Development plan · Louth County Council
Louth County Development Plan 2021–2027
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards.
Louth County Council · 2021–2027 · 548 pages
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- Chapter 3 - Housing Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 3-15 iv. Hard and Soft Landscaping: Hard landscaping includes surfacing, boundary treatments, street furniture and play equipment while soft landscaping includes trees, shrubs, grassed areas and other planting. These are important features in determining how a building or development integrates with the surrounding environment. v. Finishes: The finishes to a building or space can affect the overall design quality of a development and can influence the relationship between the building or space and what is around it. The finishes should be appropriate for the location, be durable and attractive, and facilitate the integration of the building or development into the local landscape. vi. 10-minute Neighbourhood: Promote the 10-minute neighbourhood concept which is centred on the premise that people should be able to meet most of their needs within a short walking or cycling distance to their homes. This concept is an example of integrated land use and transportation planning and, if successfully implemented, would assist in the creation of a sustainable community and reduce dependence on the private car. It is closely aligned with the creation of a compact settlement. Policy Objective HOU 19 To develop sustainable and successful neighbourhoods through the consolidation and redevelopment of built-up areas and promote new compact mixed-use urban and rural villages served by public transport and green infrastructure. Policy Objective HOU 20 To enhance and develop the fabric of existing urban and rural settlements in accordance with the principles of good urban design including the promotion of high quality well-designed visually attractive main entries into our towns and villages. Policy Objective HOU 21 To require a design led approach to be taken to sustainable residential development in accordance with the Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlement Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2024) and any associated Design Manual, to ensure the creation of quality, attractive, and well connected residential areas and neighbourhoods. Policy Objective HOU 22 To ensure that new residential developments are consistent, in so far as practicable, with the ‘Guidelines on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas’ in creating attractive, sustainable, climate resilient and healthy communities.
- Chapter 3 - Housing Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 3-16 Policy Objective HOU 23 To require residential developments to prioritise and facilitate walking, cycling, and public transport and to include provision for links and connections to existing facilities and public transport nodes in the wider neighbourhood. Policy Objective HOU 24 To require the layout of residential developments to take account of the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (2019) in the provision of pedestrian and cycling infrastructure and crossing points and the design of estate roads and junctions. Policy Objective HOU 25 To require the provision of high quality areas of public open space in new residential developments that are functional spaces, centrally located, and passively overlooked. Policy Objective HOU 26 All new residential and single house developments shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the Development Management Guidelines set out in Chapter 13 of this Plan. Policy Objective HOU 27 To promote the concept of a ‘10-minute neighbourhood’, where high quality housing and well-designed, safe and inclusive public spaces served by local services, amenities and sustainable modes of transport are available. 3.15 DWELLING MIX AND ADAPTABLE HOMES It is important for new residential areas to include an appropriate mix of house types to meet the needs of all tenures and age groups including families, persons living alone and older persons. This will provide choice for people and will support the creation of a balanced, sustainable community. The provision of a range of housing types and sizes in the County will become more important, as trends show a decline in family housing and an increase in older and single person households. New homes should be designed so that they are adaptable and can be altered to meet the needs of residents through different stages of life. The application of the ‘Universal Design’ concept at the design and construction stage of a development can be a cost effective way of future proofing a home and incorporating sustainable designs and smart technologies that will allow people to live independently for longer. In larger housing developments of 100 residential units or more provisions shall be made for single storey properties to broaden the choice of accommodation available.
- Chapter 3 - Housing Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 3-17 Policy Objective HOU 28 To require the provision of an appropriate mix of house types and sizes in residential developments throughout the County that would meet the needs of the population and support the creation of balanced and inclusive communities. Policy Objective HOU 29 To require the provision of single storey properties in residential developments in excess of 100 units at a rate of at least 1% single storey units per 100 residential units unless it can be demonstrated by evidence based research carried out by an appropriately qualified professional that there is no demand for this type of accommodation. Policy Objective HOU 30 To encourage innovation in design that delivers buildings of a high quality that positively contribute to the built environment and local streetscape. Policy Objective HOU 31 To seek that all new residential developments in excess of 20 residential units provide for a minimum of 30% universally designed units in accordance with the requirements of ‘Building for Everyone: A Universal Design Approach’ published by the Centre for Excellence in Universal Design. Policy Objective HOU 32 To encourage building design and layout that maximises daylight and natural ventilation and incorporates energy efficiency and conservation measures that will improve the environmental performance of buildings in line with best practice. Policy Objective HOU 33 To actively support proposals that encourage town centre living such as converting upper floors of buildings (above ground floor) into residential use in order to revitalise the social and physical fabric of urban centres in the County and to facilitate a relaxation of development standards for such projects subject to the provision of good quality accommodation. 3.16 OTHER RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN URBAN AREAS 3.16.1 Infill, Corner and Backland Sites The development of underutilised infill, corner and backland sites in existing residential areas is generally encouraged. A balance is needed, between the protection of amenities, privacy, the established character of the area and new residential infill. The use of contemporary and innovative design solutions will be considered for this type of development.
- Chapter 3 - Housing Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 3-18 Policy Objective HOU 34 To encourage and promote the development of underutilised infill, corner and backland sites in existing urban areas subject to the character of the area and environment being protected. Policy Objective HOU 35 To promote the use of contemporary and innovative design solutions subject to the design respecting the character and architectural heritage of the area. 3.16.2 Extensions to Dwellings The need for people to extend and renovate their dwellings is recognised and acknowledged. Extensions of appropriate scale will be considered favourably where they do not have a negative impact on adjoining properties or on the nature of the surrounding area. 3.16.3 Student Accommodation Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) is the most significant third level institution in County Louth. Drogheda Institute of Further Education (DIFE) located in Moneymore also provides many training courses and programmes. The Lourdes Hospital is also a major training hospital in close proximity to DIFE. In considering planning applications for student accommodation the Council will have regard to the ‘Guidelines on Residential Developments for 3rd Level Students’ updated in 2020 (particularly in relation to location and design). 3.17 HOUSING IN THE OPEN COUNTRYSIDE The open countryside in Louth is a valuable resource to the County and wider Region. The scenic landscape and the local amenities are an important source of enjoyment and the farmland produces high quality agricultural produce. The quality of life associated with rural living means there is a high demand for housing in the open countryside. This is presenting challenges for the long term sustainability of rural areas as the landscape is being gradually eroded and farmland is slowly being depleted. Policy Objective HOU 36 To encourage sensitively designed extensions to existing dwellings which do not negatively impact on the environment, residential amenities, surrounding properties, or the local streetscape and are climate resilient. Policy Objective HOU 37 To support the provision of accommodation for third level students on the campus of third level institutions or at other appropriate locations with access to high quality cycling and walking linkages and public transport that are proximate to centres of third level education.
- Chapter 3 - Housing Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 3-19 This Plan recognises the importance of rural life and the rural economy to the County and will strive to support the continued growth and development of rural areas. It is important that a balance is achieved that will allow the countryside to be preserved for future generations whilst also facilitating the growth of the rural economy and rural communities. 3.17.1 Rural Housing and Climate Change In achieving a balance of supporting rural communities and protecting the countryside, consideration must be given to the impact of the pattern of development associated with one off housing on the climate and environment. The sporadic nature of one off housing results in an over-dependence on the car, with limited opportunities for people to walk or cycle due to the distance between homes and school, work or local services. The proliferation of individual septic tanks and waste water treatment systems is also impacting on soil and water quality. As we strive to mitigate against the impacts of climate change, it is important that future development patterns reduce our carbon footprint, protects our environment and promotes more sustainable ways of living. 3.17.2 Policy Context The policy for single housing in the countryside in this Plan has been guided by national and regional policy, a summary of which is set out as follows: The National Planning Framework (NPF) acknowledges the contribution of rural areas to the economic, social and cultural development of the country. It seeks to strengthen rural communities, improve connectivity and address decline by focusing on the potential for the renewal and development of smaller towns and villages. The document identifies a link between the spatial imbalance created by one off housing and the impact this has had on the decline of smaller settlements and the level of services available. There is therefore a strong emphasis on revitalising towns and villages and focusing local housing and employment growth in these locations.
- Chapter 3 - Housing Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 3-20 The NPF developed an evidence based approach to the identification of rural areas under pressure for development, by including a definition of the functional urban area or commuter catchment around a city or large town1. Any rural areas located within the commuter catchment of a city or large town are considered to be areas under urban influence. Applications for one off rural dwellings in these locations are to be considered with regard to an economic or social need to live in the rural area, siting and design criteria and the viability of smaller towns and rural settlements2. Regional Spatial Economic Strategy (RSES) for the Eastern and Midland Region 2019-2031 recognises that in planning for rural areas, a balance is required between managing urban generated demand and supporting the sustainable growth of rural communities and economies. The Strategy highlights the significant levels of growth experienced in rural areas close to large urban settlements and the need to manage the level of growth in these locations. There is an acknowledgement that support for housing and population growth within rural towns and villages would provide a viable alternative to oneoff rural housing. This is confirmed in the policy objective supporting the development of a ‘New Homes in Small Towns and Villages’ initiative in Development Plans included in the Strategy3. Sustainable Rural Housing, Guidelines for Planning Authorities, published in 2005, advocate that Planning Authorities should take an analytical and plan led approach to enable Development Plans to respond to the challenges facing rural areas. They require the needs of rural communities to be identified in the development plan process and that residential development is accommodated at appropriate locations necessary to sustain rural communities. The Guidelines require the Council to identify the different types of rural areas within the County, depending on the pressure the area is under for development. There is also an emphasis on ensuring the planning system guides development to the right locations thereby protecting natural habitats such as environmentally sensitive areas and important scenic landscapes. In 2017, the DECLG issued a Circular Letter PL 2/2017 indicating that the Guidelines are currently being reviewed to take account of the ‘Flemish Decree Case’ by the European Court of Justice and the updated policy approach to rural development set out in the National Planning Framework. At the time of writing the updated guidelines had not been published. 3.17.3 Identifying Rural Area Types As part of the information gathering and evidence base on which this Plan has been prepared, an analysis of the level of development in rural areas in the County was carried out. This included: • The use of POWSCAR 4 data from Census 2016 to identify where people in rural areas are working; • An analysis of census data to examine population and housing levels, and vacancy in rural areas; • An analysis of CSO ‘New Dwelling Completions’ data to identify the number of new dwellings completed in rural areas ;and • An identification of areas and landscapes that are environmentally sensitive or of high scenic value.
- Chapter 3 - Housing Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 3-21 In the analysis of the POWSCAR data, it was evident that there is a strong relationship between large urban centres and the rural areas with high volumes of commuting to Drogheda, Dundalk and the Dublin Metropolitan Area. This analysis is consistent with the approach taken in the NPF and RSES, where the ‘Functional Urban Area’ (FUA) or commuter catchment of cities and large urban centres was identified5. Following a detailed analysis of the information gathered it was concluded that the entire county is ‘under strong urban influence’. This is due to a number of factors including the following: • The high rate of outbound commuting from rural areas in Louth to the Dublin Metropolitan Area and the Regional Growth Centres of Drogheda and Dundalk for employment; • Recent and historic levels of one off housing in rural parts of the County; • Pressure on infrastructure in rural areas such as local roads; and • Pressure on rural areas of high scenic quality and environmental sensitivity. In addition to being under pressure from urban generated development, there are parts of the County that are environmentally sensitive areas due to their high scenic quality and cultural value. It is important that development in these locations is carefully managed in order to preserve these sensitive landscapes. These locations are as follows: • Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty: • Carlingford and Feede Mountains, and • Clogherhead and Port Oriel. • Areas of High Scenic Quality: • Feede Mountains and Cooley Area; • Monasterboice; • Boyne Valley/King Williams Glen; • Collon Uplands; • Dunany and • Ardee Bog. • Areas of Cultural Value: • The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Brú na Bóinne: • The Tentative World Heritage Site of Monasterboice; and • The Battle of the Boyne Battlefield Site. Further details on the importance of these landscapes can be found in Chapter 8 Natural Heritage, Biodiversity, and Green Infrastructure, and Chapter 9 Built Heritage and Culture. Taking this into account, two Rural Policy Zones have been identified in the County as follows: 1 This definition is based on the EU/OECD definition of a city region which is where 15% of the principle workforce is employed in the principle city area. 2 This criteria is set out in National Policy Objective 19 of the National Planning Framework. 3 Regional Policy Objective 4.78 4 Place of Work, School or College – Census of Anonymised Records. 5 Based on the OECD definition of a ‘Functional Urban Area’ if more than 15% of the resident population from an Electoral District travel to a city/large urban centre to work they are considered to be within the ‘Functional Urban Area’ or commuter catchment of that settlement.
- Chapter 3 - Housing Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 3-22 Table 3.3: Rural Policy Zones Policy Zone Description Rural Policy Zone 1 Area under strong urban influence and of significant landscape value Rural Policy Zone 2 Area under strong urban influence The extent of these policy zones are set out in Map 3.2.
- Chapter 3 - Housing Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 3-23 Map 3.1: Louth Rural Development Pressure Map 2021-2027
- Chapter 3 - Housing Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 3-24 Map 3.2: Rural Policy Zones in County Louth
Source Louth County Council: Louth 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.