaces and parks to enable better management of urban micro-climates. Camlin River footbridge LongfordCounty Development Plan 2021–2027 381
- A13.1 A13.4 A13.3 A13.6 A13.2 A13.5 Green Infrastructure - Climate Change Actions: Longford County Council shall: Maintain existing green infrastructure and encourage and facilitate, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, the development of green infrastructure that recognises the synergies that can be achieved through the following: ■ Provision of open space amenities; ■ Sustainable management of water; ■ Protection and management of biodiversity; ■ Protection of cultural heritage; ■ Protection of protected landscape sensitivities; ■ Planting drought resistant plants. Expand the footprint and improve existing connections to the existing Albert Reynolds Peace Park (The Mall) Longford Town, while supporting the development of all other parks within its functional area. Undertake a feasibility study identifying ‘pocket park’ opportunities for all towns within its functional area. Seek to implement the principals of the ‘Green Street’ concept for all future, urban regeneration of streets, prioritising the integration of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS). Work with the National Trails Office, Coillte, the Department of Planning, Housing and Local Government, the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport, and other relevant stakeholders, to improve on the existing level of infrastructure and facilities for walking and cycling. Require the incorporation of Sustainable Drainage Schemes (SuDS) for all future developments with an identified need. Corlea BogLongford County Council 382
- Landscape Character CHAPTER 14 Lough Gowna
- 384 14.1 Introduction Landscape is all around us – it’s where we live, work and play – enriching and sustaining our lives in countless ways. All aspects of our natural and cultural heritage come together in these landscapes and give us a strong sense of place. The County has a rich and diverse landscape character which helps to define its character and nature. Each landscape type also has a varying capacity to absorb development relative to its overall sensitivity. The challenge is to manage our landscapes so that change is positive in its effects, and that the landscapes which we value are protected and those which have been degraded are enhanced. It is recognised that our landscape is a key asset in sustaining a high quality of life for the residents of the County and is an important sustainable tourism resource. The protection and management of the County’s natural heritage is a shared responsibility. Longford County Council is committed to working with relevant agencies, communities and individuals to ensure the conservation, protection and enhancement of our landscape and natural heritage assets can be sustained and realised. 14.2 Statutory 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. 14.3 Policy Context 14.3.1 Project Ireland 2040 – National Planning Framework (NPF) The NPF (National Policy Objective NPO-14) acknowledges the value of landscape which offers a wealth of natural and cultural assets which in turn support 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, (including historic landscape characterisation) to ensure a consistent approach to landscape character assessment, particularly across planning and administrative boundaries. 14.3.2 Eastern and Midlands Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) 2019-2031 The RSES recognises the importance of landscape considerations, particularly in the context of placemaking, culture and attractiveness. It acknowledges the diverse range of scenic landscapes across the Region and aims to promote a wider concept of the landscape as defined by the interaction of both human and natural, covering urban, peri-urban and rural areas as well as land, inland waters, coastal and marine areas. A strong emphasis is placed in the strategy on the value of blueways which are particularly important for water quality, fisheries and ecological habitats, and for activities such as kayaking and snorkelling. The RSES supports the preparation of a national landscape character assessment, which will provide a framework for regional and local landscape character assessments. Specifically, RPO 7.27 commits, following the adoption of a national landscape character assessment, to the preparation of a Regional Landscape Character Assessment to promote better landscape management and planning in the Region. 14.3.3 European Landscape Convention and National Landscape Strategy 2004 The European Landscape Convention (ELC), ratified by Ireland in 2002 and which came into effect on 1st March 2004, states that landscape means ‘…an area, as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action and interaction of natural and/or human factors’. This definition has been incorporated into the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. 14.3.4 National Landscape Strategy 2015- 2025 The objective of the National Landscape Strategy (NLS) 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 NLS recognises the importance of landscape protection and its interconnectivity with biodiversity and climate change. A key objective of the National Landscape Strategy 2015-2025 is to develop a National Landscape Character Assessment and to publish statutory guidelines on local Landscape CharacterLongford County Council 384
- Assessments, following best international practices and incorporating Historic Landscape Characterisation for Planning Authorities. 14.4 Landscape Character Assessment Landscape Character Assessment is a process which describes, maps and classifies landscapes. 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’. Defining landscape character enables an understanding to be formed of the inherent value and importance of individual landscape elements and the processes that may alter landscape character in the future. The cultural and ecological aspects of the landscape cannot be subtracted from its physical and visual characteristics, so all of these elements are considered. The Landscape Character Assessment is used by the Council to improve the understanding of the County’s landscape in terms of its inherent and unique character and to recognise what elements should be preserved, conserved or enhanced. It is also used to predict the broad pattern of future changes and devise policies and objectives as guidance to planners and other parties which will ensure that change is complimentary to landscape character. 14.5 Landscape Sensitivity and Capacity The sensitivity of the Landscape Character Areas is defined as its overall resilience to sustain its character in the face of change and its ability to recover from loss or damage to its components. Sensitivity is evaluated using criteria ranging from ‘High’ to ‘Low’ and is based on the interaction of individual components such as landform, amount of evident historical features (time depth) and distribution of viewers. Landscape sensitivity and the capacity of the landscape will be given due consideration in all aspects of decision-making in order to protect the landscape areas of highest value and to assist in the achievement of sustainable development. A highly sensitive landscape is likely to be vulnerable, fragile and susceptible to change whereas a landscape with low sensitivity is likely to be more robust and/ or tolerant of change. The Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) for the County is included in full within Annex 11: Landscape Character and maps the indicative Landscape Character Areas of the County. It provides guidance for a detailed understanding of the landscapes of the County and sets out guidance and recommendations to assist in the development of related planning policies, development of strategies and development management within the County. River Camlin bridge Newcastle Woods, BallymahonCounty Development Plan 2021–2027 385
- The LCA identifies 7 no. broad landscape character types within the County these are defined in Table 14.1 below and detailed fully in Appendix 9: Landscape Character. Table 14.1: County Longford’s Landscape Character Type and Sensitivity Landscape Character Type Landscape Sensitivity Unit 1 – Northern Drumlin Lakeland Sensitivity of much of this landscape can be classified as LOW to MEDIUM with some HIGH sensitivity in the vicinity of the lakes and designated scenic routes Unit 2 – Northern Upland Sensitivity of much of this landscape can be classified as MEDIUM to HIGH Unit 3 – Shannon Basin/Lough Ree Sensitivity of the landscapes in this unit range from MEDIUM - along the southeastern border of the unit- to HIGH sensitivity- along the shores of the lake, islands, the riverbanks, and in the vicinity of the Aquifer. Unit 4 – Central Corridor Sensitivity of the landscapes in this unit are generally LOW. Potential areas of MEDIUM to HIGH sensitivity exist in the vicinity of protected woodlands, riverbanks and in the vicinity of the Aquifer. Unit 5 – Inny Basin Sensitivity of the landscapes in this unit are generally LOW. Potential areas of MEDIUM to HIGH sensitivity exist in the vicinity of protected woodlands, riverbanks. Unit 6 – Peatlands Visual Sensitivity of the landscapes are generally LOW, as their flat nature allows development to be accommodated with minimum screening needed to achieve integration into its surrounds. An exception to this designation is the vicinity of the Royal Canal, where sensitivity is HIGH. In Environmental terms, sensitivity can be generally termed MEDIUM to HIGH due to the limited capacity of the receiving environment to cater for additional effluent loading. Unit 7 – Open Agricultural Visual sensitivity of the landscapes in this unit are generally LOW to MEDIUM. An exception to this designation is the vicinity of the Royal Canal, the River Inny, in Upland Areas with designated scenic views, and in proximity to the heritage village of Ardagh where sensitivity is HIGH. The potential capacity of each Landscape Character Area is based on indicative types of development that are likely to occur within the study area. The capacity of a character area or type is the ability of that landscape to absorb specific types of development. The capacity of the landscape character area is evaluated on a case-bycase basis because it will vary according to the type and form of development, its location in relation to the landscape character area in question, and its visibility from it. Lough ReeLongford County Council 386
- Figure 14.1: County Longford’s Landscape Character Areas Open Agricultural Peatlands Inny Basin Central Corridor Shannon Basin/Lough Ree Northern Upland Northern Drumlin Lakeland Northern Drumlin Lakeland Legan Ardagh Keenagh Clondra Granard Drumlish Longford Ballinalee Ballymahon Ballinamuck Abbeyshrule Aughnacliffe Lanesborough Newtownforbes Edgeworthstown N55 N63 N55 N4 N5 © Ordnance Survey Ireland County Leitrim County Cavan County Westmeath County Roscommon Copyright Acknowledgements Includes Ordnance Survey Ireland data reproduced under OSi Licence Number 2020/OSi_NMA_145 LongfordCountyCouncil. Unauthorised Reproduction infringes Ordnance Survey Ireland and Government of Ireland Copyright. © Ordnance Survey Ireland, year 2021 . 0 4.5 9 13.5 182.25 Kilometers Title: Landscape Character Types in County Longford Longford County Development Plan 2021 - 2027 Legend Open Agriculture Peatlands Inny Basin Central Corridor Shannon Basin/Lough Ree Northern Upland Northern Drumlin Lakeland Towns National Primary Roads National Secondary Roads County BoundaryCounty Development Plan 2021–2027 387
- Through the Landscape Assessment, it is the policy of the Council to identify, protect and enhance landscapes and landscape features of special environmental, historic or cultural interest. This includes gardens, parks, demesnes, historic designed landscapes, views and prospects, places and features of natural beauty and / or cultural value. Consideration will also be given to the making of Tree Preservation Orders in respect of trees or groups of trees of particular landscape value. In addition to the material contained within the Landscape Character Assessment, the Council’s policy and objectives are as follows: CPO 14.8 CPO 14.1 CPO 14.2 CPO 14.3 CPO 14.4 CPO 14.5 CPO 14.6 CPO 14.7 Landscape Character - County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Support and implement objectives contained in any Regional Landscape Character Assessment. Review in the context of a regional approach to landscape assessment, the County Landscape Character Assessment following publication of statutory guidelines for Planning Authorities on local Landscape Character Assessments, as outlined in the National Landscape Strategy 2015-2025. Protect the landscapes and natural environments of the County by ensuring that any new developments do not detrimentally impact on the character, integrity, distinctiveness, or scenic value of their area. Any development which could unduly impact upon such landscapes will not be permitted. Ensure the preservation of the uniqueness of a landscape character type by having regard to the character, value and sensitivity of a landscape in new development proposals. Any new development should respect and reinforce the distinctiveness and sense of place of the landscape character types, including the retention of important features or characteristics, taking into account the various elements which contribute to their distinctiveness. Conserve and enhance the high nature conservation value of the Landscape Character Areas in order to create/protect ecologically resilient and varied landscapes. Discourage proposals necessitating the removal of an extensive number of trees, hedgerows and historic walls or other distinctive boundary treatments and consider the making of Tree Preservation Orders in respect of trees or groups of trees of particular landscape value. Require landscape and visual impact assessments prepared by suitably qualified professionals to be submitted with planning applications for development which may have significant impact on landscape character areas of medium or high sensitivity. Preserve views and prospects as illustrated on the accompanying map as part of Appendix 9: Landscape Character and as listed in Tables 14.2 and 14.3.Longford County Council 388
- 14.6 County Longford Landscape Character Areas 14.6.1 Landscape Unit 1 – Northern Drumlin Lakeland This area consists of the North West fringe of the County and extends from Drumlish in the west to the County boundary in the north. This landscape unit also includes the areas surrounding Lough Gowna and Lough Kinale in the east of the County. The southern boundary is mainly formed by the R198 Regional route from Longford to Arva, the Aughnacliffe to Enaghan Road and other relevant features such as the 100m contour line. Views are available to the north into Counties Leitrim and Cavan, which closely mirror the landscape inside the county boundary. Landcover consists of predominantly small agricultural holdings, interspersed with bogland, which becomes more dominant toward the eastern boundary of the unit and lakeland areas that dominate on the western County Boundary. The area primarily consists of rolling drumlin landscape, with agricultural land tending to be tightly enclosed and bounded by small but well-established hedgerow species, at times permitting limited views of the string of lakes that border the County. The soils in this area are predominantly poorly drained gley soils with some peats. Drainage patterns are extremely complex, giving way to peatlands in the valley of the Black River and the vicinity of Annagh Lough. This area type includes the Lough Gowna Complex to the northeast of the County (included in An Foras Forbartha Inventory of Outstanding Landscapes in Ireland, 1977) and Lough Kinale and Derragh Lough in the northeast. Drainage is divided between the two major River catchments of the Shannon to the southwest and the Erne to the northeast. The settlement pattern in the area is highly dispersed due to the nature of the topography and its influence on the agricultural practices in the area. Drumlish and Ballinamuck are the only settlements in the area, with the main concentration of development centred on these villages. Drumlish has seen a substantial level of development over the period of the previous two Development Plan periods relative to its size with a number of recently added housing developments situated within the development boundary. Ballinamuck has also experienced a level of housing development in recent times but at a much lesser rate to that of Drumlish. The road pattern throughout the area is relatively sparse with an emphasis on north-south communication. The undulating drumlin nature of the topography of the area is unattractive to mobile telephony infrastructure and other masts/antennae support structures, these preferring the higher ground of the adjacent areas, while retaining strong intervisibility from this area. Agriculture tends to be extensive and part-time in nature, given the limited capacity of the soils in the area. Farms tend to remain fragmented, which reinforces and perpetuates the patterns of small, tightly packed fields and highly dispersed settlement. Industrial development in the area is limited given the lack of concentrated settlement and the poor road network. In common with the majority of rural areas throughout the Country, utility poles and overhead wiring line the roadsides and traverse fields. Two sets of 110 kV electricity lines and their associated pylons enter the County at Farmullagh and Corglass and create a striking landscape impact. Coarse fishing and angling on the numerous lakes are an important element of the tourist industry in the area. Known archaeology in the area is comparatively sparse, with the exception of the islands and shores of Loughs Gowna and Kinale and in the vicinity of Cloonagh and Mullinlaghta to the east of the area. The Black Pig’s Dyke, an important linear earthwork, commences at Dring on the southern shores of Lough Gowna and runs down toward Lough Kinale. The 1798 battlefield and associated sites and monuments are significant culturally important items and are located at and in the vicinity of Ballinamuck. The potential for recreational and amenity development in the area is high, given the lakeshore frontage that exists for walking, angling and swimming. The local community has established a swimming pool at Annagh Lough. The sensitivity of much of this landscape can be classified as LOW to MEDIUM with some HIGH sensitivity in the vicinity of the lakes and designated scenic routes.County Development Plan 2021–2027 389
- Threats ■ Loss of inherent character due to altered landscape management practices arising as a result of EU agricultural policy reforms/further decline in agriculture; ■ Removal of existing network of hedgerows and boundaries distinctive to the area through farm fragmentation/road frontage and ribbon development; ■ Loss of integrity of important historical sites and cultural heritage, such as 1798 battlefield, due to insensitive or poorly located development; ■ Agricultural activity and residential development in the vicinity of the lakes threatens water quality and fish stocks; ■ Unsympathetic residential or amenity development at lakeshores or within their visual areas. Opportunities ■ Dense field patterns and substantial boundaries provide an enclosed landscape that can accommodate appropriately sited development without major landscape change; ■ Opening up of access to lakeshores for amenity purposes. CPO 14.9 CPO 14.10 CPO 14.11 CPO 14.12 CPO 14.13 Landscape Unit 1 – Northern Drumlin Lakeland - County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Support appropriate development in areas of population decline. Encourage setting back of dwellings into fields retaining existing plot size and boundary treatment. Permit hedgerow removal only where necessary for road safety and, where removal is required, encourage replacement with native hedgerow species Encourage access to lakes and watercourses and development of tourist accommodation within or in the vicinity of settlements, while monitoring amenity development /restricting access in environmentally sensitive locations. Restrict housing on lakeshores and within their visual areas.Longford County Council 390
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.