Louth County Development Plan 2021–2027

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   Chapter 3 - Housing Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 3-5 Policy Objective HOU 6 To monitor and maintain a record of residential development permitted in settlements designated under the settlement hierarchy and development permitted in rural nodes and the open countryside for compliance with the objectives of the Core Strategy and in accordance with any Departmental guidance published around the establishment of a HNDA coordination and monitoring unit and related implementation of a centralised spatial database for Local Authority Housing. Policy Objective HOU 7 To support the ongoing monitoring and review of the HNDA in accordance with any guidance on HNDA methodology issued by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. 3.5 VACANT SITE LEVY As part of the government strategy to incentivise the use and development of vacant and under-utilised lands as a means of supporting economic development in urban areas, a Vacant Site Levy was introduced. The legislation for this levy is set out in the Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015. The intention of the Vacant Site Levy is to function as a site activation tool that incentivises the development of vacant or idle sites that will allow the Council to engage in a strategy of active land management. This Levy will assist in the implementation of the Development Plan strategy of supporting compact growth, the regeneration of under-utilised lands in urban areas and meeting the housing needs of the County. The levy is applicable to residential and regeneration lands, which are defined as follows: • Residential lands means lands zoned for use solely or primarily for residential purposes in accordance with Section 10(2)(a) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended); and • Regeneration land means lands identified for renewal or regeneration in accordance with Section 10(2)(h) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). 3.5.1 Lands Identified for Residential Use The following land use zonings are applicable to the residential category of the Vacant Site Levy: • A1 Existing Residential; • A2 New Residential Phase 1; • B1 Town or Village Centre; and • C1 Mixed Use. 3.5.2 Lands Identified for Regeneration The lands identified with a ‘D1 Regeneration’ zoning objective are applicable to the regeneration category of the vacant site levy.

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   Chapter 3 - Housing Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 3-6 3.5.3 Implementation of the Vacant Site Levy As part of the active land management strategy for the County, the Council will establish a Vacant Site Register, by identifying sites which are vacant and meet the requirements of the Urban Regeneration and Housing Act (as amended). This Register will be monitored and reviewed by the Council on a regular basis. Section 16 of the Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015 (as amended) sets out the levy due, which is equal to 7% of the market value of the site for 2019 and subsequent years (unless otherwise revised). Policy Objective HOU 8 To promote the sustainable development of vacant residential and regeneration sites in all development centres in the County, as appropriate, in accordance with the requirements of the Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015 (as amended). Policy Objective HOU 9 To promote through active land management, the sustainable development of vacant and under-utilised lands throughout the Plan area. 3.5.4 Regeneration Areas In recognition of the need to promote and facilitate compact growth and the consolidation of development in urban areas, this Plan has identified lands on which regeneration proposals will be supported. Such regeneration projects will assist in the creation of more sustainable neighbourhoods and communities through enhancements to the public realm and built environment which will make the areas more attractive for economic investment. These regeneration areas are set out in Table 3.1. Policy Objective HOU 10 To support and facilitate investment in areas and lands in the County identified for regeneration including those as set out on the Land Use Zoning Maps and to collaborate with landowners and stakeholders in the development of these lands. Table 3.1: Lands/Areas identified for Regeneration in Louth Settlement General Location Overview Drogheda Docklands Area An extensive area of lands to the north and south of the River Boyne with potential for a new urban quarter. Drogheda Docklands Area Plan was published in 2007. Drogheda Westgate Area An area to the west of the town centre characterised by a high level of underutilised buildings and vacant lands with potential for a mixed use development including commercial and residential uses. The Westgate Vision was published in 2018.

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   Chapter 3 - Housing Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 3-7 Settlement General Location Overview Drogheda Former Quarry A former quarry located in the northern part of the town with potential for tourism, recreation and residential uses. Dundalk Carroll Village The land includes the former Carroll Village Shopping Centre and a large surface car park with a total area of 2 hectares. The site is suitable for a mixed use development including commercial, retail and residential uses. Dundalk Longwalk Shopping Centre The existing Longwalk Shopping Centre is located immediately south of the former Carroll Village Shopping Centre. The shopping centre has declined significantly in recent years. Tesco remains the anchor tenant within the centre. The former Toymaster building to the north-east of the centre is included within this regeneration area. There is a potential for this area to be redeveloped for retail and associated mixed uses. Dundalk St. Nicholas Quarter This area of the town has experienced high levels of vacancy, ad-hoc development and dereliction. The area has the potential to be rejuvenated and developed as an urban quarter along Bridge Street, Northgate Street, and Linenhall Street. Ardee Former Bakery Site This site is the former Ardee Bakery and is located on the eastern side of Castle Street. The building is a Protected Structure of notable design with significant development potential for a range of uses. 3.6 SUSTAINABLE NEIGHBOURHOODS AND COMMUNITIES The way we experience our towns and villages is through local neighbourhoods – where we live, work, spend our free time and socialise. It is within these neighbourhoods that communities develop. As we strive to create more compact settlements and facilitate population growth in a consolidated urban environment, it is critical that such growth provides for the creation of sustainable, healthier neighbourhoods and communities. This can be achieved by: • Connecting residential, employment, commercial and recreational areas with footpaths, cycle paths and public transport; • Promoting wellbeing and an active lifestyle in the local community; • Engagement with the local community and promoting sustainable practices such as energy and water conservation and waste reduction; • Promoting social integration that supports the creation of mixed tenure communities where there is an appropriate mix of housing to meet the needs of the entire community; and

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   Chapter 3 - Housing Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 3-8 • Creating safe, accessible neighbourhoods that encourage more social interaction and outdoor activities. This Plan seeks to support the continued development of sustainable neighbourhoods and communities throughout the County. It will facilitate employment creation and economic investment in locations that would reduce journey times to work. It will promote healthy living by encouraging compact growth and the development of infill and brownfield sites in preference to edge of centre greenfield locations, and promote quality residential developments with a suitable mix of housing in proximity to local services and community and recreational facilities. Policy Objective HOU 11 To continue to support the creation of sustainable communities throughout the County for people across all the life stages by facilitating the creation of attractive neighbourhoods where there are strong links and connections to local services, community facilities and employment areas and where walking, cycling, and public transport is prioritised. 3.7 TOWN CENTRE LIVING The traditional role of the town centre was to meet the retail needs of the local community. Changing consumer habits, continued competition from out of town shopping and the increasing presence of online retailing is resulting in town centres facing unprecedented challenges, resulting in a decrease in footfall and an increase in vacancy. Taking account of the changing retail environment, a new approach is required to assist in revitalising town centres. This Plan will support a multi-dimensional approach to re-energising and returning the vibrancy to town centres. This includes support for different business uses that will allow town centres to become multi-functional destinations providing services, leisure, cultural, civic and residential uses. Part of this multi-dimensional strategy is to bring people back to the town centre by facilitating town centre living. This will include the re-use or adaptation of vacant and under-utilised buildings. Residential development may be considered at ground floor level in certain circumstances, or locations where there has been a sustained level of vacancy over a prolonged period. This will normally be on lands outside the Core Retail Area of town centres. The provision of such accommodation will only be facilitated in circumstances where it is demonstrated that the development would complement the role of the town centre as a ‘destination’ for commercial, social or cultural activities. Policy Objective HOU 12 To encourage and support a range of appropriate uses in town and village centres that will assist in the regeneration of vacant and under-utilised buildings and land and will re-energise the town and village centres, subject to a high standard of development being achieved.

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   Chapter 3 - Housing Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 3-9 3.8 HOUSING FOR OLDER PERSONS With people living longer and the proportion of older persons in the population projected to increase, it is important that there is a suitable choice of accommodation for older persons that will allow them to live independently for longer and remain part of the community. The Council has been proactive in its support for older persons and has published ‘The Louth Age Friendly Strategy’, which seeks to strengthen the wellbeing of older persons within their communities. At a national level the Government recognises the evolving needs of older persons, who should be encouraged and supported to live independently for as long as possible. The Policy Statement ‘Housing Options for Our Ageing Population’ published by the Government in 2020 identifies the need to plan ahead to meet the needs of an ageing population. This Policy Statement has identified 6 principles for Housing for our Ageing population as follows: Ageing in Place: Housing should be located close to amenities and services to enhance independence; Supporting Urban Renewal: The provision of quality urban centres with a choice of housing tenures will support ageing in place and will allow older persons to choose housing options appropriate to their needs; Promoting Sustainable Lifetime Housing: Accommodation should be adaptable and accessible to meet the changing housing and health requirements of people as they get older; Using Assistive Technology: Accommodation should be designed to facilitate the installation of smart technology to facilitate assistive technologies such as TeleCare, TeleHealth, and Remote Monitoring, in order to provide a sense of security and connectivity for older persons living alone; Staying Socially Connected: Accommodation should be located in areas where social supports are available, and where there are opportunities to integrate and connect with the local community; and Working Together: It is essential that all stakeholders work together to develop appropriate housing options and choice for people as they age. This Plan will support the implementation of these principles in order to ensure housing for older persons is appropriately located to allow people to retain their independence and remain part of the community as they get older. As part of the strategy of consolidation and compact growth, there will be opportunities for the redevelopment of infill and brownfield land in central areas of towns and villages. Such lands may be suitable for accommodation for older persons In larger developments, consideration should be given to providing single storey units. This would give older persons living in larger houses the choice to ‘rightsize’ if they desire. Further details on housing options for older persons are set out in Chapter 4 ‘Social and Community’.

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   Chapter 3 - Housing Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 3-10 Policy Objective HOU 13 To support the implementation of the Policy Statement ‘Housing Options for Our Ageing Population’ and the provision of independent and/or assisted living for older persons such as purpose built accommodation, the adaptation of existing properties, and opportunities for older persons to avail of ‘rightsizing’ within their community at locations that are proximate to existing services and amenities including pedestrian paths, local shops, parks and public transport. 3.9 SPECIALIST HOUSING The provision of appropriate housing for people with disabilities or mental health issues, including specialist and supported housing, is crucial to helping them live safe and independent lives. Location is key when considering housing for people with disabilities. Access to public transport, local community services and facilities are significant factors in improving quality of life. In terms of housing design, compliance with Part M of the Building Regulations expands options available to people with a disability. The Council will support development which will provide respite and/or residential care at appropriate locations in the County, which should be designed and constructed in accordance with the principles of universal design. In all cases, development must be in accordance with the principles of universal design and the National Disability Authority’s ‘Building for Everyone: A Universal Approach’ (2012) publication and shall have regard to the Government’s ‘National Disability Strategy’ (2004) and ‘National Disability Strategy Implementation Plan 2013-2015’. In 2016 the Council published a strategy for Housing Persons with a Disability. This Strategy seeks to facilitate access for people with disabilities to the appropriate range of housing and support services and to deliver this housing in the mainstream housing environment. Policy Objective HOU 14 To support the provision of independent and/or assisted living for people with disabilities or mental health issues such as purpose built accommodation or the adaptation of existing properties. 3.10 TRAVELLER ACCOMMODATION The Louth County Council Traveller Accommodation Programme 2019-2024 sets out the Council’s policy in relation to Traveller Accommodation. There are a full range of housing options available in the provision of accommodation for Traveller’s including; standard social housing, traveller halting site accommodation, private house ownership and private rented accommodation, with the support of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP). The Programme includes proposals to carry out refurbishments and energy upgrades to existing traveller group housing schemes in Drogheda and Dundalk. It is also proposed to progress four group housing schemes in Dundalk during the life of the Programme.

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   Chapter 3 - Housing Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 3-11 With regard to halting sites there was a major refurbishment to the Woodland Park halting site in Dundalk. It is envisaged that the need for halting site accommodation will be met through reletting of the existing bays. The requirement for a halting site in Drogheda will be reviewed during the life of the Programme. Policy Objective HOU 15 To secure the implementation of the Louth County Council Traveller Accommodation Programme 2019-2024 and any subsequent programme prepared during the life of this Plan. 3.11 DENSITIES As part of the strategy of securing more compact growth and consolidating development in central locations there will be a greater focus on delivering developments at a higher density. Such an approach would make more effective use of land, would increase the critical mass of population in the urban core of settlements and maximise the return on infrastructure investment. Depending on the built form of a development, different densities can be achieved. This can include apartment developments in courtyards or single/multiple blocks, terraces consisting of standard housing or apartments and duplex units and detached and semidetached units. When identifying the potential density of a site, consideration must be given to the surrounding context and how the development would relate to the existing built form and character of its location. One of the key elements of making a high density development an attractive place to live, is in the quality of the internal design such as the amount of daylight the accommodation receives and the external space on which the building(s) is located i.e. the quality of the public realm. The quality of the open space is also a critical aspect. The densities in this Plan are informed by national and regional policy and the Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements Guidelines for Planning Authorities (DHLGH, 2024), which requires higher density developments in centrally located areas, large urban areas and along public transport corridors. These Guidelines provide a tiered approach for the delivery of sustainable and compact densities. Utilising dwellings per hectare is the primary measure for residential density. Other factors recommended for consideration in the Guidelines include accessibility to public transport as well as potential impacts on local character, amenity and the natural environment. The primary considerations will be the quality of the residential environment that will be created. The recommended density of residential developments in the County is detailed in Table 3.2. In the Self-Sustaining Towns and Small Towns and Villages, the density of development will be reflective of the character of the settlement and the existing pattern of development in the area. Whilst all developments should strive to achieve the recommended densities, it is acknowledged that there will be cases where there are specific constraints (such as topography) that will restrict the scale of development that can be delivered. In such cases a lower density than that prescribed may be considered acceptable.

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   Chapter 3 - Housing Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 3-12 Table 3.2: Recommended Densities in Higher Tier Settlements Settlement Category Recommended Minimum Density per Hectare Town Centre Edge of Settlement Regional Growth Centres Dundalk and Drogheda 50 35 Self-Sustaining Growth Town Ardee and Dunleer 35 25 Policy Objective HOU 16 To promote development that facilitates a higher, sustainable density that supports compact growth and the consolidation of urban areas, which will be appropriate to the local context and enhance the local environment in which it is located. 3.12 BUILDINGS OF HEIGHT In the right location higher buildings can raise the profile of an area, signal change, support regeneration and create local employment opportunities. National and Regional policy supports compact growth and consolidating and strengthening the existing built up areas of settlements. It is envisaged that this will be achieved by increasing the building height and density of residential development in urban settlements. The traditional height of buildings in Louth consists of low rise buildings. In the town centre areas of Drogheda and Dundalk buildings are generally 2-3 storeys high. However, in recent years, a number of taller buildings have been developed for commercial and residential uses. This Plan will support increased building heights particularly in Drogheda and Dundalk, signifying their importance as regional growth centres. When identifying a potential location for higher buildings the following principles and criteria shall be taken into account: Location: Higher buildings will normally be located in central areas of towns close to public transport, in strategic locations at the entrance to towns or on strategic lands on the approach road to the town centre. The local area shall have the social and physical infrastructure to accommodate the increased levels of activity. Strengthened Legibility: Higher buildings shall be a positive landmark in the streetscape and shall respect and respond to the character of the area. Strengthen the Sense of Place: Higher buildings have an important role in shaping the perceptions of an area. If they are poorly designed or located in the wrong area they can create a negative image for an area. Promote Quality Design: Higher buildings must make a positive and lasting contribution to their location. Protect and Enhance the Existing Streetscape and Heritage: It is important that higher buildings do not disrupt or negatively impact on the historic areas of towns or intrude on important views. They should only be located in places that would enhance the character of an area.

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   Chapter 3 - Housing Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 3-13 Policy Objective HOU 17 To support increased building heights in appropriate locations in the Regional Growth Centres of Drogheda and Dundalk. 3.13 PRINCIPLES FOR QUALITY DESIGN AND LAYOUT A well-designed development can add value to the local environment by creating a sense of wellbeing and community, improving the quality of the built environment and promoting active and healthy lifestyles. There are various guidelines that have been published which provide a policy foundation for the design of residential developments and neighbourhoods. These include: • The policy statement Delivering Homes Sustaining Communities and associated guidelines Quality Housing for Sustainable Communities (published in 2007) and • Urban Development and Building Height Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2018; • Sustainable Urban Housing Design Standards for New Apartment Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2023; and • Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2024 and any associated Design Manual. A full list of the guidance documents relating to residential developments is available in Section 13.8 ‘Housing in Urban Areas’ of the Development Management Guidelines in Chapter 13. 3.13.1 Placemaking Placemaking is a design approach that can add value to a development. This takes account of the location, character, topography, history and any other issues that have shaped the area in which a development is located. It is a broad concept that brings together a range of interrelated disciplines including planning, architecture, landscape architecture, engineering and infrastructure, ecology, economics and social work. The RSES sets out a series of Guiding Principles for ‘Healthy Placemaking’ which includes multi-functional open spaces, connectivity between schools, workplaces, and residential areas, and giving priority to walking, cycling and accessibility. This Plan will seek to implement these Guiding Principles, which are set out in further detail in Section 9.4 of the RSES. Some of the key principles of placemaking include the creation of neighbourhoods where people can fulfil their daily needs and feel safe. The most successful neighbourhoods are well-connected, multifunctional and tend to have a wide variety of things to do in them. They have attractive streets and spaces that are safe, secure and easy to navigate. These principles assist in creating a sense of community and identity and make places more attractive to live, due to the vibrancy and quality of life associated with such places and neighbourhoods.

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    Chapter 3 - Housing Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 3-14 Policy Objective HOU 18 To promote and facilitate the sustainable development of a high quality built environment where there is a distinctive sense of place in attractive streets, spaces, and neighbourhoods that are accessible and safe places for all members of the community to meet and socialise. 3.14 CREATING A WELL DESIGNED PLACE In achieving a well-designed place there are a range of factors that need to be considered, including: i. Layout: The layout of a development sets out its arrangement, the distribution of uses, and how the buildings, streets and open spaces connect to one another. The layout should be functional and be designed to promote social interaction where people are encouraged to walk, cycle and utilise areas of open space. This can be achieved by creating an active frontage where buildings front onto streets and open spaces and by positioning open spaces in accessible and centrally located areas. In larger developments, a well-designed layout should be able to accommodate a range of uses including residential, community, educational, commercial and employment related uses. In such a mixed use scheme, the layout should ensure that the location of the various land uses would minimise the requirement to travel by car, whilst also protecting the amenity of residential neighbourhoods and creating a safe and secure environment where children can play and neighbours can interact. The limited use of vehicular cul-de-sacs may be considered in residential developments where there is a particular concern regarding through traffic or challenges in creating an inclusive, safe, and secure living environment. This will only be considered where their use would not dominate such layouts. On larger and/or irregular blocks short cul-de-sacs may also be used for midblock penetration to serve a small number of dwellings and to enable more compact /efficient forms of development. ii. Form, Scale and Mass: The form of a building refers to its three-dimensional shape, which is dependent on its size, height and bulk/volume. The mass of a building combines with its shape and bulk and refers to the actual size of a building, or its size relative to its local context. It is directly related to the visual impact of a building. The scale of a building refers to its height, width and length in relation to its surroundings. It can relate to the size of a building in the context of its surrounding area or the relationship between different parts of a building, which are known as its proportions. The scale of a building can affect how the space around it can be used and experienced. iii. Visual Appearance: The appearance of a building refers to its design aspects which determine the visual impact it has both in isolation and in the surrounding environment. This includes the style of the building, and its scale, proportions and finishes.

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