Longford County Development Plan 2021–2027

1. Page 471

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   16.4.15.2 Forestry The afforestation of the County is broadly acceptable in principle due to the economic and environmental benefits that such developments can provide especially in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions through sequestering carbon. Whilst contributing to the local economy, forestry development can impose visual and environmental effects on the rural environment. DMS 16.174 Development Management Standards – Forestry The Council in assessing development proposals will consider the following criteria: In terms of forestry the Council will seek to ensure that: a) Landscapes of scenic value are not unduly eroded. b) Areas with environmental and archaeological protections are safeguarded. c) Access from forestry development onto public roads for the purposes of thinning and felling do not compromise traffic safety. d) A mixture of broadleaf and conifer species should be planted where possible so as to support a variety of flora and fauna species and to enliven the forestry landscape. Geometric planting patterns should be avoided. e) A planting free buffer zone of 100m from existing residential dwellings. Newcastle Woods, BallymahonCounty Development Plan 2021–2027 451

2. Page 472

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   16.4.15.3 Extractive Industry In the assessment of planning applications for new development, intensification of use or diversification of activity, the Council will have regard to the nature of the proposal, the scale of activity proposed, the impact on the adjoining road network, the effect on the environment including important groundwater and aquifer sources, natural drainage patterns and surface water systems and the likely effects that any proposed extractive industry may have on the existing landscape and amenities of the county, including public rights of way and walking routes. DMS 16.175 DMS 16.176 Development Management Standards – Extractive Industry The Council in assessing development proposals will consider the following criteria: Require that all extract industry development complies with the requirements of Section 261 and Section 261A of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended), the Quarries and Ancillary Activities Guidelines 2004 or any updates thereof EPA Guidelines for Environmental Management in the Extractive Industry 2006 or any updates thereof and Geological Heritage Guidelines for the Extractive Industry.. Require Developer’s / Applicant’s to submit the following: a) An appropriate map detailing total site area, area of excavation, any ancillary proposed development and nearest dwelling and/or any other development within 1km of the application site. b) A description of the aggregate to be extracted, method of extraction, any ancillary processes (crushing etc), equipment to be used, stockpiles, storage of soil and overburden and storage of waste materials. c) The total and annual tonnage of extracted aggregates expected in the lifetime of the extraction, maximum extent and depth of working and a phasing programme. d) Details of water courses, water table depth and hydrological impacts, natural and cultural heritage impacts, traffic impact, waste management and the impacts upon landscape and walking and cycling routes. e) Assessment of cumulative impact when taken with any other extractive operations in the vicinity. f) Likely environmental effects including visual impact on sensitive landscapes and proposed mitigation measures and restoration. g) Detailed Rehabilitation and after-care proposals. These should include a report with plans and section drawings, detailing the following: 1. Anticipated finished landform and surface/landscape treatments (both of each phase proposed (where applicable) and the excavation as a whole) 2. Quality and condition of topsoil and overburden 3. Rehabilitation works proposed 4. Type and location of any vegetation proposed 5. Proposed method of funding and delivery of restoration/reinstatement works etc. h) Current Legal Planning Status of the Existing Development (Quarry/Sand and Gravel Pit). i) Justification on need for the development proposed, the extent of existing authorised quarry supplies available and the impact of the development on the local environment. j) Limited duration on permissions may be provided to allow for the re-evaluation of the development in light of unforeseen environmental implications and in light of changes in environmental standards and technology.Longford County Council 452

3. Page 473

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   DMS 16.177 DMS 16.178 DMS 16.179 DMS 16.180 Encourage the rehabilitation and suitable re-use of disused pits and quarries where appropriate having regard to all appropriate environmental considerations. Consult with the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI), with regard to any developments likely to have an impact on Sites of Geological Importance listed in the County Development Plan (see Chapter 12: Natural Heritage and Environment and Appendix 7: Natural Heritage and Environment). Require by way of planning condition that the developer lodge a financial bond to ensure the satisfactory reinstatement of the site following the completion of extraction. This bond shall be index linked. A special contribution levy may be required from the developer towards the cost of upgrading or repairing the local roads serving the quarry and to minimise the adverse impacts of associated quarry operations on the road network. 16.4.16 Renewable Energy Developments The Council recognises the importance of Renewable Energy and its potential in contributing to the reductions in fossil fuel dependency and greenhouse gas emissions. EMRA will be working with the Council and other County Councils in the region to identify potential Strategic Energy Zones. In addition, during the lifetime of the Development Plan the Council will produce a Renewable Energy Strategy (Including a Wind Energy Strategy) for the County. 16.4.16.1 Wind Energy The Council recognises the importance of wind energy as a renewable energy source and its potential in contributing to reductions in fossil fuel dependency and greenhouse gas emissions. Chapter 5: Transport, Infrastructure, Communications and Energy of the plan outlines the policy context for Wind Energy and should be referred to in the consideration of proposed development. The Council will have regard to the Wind Energy Development Guidelines for Planning Authorities, prepared by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, or any update made thereto. Further, regard should be given to the Landscape Character Assessment which is detailed in Chapter 14: Landscape Character and Annex 11: Landscape Character Assessment of this Plan. 16.4.16.2 Solar Energy The Council recognises that solar farms as a renewable energy source, can contribute to reductions in fossil fuel dependency and greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, there is no national policy guidelines on solar farms. In the assessment of any applications for solar farms, the Council will consider Chapter 5: Transport, Infrastructure, Energy and Communications of this plan which provides the policy context and criteria required in the assessment of solar farms within the County. Further regard will be given to policy and guidance detailed in Chapter 14: Landscape Character and Annex 11: Landscape Character Assessment of this Plan.County Development Plan 2021–2027 453

4. Page 474

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   DMS 16.181 DMS 16.182 Development Management Standards – Renewable Energy The Council in assessing development proposals will consider the following criteria: In the assessment of renewable energy development proposals such as wind and solar energy schemes (but not limited to), the Council will take the following criteria into account: a) The proper planning and sustainable development of the area; b) The environmental and social impacts of the proposed development including those on residential properties, such as noise and shadow flicker; c) Traffic impacts including details of haul routes; d) Glint / Glare and the potential impact on the adjoining road networks and dwellings through the submission of an associated report. e) Impact of the development on the landscape and the Zone of Visual Influence (see Chapter 14: Landscape Character and Annex 11; Landscape Character Assessment); f) Impact on protected Views and Prospects (see Chapter 14: Landscape Character and Appendix 9 and Annex 11; Landscape Character Assessment); g) Impact on public rights of way and walking / cycling routes, blueways, greenways and peatways; h) Impact of the grid connection from the installation to the ESB network and National Grid (where applicable); i) Mitigation features, where impacts are inevitable; j) The protection of designated areas - NHAs, SPAs and SACs, areas of archaeological potential and scenic importance, proximity to structures that are listed for protection, national monuments, etc. (see Chapter 11: Built and Cultural Heritage; Chapter 12: Natural Heritage and Environment and Chapter 13: Green Infrastructure); k) The cumulative Impact of proposal development on protected bird and mammal species; l) Decommissioning of obsolete infrastructure and after-use. m) The length and duration of renewable energy projects planning permissions and the life of the project shall be considered on a case-by-case basis and subject to agreement of the Planning Authority. Ensure that proposals for the development of wind farms are not located within areas identified as being within Flood zones A or B as per the Planning System and Flood Risk Management Guidelines 2009 for Planning Authorities (or any updated guidelines). Ensure that proposals for the development of solar farms located within areas identified as being within Flood zones A or B are subject to a Site-Specific Flood Risk Assessment as per the Planning System and Flood Risk Management Guidelines 2009 for Planning Authorities (or any updated guidelines).Longford County Council 454

5. Page 475

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   16.4.17 Telecommunications and Broadband High quality communications and information technology networks are critical for the continued implementation of the Economic Strategy. Refer to Chapter 5: Transport, Infrastructure, Energy and Communications for relevant policies. DMS 16.186 Development Management Standards – Overhead Power Lines The Council in assessing development proposals will consider the following criteria: In determining applications proximate to overhead power lines, the Planning Authority will have regard to the clearance distances as recommended by the Electricity Supply Board (ESB): a) For development in proximity to a 10kv or a 38kv overhead line, no specific clearance is required by the ESB. b) For development in proximity to a 110kv overhead line, a clearance distance of 20 metres either side of the centre line or 23 metres around a pylon is recommended. c) For development in proximity to a 220kv overhead line, a clearance distance of 30 metres either side of the centre line or around a pylon is required. DMS 16.183 DMS 16.184 DMS 16.185 Development Management Standards – Telecommunications The Council in assessing development proposals will consider the following criteria: Require compliance with the requirements of the “Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structures – Guidelines for Planning Authorities” July 1996, except where they conflict with Circular Letter PL 07/12 which shall take precedence, and any subsequent revisions or expanded guidelines in this area. All proposed applications to address the following: a) To encourage the location of telecommunications structures at appropriate locations within the County, subject to environmental considerations, providing open access networks in all developments. b) To require the co-location of antennae on existing support structures and where this is not feasible require documentary evidence as to the non-availability of this option in proposals for new structures. c) To avoid the location of structures in sensitive landscapes, in nature conservation areas, in highly sensitive landscapes and where views are to be preserved (see Chapter 11: Built and Cultural Heritage, Chapter 12: Natural Heritage and Environment and Chapter 13: Green Infrastructure). d) Within the life of a planning permission, opportunities to modify and improve existing structures shall be taken into consideration. In the event of obsolescence, the antennae and their support structure shall be demolished / removed, and the site reinstated at the operator’s expense. This will be a condition of planning permission. Discourage the use of wires or other devices affixed to the facade of buildings in town and village centres and to secure the underground and ducting of wires in future developments. 16.4.18 Applications Proximate to Overhead Power LinesCounty Development Plan 2021–2027 455

6. Page 476

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   16.4.19 Tourism and Recreation The Council is keen to promote and encourage sustainable forms of tourism, niche tourism and recreation in the countryside, in appropriate locations; and recognises that certain facilities may be required in order to enhance, grow and develop the tourism product and offer. Development management issues that should be considered include: ■ Adherence to Landscape Protection Development Policies. ■ Sympathetic relation to the scale and level of activity in the locality. ■ Avoidance of traffic hazard. ■ Protection of groundwater sources. ■ Protection of residential amenities. ■ Cognisance of environmental, archaeological and historical considerations referred to in Chapter 11: Built and Cultural Heritage and Chapter 12: Natural Heritage and Environment. DMS 16.187 DMS 16.188 DMS 16.189 Development Management Standards – Tourism and Recreation The Council in assessing development proposals will consider the following criteria: Require a detailed statement confirming the following to be submitted for all pre-planning and to be submitted with any planning application which indicates the following: ■ The need for the development and the facility to be provided. ■ Justification for the proposed site location. ■ Details on accessibility, including pedestrian, cycle and public transport provisions and linkages to the proposed development. ■ Provision of adequate, secure, covered cycle facilities. ■ Adequate and safe set-down and collection areas to facilitate peak traffic movements and adequate car parking for staff. ■ Adequate and appropriate signage, lighting and boundary treatments. In terms of sustainable forms of niche tourism and recreation, facilities should be located within existing structures, or in buildings of character requiring renovation or in traditional farmhouses, where possible. Where new buildings are proposed, they should be modest in scale, sensitively located and designed having regard to existing buildings, topography and landscaped and be adequately serviced and suitably managed.Longford County Council 456

7. Page 477

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   16.4.20 Built and Cultural Heritage 16.4.20.1 Protected Structures No works which would affect the character of the structure, or any element of it, which contributes to its special architectural heritage interest may be carried out to a Protected Structure without planning permission. In assessing proposals for development affecting Protected Structures, the following normally constitute development which is not exempt from the requirement for a formal planning application: ■ Works, both to the exterior and interior, which materially affect the character of a protected structure or any element of the structure which contributes to its special interest and which might be regarded normally as minor alterations to buildings may not necessarily be regarded as such in the case of Protected Structures. DMS 16.190 Development Management Standards – Protected Structures The Council in assessing development proposals will consider the following criteria: When making a planning application for permission to restore, refurbish, demolish, develop or change of use of Protected Structures and other buildings of significant heritage interest, the Planning Authority requires that the following information should be submitted with each application: 1. An Architectural Assessment Report as per the Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines 2004; 2. A comprehensive schedule of proposed work as per the above guidelines to include the following: a) Outline the significance of the building. b) A detailed survey of the building, including a comprehensive photographic survey. c) Detail the proposed works it is intended to carry out. d) Contain a full assessment on the materials and method proposed to carry out these works, their impact on the character of the structure; and, the reversibility of the proposed works. ■ Window replacement and fenestration changes. ■ Wholesale plastering/pointing/painting or painting of previously unpainted elements. ■ Modifications of brickwork and stonework. ■ The removal/alteration of architectural detailing including joinery and decorative plasterwork. Inappropriate interior works including the removal of walls, the creation of openings and partitioning of rooms. ■ Works to roofs and railings involving the removal of original materials and replacement with inappropriate materials.County Development Plan 2021–2027 457

8. Page 478

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   16.4.20.2 Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs) The overall guiding principle is to protect and positively enhance the unique qualities that make a place special because of its particular character. The requirements for planning application documentation for development within Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs) and for their subsequent assessment is set out in the Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines (DOEHLG, 2004). DMS 16.191 DMS 16.192 DMS 16.193 DMS 16.194 Development Management Standards – Architectural Conservation Areas The Council in assessing development proposals will consider the following criteria: In the assessment of applications for development within an Architectural Conservation Area, account shall be taken of the Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2004) (DAHG). Development works within an ACA, that involves a new building, reuse or change of use and extensions will generally be required to: a) Conserve and enhance the character and appearance of the ACA; b) Respect the scale, massing, proportions, design and materials of existing structures; c) Retain important exterior architectural features that contribute to the character and appearance of the ACA. Demolition works within an ACA will generally not be permitted unless the Council is satisfied that the structure, or building does not contribute positively to the character, or appearance of the ACA, or the building /structure is beyond viable renewal. The Council will only normally permit development proposals in an ACA where the following criteria are met: a) The development preserves and enhances the character of the area. b) The development is in sympathy with the built form of the area. c) The form, scale, materials and detailing of the development respects the characteristics of the area. d) Where appropriate, views of importance, including within, into and out of the area are preserved. e) Landscape features of significance, including important strands of trees and hedgerows that contribute to the character of the area are protected. f) The development shall not result in any environmental problems such as noise or nuisance which would be detrimental to the particular character of the area.Longford County Council 458

9. Page 479

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   DMS 16.195 DMS 16.196 DMS 16.197 DMS 16.198 DMS 16.199 DMS 16.200 Development Management Standards – Archaeology The Council in assessing development proposals will consider the following criteria: In general, development within a 20m radius of a recorded monument will not be permitted; and proposed development within a 75 metres radius discouraged (subject to other policies contained within this Plan). In terms of development proposed within designated Zones of Archaeological Potential and in sites on or abutting Monuments identified by the Sites and Monuments Record, the Council will refer such applications to the National Monuments Service of the Department of the Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (DAHG), to ascertain their requirements and consider their response to same. A preliminary archaeological investigation by a licensed archaeologist will normally be required where a proposed development would result in significant ground disturbance within a Zone of Archaeological Potential. A comprehensive archaeological report from a licensed archaeologist will normally be required to be submitted to the Council and to the National Monuments Service of the DAHG, for their assessment, prior to the commencement of any development on site, or where considered appropriate prior to the decision by the Council on a planning application. Where a proposed development would result in significant ground disturbance leading to potentially significant archaeological implications in a Zone of Archaeological Potential or in sites on or abutting Monuments identified by the Sites and Monuments Record, it will be a requirement that a licensed archaeologist be retained on site to monitor all site works, and in appropriate circumstances the preservation of all or part of any archaeological material so discovered will be required. The Council in assessing development proposals will consider the following criteria: where conditions are imposed for the protection or preservation of the archaeological heritage, the costs of implementing these shall be borne by the developer. 16.4.20.3 Archaeology The importance of the preservation in-situ of all archaeological remains is recognised by the Council. It is also recognised that in exceptional circumstances, preservation by record may be required. In the assessment of any application for development which is sited within the designated Zone of Archaeological Potential and/ or on sites on or abutting monuments identified by the Sites and Monuments Record, and any development that may affect archaeological remains due to ground and sub-surface works and disturbance, the following considerations will be taken into account:County Development Plan 2021–2027 459

10. Page 480

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    16.4.21 Natural Heritage Protection 16.4.22 Landscape Character DMS 16.201 DMS 16.202 DMS 16.203 Development Management Standards – Natural Heritage Protection The Council in assessing development proposals will consider the following criteria: Permit development on or adjacent to designated Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas, Natural Heritage Areas, Statutory Nature Reserves or those proposed to be designated over the period of the Plan, only where an appropriate level of assessment can clearly demonstrate that it will have no significant adverse effect on the integrity of the site. Require all development proposals to address the presence or absence of invasive alien species on proposed development sites and (if necessary) the submission of an Invasive Species Management Plan where such a species exists to comply with the provisions of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011-2015. Ensure that proposals for development do not lead to the spread or introduction of invasive species. If developments are proposed on sites where invasive species are or were previously present, the applicant will be required to submit a control and management program for the particular invasive species as part of the planning process and to comply with the provisions of the European Communities Birds and Habitats Regulations 2011 (S.I. 477/2011). DMS 16.204 Development Management Standards – Landscape Character The Council in assessing development proposals will consider the following criteria: 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. Royal Canal Clondra Canal HarbourLongford County Council 460

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.