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 5 – Economy and Employment Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 5-39 Any additional new floorspace proposed could replace some existing outdated or poorly located retail floor space. In the event that a planning application is submitted for retail development, which does not conform to the scale outlined in this retail strategy, the onus is on the applicant to prove to the Planning Authority that the development will not detract from the vitality, or viability of the town centre. Table 5.4 Indicative Floorspace Requirements for County Louth Year Convenience (m²) Comparison (m²) Bulky Comparison (m²) 2027 6,479 4,749 2,098 2030 8,039 11,242 5,849 Table 5.5: Indicative Floorspace Potential by Settlement – 2027 2027 Convenience (m²) Comparison (m²) Bulky Comparison (m²) Drogheda 3,060 2,243 1,043 Dundalk 2,696 1,976 919 Ardee 399 292 136 Remainder of County 324 238 - Table 5.6: Indicative Floorspace Potential by Settlement – 2030 2030 Convenience (m²) Comparison (m²) Bulky Comparison (m²) Drogheda 3,797 5,310 2,908 Dundalk* 2,649 970 1,818 Ardee 495 692 379 Remainder of County 402 562 - *These figures are based on the quantitative analysis carried out as part of the Retail Strategy for the Dundalk Local Area Plan 2025-2031. See Appendix 3 – Retail Strategy Quantitative Analysis of the Dundalk Local Area Plan for full details.
- Chapter 5 – Economy and Employment Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 5-40 5.24 TOWN CENTRE FIRST APPROACH The Town Centre First Approach recognises the importance of a holistic, cross-sectoral and collaborative approach, and of people living in town centres. It places the health of town centres at the heart of decision making. The Town Centre First Approach also reinforces the need for our towns to be thriving places for living well and requires the introduction of national programmes for the revitalisation of town centres of different scales. This approach will require a collaborative and strategic approach to the regeneration of our towns and villages. Vacant units provide opportunities for retailers to locate in town centres and add to the overall diversity of retailer representation and are a function of the economic cycle. However, where excessive levels of vacancy are evident it can be indicative of the relative underperformance of a town centre or retail core. The Council will support the preparation and implementation of Town Centre Renewal Plans for Drogheda and Dundalk by applying the national framework for 'Town Centre Renewal' comprising of three core elements: • Town Centre Health Check; • Formation of Town Teams; and • Preparation of Town Centre Plan. The Council will seek to ensure that town centres become more attractive and greener environments, that are age friendly, easily accessible, legible and which give people confidence to visit and live in the centres. This Plan will also seek for town centre to address the zero carbon agenda and mitigate climate change while building a resilient and inclusive local economy. 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, particularly in the upper floors of buildings. 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 the development would complement the role of the town centre as a ‘destination’ for commercial, social, or cultural activities. The Council will continue to promote the provision and modernisation of residential accommodation over commercial or retail premises, within the core retail area of towns and villages, in order to improve the vibrancy of their centres. This will be subject to the provision of good quality accommodation with separate and safe access from the street and the protection of residential amenities from any possible conflict with other uses.
- Chapter 5 – Economy and Employment Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 5-41 In encouraging the residential use of the upper floors of commercial properties in established retail/ commercial areas of Drogheda, Dundalk and Ardee, the Council will consider possible dispensations from normal standards, to facilitate ‘Living- Over-The-Shop’ developments that will contribute positively to the renewal of areas, provided any proposed modifications will not have a negative impact on visual amenities or the existing streetscape. • Derogations for older commercial buildings in appropriate cases may be given in respect of private open space, parking, and unit size standards; • Derogations for car parking may be allowed in acceptable existing town/central locations at the discretion of the Planning Authority. Section 3.7 ‘Town Centre Living’ in Chapter 3 – ‘Housing’ provides further detail in relation to the re-use of existing buildings in town centres for residential development. 5.25 ASSESSMENT OF RETAIL DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS In accordance with the Retail Planning Guidelines and the RSES Retail Hierarchy for the region, the County Retail Hierarchy provides the strategic policy framework for the spatial distribution of new retail development. New retail developments of significant scale should be targeted primarily within the core retail areas of Level 2 and Level 3 centres, as identified within the Louth Retail Strategy. Retail development of significant scale beyond the core retail area will only be considered in exceptional circumstances, where the Planning Authority is satisfied that there are no other sites available and the development is necessary to serve the needs of the area. New retail development in Level 4 and Level 5 centres should be of an appropriate scale to serve the local retailing needs only. The Sequential Approach as set out in the Retail Planning Guidelines 2012 shall be applied in the assessment of applications for new retail developments. It recognises the importance of sustaining the vitality and viability of town and village centres. Planning applications for retail development proposals, including extensions or material change of use of existing developments (as introduced in the Retail Planning Guidelines 2012), must comply with the criteria of suitability of use, size, scale and accessibility. This will maintain the retail importance of the town centre and protect the viability and vitality of town centres within the county. The visual prominence of retail within town or village centres is acknowledged. As such, a high standard of design will be a prerequisite for all new retail developments in these locations. Developments which enhance the vitality of town centres and contribute positively to the area will be encouraged by the Planning Authority. The Planning Authority will promote a suitable mix of day and night time uses within these locations. This may include commercial, social, residential, civic, cultural and recreational uses. In areas where there are sustained levels of retail vacancy, the Council will consider alternative uses at ground floor level, which may be considered to be complimentary to retail. Provision of secure cycle storage facilities is essential for supporting the promotion and development of cycling as a more sustainable mode of transport.
- Chapter 5 – Economy and Employment Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 5-42 High quality secure cycle storage at origins and destinations is considered to be a key element of any strategy aimed at encouraging cycling. Bicycle parking for all new retail developments shall be provided in accordance with the standards set out within Chapter 13, Table 13.12 of the Plan. 5.25.1 Lower Order Retailing In assessing planning applications for lower order retail uses including Betting Shops, Amusement Arcades, Casinos and Vaping Shops, the following considerations will be taken into account: • The need to safeguard the vitality and viability of the defined core retail area and to maintain a suitable mix of retail uses; • The proliferation of such existing facilities in the area; • The effect on the amenities in the area arising from noise, hours of operation and litter; and • The treatment of shop front advertising and window display. Policy Objective EE 65 To promote a healthy competitive retail environment within County Louth and to maintain the vitality and viability of the town and village centres and their role as primary retail core areas. Policy Objective EE 66 To encourage and support the re-use and revitalisation of vacant (and derelict) units and properties within town and village centres and assess change of use applications based on merit and overall contribution to the vitality of the town centre and the day and/or night time economy. Policy Objective EE 67 To ensure that applications for retail development comply with the provisions of the Louth Retail Strategy. Policy Objective EE 68 To generally support planning applications which propose complementary, nonretail uses in town centre areas, where sustained levels of vacancy are evident. Policy Objective EE 69 To promote the core retail area as the primary shopping area and generally discourage non retail or service developments within this area. Policy Objective EE 70 To generally discourage permission for change of use from retail or service (including banks and similar institutions with over the counter services) to nonretail or non-service uses at ground floor level in areas where there is an existing strong retail provision. Policy Objective EE 71 To support the ‘Town Centre First Approach’ and the establishment of any future town centre management initiatives that seek to promote this approach.
- Chapter 5 – Economy and Employment Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 5-43 Policy Objective EE 72 To support the establishment of a Louth County Council led Town Centre Management Team for Drogheda and Dundalk. Policy Objective EE 73 To create safe and clean town centre environments which give people confidence to visit centres. Policy Objective EE 74 To support the development of Drogheda and Dundalk as Regional Growth Centres and principle locations for future retail development, Ardee and Dunleer as Self Sustaining Growth Centres and the retail function of all other settlements, commensurate with locally generated needs. Policy Objective EE 75 To promote the provision of local retail centres serving small, localised catchment populations in new residential areas, commensurate with locally generated needs. Policy Objective EE 76 To promote the improvement of the environment and public realm of town and village centres through good design, landscaping, street furniture, improve mobility through traffic management, and co-operate with Tidy Towns Committees and other community groups in the implementation of environmental improvement schemes. Policy Objective EE 77 To require security shutters on new shopfronts (where required) to be transparent and placed behind the shopfront window glazing or to consider innovative solutions including traditional wrought iron window guards. Policy Objective EE 78 To promote the provision and modernisation of residential accommodation over commercial premises in towns and villages in order to improve the vibrancy of their centres. Policy Objective EE 79 To encourage the preservation of authentic, traditional shopfronts and good quality contemporary designs. Policy Objective EE 80 To have regard to the Architectural Heritage Protection: Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2011 (DAHLG) and any subsequent guidelines, when assessing applications for shopfronts on protected structures or in Architectural Conservation Areas (ACA’s).
- Chapter 5 – Economy and Employment Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 5-44 Policy Objective EE 81 To encourage the incorporation of blinds, where required, into the shopfront fascia so that they are capable of being retracted when not in use. Curved and Dutch canopies will be discouraged. Policy Objective EE 82 To ensure that all signage development complies with the relevant assessment criteria and guidance as set out within the Development Management Guidelines (Chapter 13) of this Plan unless otherwise provided for in a Local /Urban Area Plan.
- Chapter 6 Tourism ‘To support sustainable tourism development in Louth and strengthen the contribution that tourism makes to the local communities, culture and economy of the County. Continue to develop the role of tourism and the development of a high quality and diverse tourism product throughout the County in a balanced and sustainable manner.’
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- Chapter 6 - Tourism Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 6-1 6 TOURISM 6.1 INTRODUCTION Louth has a strong tourism product with significant potential for growth. The County has much to offer as a tourist destination, in particular its unspoilt natural environment, a rich and varied heritage and numerous cultural and manmade attractions. The County also has a wide range of quality accommodation and is ideally located equidistant between Dublin and Belfast international airports. Tourism has played a significant role in the economic recovery in recent years and is fundamental in terms of the opportunities it generates for businesses and employment throughout the country. It is among the most important sectors of the Irish economy, employing more than 300,000 people and generating billions of euro in revenue. Tourism is one of the largest and most important sectors of the national economy, providing employment for approximately 260,000 people, an economic contribution of €7.8 billion (excluding carrier receipts), and exchequer revenue of €1.8 billion, which helps fund other key public services. With regard to County Louth, Fáilte Ireland’s figures indicate that 1% of overseas visitors overnight in Louth generating a similar share of revenue. According to CSO figures, the total number of trips to Ireland made by overseas visitors in 2019 saw an increase of 1.8% on 2018. However, the tourism sector has been severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent travel restrictions to, from and within Ireland. Tourism was one of the first sectors to be hit by the pandemic restrictions and is likely to be the last one to emerge from the crisis. It will likely take a number of years for the tourism sector to recover the ground lost during the Covid-19 crisis. Since its launch in 2015, Fáilte Ireland has been actively marketing ‘Irelands Ancient East’ as a tourist destination. The Ireland’s Ancient East initiative, which includes County Louth, is designed to allow visitors peel back the layers of time and to go off the beaten track to experience thousands of years of history. It focuses on the wealth of cultural and heritage attractions in the area. The future development of the tourism sector needs to capitalise on County Louth’s unique location in relation to the Boyne Valley and the Mourne/Cooley/Gullion Regions. A fine balance needs to be struck between capitalising on the resources of the County whilst protecting them from harm and over-development.
- Chapter 6 - Tourism Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 6-2 6.2 POLICY CONTEXT 6.2.1 Boyne Valley Tourism Strategy 2016-2020, (Boyne Valley Tourist Office 2016) The Boyne Valley tourism region of County Louth and Meath contains the greatest concentration of national heritage assets in Ireland. The area is home to the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage site. The Boyne Valley Tourism Strategy 2016-2020 is designed to focus on areas of growth potential, identify key projects that will act as a stimulus for tourism development and bring the Boyne Valley tourism brand to the next level. Boyne Valley Tourism represents a central destination marketing and advocacy body, however, the success of the plan will be through a collective approach with the tourism trade and other key stakeholders. The Strategy sets out a pathway for the Boyne Valley to become one of the leading tourism destinations in Ireland based on a collaborative destination marketing approach and return on marketing investment focus. Policy Objective TOU 1 To co-operate with all relevant stakeholders in the implementation of the ‘Boyne Valley Tourism Strategy 2016 - 2020’, and any subsequent strategy published during the life of this Plan. 6.2.2 People, Place and Policy - Growing Tourism to 2025 (Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport 2019) People, Place and Policy -Growing Tourism to 2025 is a policy framework for the development of tourism within the country. The framework establishes the overall tourism goals of Government: • Employment in the tourism sector will be 250,000 by 2025, compared with around 200,000 at present; • There will be 10 million visits to Ireland annually by 2025; and • Overseas tourism revenue will reach €5 billion in real terms by 2025. 6.2.3 Tourism Development and Innovation – A strategy for Investment 2016-2022, (Fáilte Ireland, 2016) The Tourism Development and Innovation Strategy sets out a strategy which will be outcome based and will identify the types of projects to invest in that will achieve these outcomes, rather than specific projects or locations for investment. To stimulate innovation and improve international competitiveness, Fáilte Ireland has launched a significant new Tourism Development and Innovation Fund which will be the main source of funding in the sector over the next five years.
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.