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 3-25 3.17.4 Rural Generated Housing Need This section sets out the policy for rural housing in the open countryside, which is defined as all areas outside the development boundary of settlements in Levels 1-5 identified in the settlement hierarchy in Table 2.4. It recognises the importance of facilitating people with a strong economic or social link to their local rural area, in strengthening the rural community. There is a specific qualifying criteria for each of the Rural Policy Zones that is set out in Tables 3.4 and 3.5. Applicants will be required to demonstrate to the Planning Authority that they qualify with one of the criteria in the relevant Rural Policy Zone. For clarification any persons from Rural Policy Zone 1 who are native residents of the area and have demonstrated a rural housing need but are not engaged in full time agricultural activities will be deemed to qualify to build on a suitably located site in Rural Policy Zone 2. The application site shall not normally be a distance of more than 6kms from the qualifying family residence. Table 3.4: Local Housing Need Qualifying Criteria in Rural Policy Zone 1 Qualifying Criteria Rural Policy Zone 1 – Area Under Strong Urban Influence and of Significant Landscape Value 1. Persons engaged in full time agriculture. This includes livestock, poultry, dairy, and tillage farming, bloodstock and equine related activities, forestry, and horticulture. The nature of the agriculture activity shall, by reference to the landholding, livestock numbers, or intensity of the use of the land, be sufficient to support full time or significant part time occupation. Depending on the activity the documentation available will vary however the onus will be on the applicant to demonstrate the viability of the enterprise. Information to be provided shall include: • The size of the landholding; • The nature of the operations; • Buildings and storage associated with the operations; • Number of persons employed; • Livestock numbers (if applicable); • Participation in government schemes/ programmes e.g. Bord Bia Quality Assurance, Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), GLAS, or any similar/updated programmes or schemes; • Any other information that would support the application. Local Rural Area: The radius of 6km from the qualifying family residence. Where the qualifying area is reduced by reason of its location, for example proximity to the coast, county boundaries, or development zone boundaries, the 6km radius may be extended to include an area equivalent to the area lost. Qualifying Landowner: A person who owns a landholding of at least 1.5 hectares and has owned the land for a minimum of 15 years.
- Chapter 3 - Housing Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 3-26 Qualifying Criteria Rural Policy Zone 1 – Area Under Strong Urban Influence and of Significant Landscape Value Or 2. A son or daughter of a landowner (see definition above) who is/are seeking to build a first home for permanent occupation. A qualifying landowner is defined as a person who owns a landholding of at least 1.5 hectares and has owned the land for a minimum of 15 years. Any applicant under this category must demonstrate a rural housing need and have a demonstrable social or an economic need to live in the area and shall not have previously owned a dwelling. No more than three houses (exclusive of the family home) shall be permitted on the landholding. Any application will be subject to the appropriate siting and consideration of proper planning and sustainable development. Or 3. A person who has an established business which is intrinsically reliant on being located in Rural Policy Zone 1 and consequently requires them to reside in Rural Policy Zone 1 of the rural area. The nature of the operations of the business shall be specific to this rural area being cognisant of the need to protect the high amenity value of the landscape. Any application shall demonstrate the viability of the business and clearly set out the nature of activities associated with the business and why it requires the owner to reside in the vicinity. Or 4. Persons who are required to live in the rural area of Rural Policy Zone 1, for exceptional health reasons. The person will be required to have demonstrable economic or social ties to the area in the first instance to be considered under this category. Any application shall be accompanied by a medical consultant’s report and recommendation outlining the reasons why it is necessary for the applicant to live in a rural area. The application shall also demonstrate why the existing home of the family member cannot be adapted to meet the needs of the applicant. Or 5. Residents who have demonstrable social ties to the area and are providing care for an elderly person(s) or a person(s) with a disability who lives in an isolated rural area and who does not have any able bodied person residing with them. Any application shall demonstrate why the existing property cannot be extended or modified to provide residential accommodation for the carer. One house only will be allowed on this basis and the site must be adjacent to the dwelling in which the elderly person(s) or person(s) with the disability resides. Or 6. A person who has been a resident for at least 10 years that previously owned a home and is no longer in possession of that home due to the home having been disposed of following legal separation / divorce / repossession and can demonstrate a social or economic need for a new home in the rural area.
- Chapter 3 - Housing Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 3-27 Table 3.5: Local Housing Need Qualifying Criteria in Rural Policy Zone 2 Qualifying Criteria Rural Policy Zone 2 – Area Under Strong Urban Influence 1. Persons engaged in full time agriculture. This includes livestock, poultry, dairy, and tillage farming, bloodstock and equine related activities, forestry, and horticulture. The nature of the agriculture activity shall, by reference to the landholding, livestock numbers, or intensity of the use of the land, be sufficient to support full time or significant part time occupation. Depending on the activity the documentation available will vary however the onus will be on the applicant to demonstrate the viability of the enterprise. Information to be provided shall include: • The size of the landholding • The nature of the operations • Buildings and storage associated with the operations • Number of persons employed • Livestock numbers (if applicable) i. Participation in government schemes/ programmes e.g. Bord Bia Quality Assurance, Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), GLAS, or any similar or replacement programmes or schemes. ii. Any other information that would support the application. Or 2. A person whose business requires them to reside in the rural area. The nature of the operations of the business shall be specific to the rural area. Any application shall demonstrate the viability of the business and clearly set out the nature of activities associated with the business and why it requires the owner to reside in the vicinity. Or 3. Landowners including their sons and daughters who have demonstrable social or economic ties to the area where they are seeking to build their home. Demonstrable social or economic ties will normally be someone who has resided in the rural area of Louth for at least 18 years prior to any application for planning permission. Any applicant under this category must demonstrate a rural housing need and shall not own or have sold a residential property in the County for a minimum of 10 years prior to making an application. Or 4. A person who is seeking to build their first house in the area and has a demonstrable economic or social requirement to live in that area. Social requirements will be someone who has resided in the rural area of Louth for at least 18 years prior to any application for planning permission. Any applicant under this category must demonstrate a rural housing need and shall not own or have sold a residential property in the County prior to making an application.
- Chapter 3 - Housing Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 3-28 Qualifying Criteria Rural Policy Zone 2 – Area Under Strong Urban Influence Or 5. An emigrant who was resident of the area (previously resided in the area for at least 18 years in total) and wishes to return to the area to live. The applicant shall not own or have sold a residential property in the County for a minimum of 10 years prior to making an application. Or 6. Persons who are required to live in a rural area, for exceptional health reasons. Any application shall be accompanied by a medical consultant’s report and recommendation outlining the reasons why it is necessary for the applicant to live in a rural area. The application shall also demonstrate why the existing home of the family member cannot be adapted to meet the needs of the applicant. Or 7. Residents who have demonstrable social ties to the area and are providing care for an elderly person(s) or a person(s) with a disability who lives in an isolated rural area and who does not have any able bodied person residing with them. Any application shall demonstrate why the existing property cannot be extended or modified to provide residential accommodation for the carer. One house only will be allowed on this basis and the site must be adjacent to the dwelling in which the elderly person(s) or person(s) with the disability resides. Or 8. A person who has been a resident for at least 10 years that previously owned a home and is no longer in possession of that home due to the home having been disposed of following legal separation / divorce / repossession and can demonstrate a social or economic need for a new home in the rural area.
- Chapter 3 - Housing Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 3-29 3.17.5 Strengthening Rural Communities by Supporting the Rejuvenation of Small Towns and Villages The NPF and RSES recognise the importance of towns and villages in creating a vibrant and sustainable rural community. Throughout the County there is evidence of decline in rural towns and villages which has resulted in a reduction of services and a loss of vitality in the community. This Plan recognises the importance of striking a balance between facilitating residential development in the open countryside and reinvigorating towns and villages. It therefore supports the implementation of a ‘New Homes in Small Towns and Villages’ initiative which will involve Local Authorities, Irish Water, and local communities working closely to provide serviced sites in towns and villages. If successfully implemented, this would provide a platform for the creation of sustainable rural communities, whereby an increase in population in towns and villages would increase the critical mass, create greater demand for services and establish a catchment population for local businesses. In developing these serviced sites the Council will also encourage close collaboration between other infrastructure providers including electricity, telecommunications and broadband providers. 3.17.6 Development in Level 5 Settlements – Rural Nodes There are 24 Level 5 Settlements in the County. These rural nodes consist of a cluster of houses and a limited level of services. Some of these nodes are served by public mains water and/or waste water supply, whilst there are others that are unserviced. There is capacity in these rural nodes to accommodate a small level of growth, with the capacity to accommodate growth dependent on the size of the settlement. Any applicants applying to build a new dwelling in a Level 5 Rural Node will be required to demonstrate a rural housing need in accordance with the rural housing policy set out in Table 3.5 of this Plan. A person living in a Level 5 Rural Node and considered to qualify under Table 3.5 is considered eligible to build a dwelling in any Level 5 Rural Node. The design and layout of any dwelling or development will have regard to the existing pattern of development in the settlement. 3.17.7 Capacity of Areas to Absorb Further Development As part of the management of development in the countryside, consideration will be given to the ability of an area to absorb further development of one off housing. Whilst this Plan recognises the importance of supporting rural communities, there is also a requirement to protect the landscape and countryside for future generations. In this regard, if it is considered that an area is becoming over developed due to the proliferation of one off housing and the local infrastructure does not have the capacity to accommodate further development, it is unlikely that planning permission will be granted. Further details on the criteria, and considerations for the siting and design of one off rural dwellings, is set out in Section 13.9 and Section 13.9.4 of the Development Management Guidelines in Chapter 13.
- Chapter 3 - Housing Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 3-30 Policy Objective HOU 38 To discourage urban generated housing in rural areas and direct proposals for such housing to the towns and villages in Settlement Levels 1-4 in the County as set out in the Settlement Hierarchy in Table 2.4. Policy Objective HOU 39 To support the growth and development of rural communities in the County by strengthening the role of rural towns and villages and facilitating development that would rejuvenate these settlements and make them an attractive location in which to live. Policy Objective HOU 40 To reserve as decarbonisation zones, agricultural, open space, or recreational use, lands immediately surrounding or in the immediate vicinity of the development boundary of towns and villages in the County in order to prevent sprawl and a linear pattern of development, and to ensure there is a distinction between built up areas and the open countryside. Policy Objective HOU 41 To support the development of a ‘New Homes in Small Towns and Villages’ initiative in consultation with Irish Water, local communities, and other stakeholders in the provision of services and serviced sites to create ‘build your own home’ opportunities within the existing footprint of rural settlements. Policy Objective HOU 42 To recognise the sensitive scenic and culturally important landscape in Rural Policy Zone 1 which includes Carlingford Lough and Mountains, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Brú na Bóinne, the Tentative World Heritage Site of Monasterboice, and the Battle of the Boyne Battlefield Site, and the need to carefully manage development in these areas whilst recognising the existing communities in these areas. Policy Objective HOU 43 To manage the development of rural housing in the open countryside by requiring applicants to demonstrate compliance with the Local Needs Qualifying Criteria relative to the Rural Policy Zone set out in Tables 3.4 and 3.5. Policy Objective HOU 44 To manage the development of rural housing in the open countryside by requiring that any new or replacement dwelling is appropriately designed and located so it integrates into the local landscape and does not negatively impact or erode the rural character of the area in which it would be located. Policy Objective HOU 45 To manage the development of new housing in Level 5 settlements by requiring applicants of new dwellings to demonstrate compliance with the Local Needs Qualifying Criteria as set out in Table 3.5.
- Chapter 3 - Housing Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 3-31 Policy Objective HOU 46 To attach an occupancy condition of 7 years in the form of a Section 47 agreement in respect of all planning permissions for new dwellings in rural areas and Level 5 Settlements restricting the use of the dwelling to the applicant, or to those persons who fulfil the criteria set out in Tables 3.4 and 3.5. Policy Objective HOU 47 To apply a presumption against granting planning permission for a rural one off dwelling in Rural Policy Zone 1 where there is an alternative site available on family lands in Rural Policy Zone 2. Policy Objective HOU 48 To restrict residential development on a landholding, where there is a history of development through the speculative sale or development of sites, notwithstanding the applicant’s compliance with the local need criteria. Policy Objective HOU 49 To require applications for one off rural housing to comply with the standards and criteria set out in Section 13.9 of Chapter 13 Development Management Guidelines ‘Housing in the Open Countryside’ or Section 13.19.9 if the site is located within the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Tentative World Heritage Site of Monasterboice, or the Battle of the Boyne Sites. 3.18 VERNACULAR DWELLINGS/ BUILDINGS Traditional vernacular dwellings make an important contribution to the character of the rural landscape in the County. The Council will encourage the preservation of vernacular dwellings through careful restoration and adaptation over their demolition and replacement. The Council will also encourage the restoration or adaptation of vernacular buildings such as former schoolhouses, churches and traditional farm outbuildings. Any applicant proposing to restore, renovate or adapt a vernacular building for residential use will not be required to demonstrate a rural housing need in accordance with Section 3.17.4. Sections 13.9.11 and 13.9.12 provide further information on the design criteria for the restoration of vernacular dwellings and buildings. Policy Objective HOU 50 To encourage the sensitive refurbishment of existing vernacular dwellings and buildings and to generally resist the demolition and replacement of these buildings in order to protect the traditional building and housing stock and preserve the built heritage in the rural parts of the County.
- Chapter 3 - Housing Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 3-32 Policy Objective HOU 51 To require applications for refurbishment of vernacular dwellings/buildings to comply with the standards and criteria set out in section 13.9.12 of Chapter 13 Development Management Guidelines which relates to the ‘Refurbishment of Existing Vernacular Dwellings and Buildings.’ 3.19 REPLACEMENT DWELLINGS Whilst there is a general presumption in favour of retaining and refurbishing existing dwellings, particularly traditional vernacular dwellings that are part of the traditional housing stock and important features in the rural landscape, there will be instances where the replacement of existing dwellings may be acceptable. Permission for the replacement of a vernacular dwelling will only be considered where it is demonstrated the subject vernacular dwelling is not reasonably capable of being made structurally sound or otherwise improved. Any applicant proposing to replace an existing dwelling in residential use will not be required to demonstrate a rural housing need in accordance with Section 3.17.4, subject to the dwelling to be replaced fulfilling the criteria for a replacement dwelling. Section 13.9.13 provides further information on the design criteria for replacement dwellings. Policy Objective HOU 52 To ensure the design, scale, and layout of any replacement dwelling does not have a visual impact significantly greater than the dwelling to be replaced. Policy Objective HOU 53 To require applications for replacement dwellings to comply with the standards and criteria set out in Section 13.9.13 of Chapter 13 Development Management Guidelines ‘Replacement Dwellings’.
- Chapter 4 Social & Community “Provide and facilitate the development of healthy, sustainable, inclusive communities integrated with the timely delivery of a wide range of community, social, educational, recreational and cultural facilities where accessibility and social inclusion is provided for all, ensuring County Louth develops as a location with an enhanced quality of life for its citizens and visitors alike”.
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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.