Louth County Development Plan 2021–2027

1. Page 501

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   Chapter 13 – Development Management Guidelines Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 13-39 13.13.11.7 Agricultural Enterprises and Buildings As farming practices evolve and continue to modernise, the design, scale and layout of farm buildings and farmyards has changed. Depending on the farming enterprise e.g. beef, dairying, pigs, poultry, organic or tillage, the type of housing, livestock numbers and storage facilities will vary. Different farming types and enterprises will result in the criteria for assessing applications focusing on different issues such as visual impact, traffic, residential amenity and public health. Each application will be assessed on its individual merit and will take account of the ability of the local landscape to absorb the development, the capacity of the local infrastructure including roads, water and waste water infrastructure to accommodate any additional loading and traffic movements, and any possible impacts on the amenities of residents living in the vicinity of the development. To assist in the assessment of planning applications for agricultural buildings and in particular new farm enterprises on an undeveloped landholding, a business plan setting out the requirement for the development will be required. This shall include full details of the land holding, livestock number and herd number (if applicable). New buildings shall be designed to maximise efficiency, address any pollution control requirements (e.g. collect soiled water and farm waste management), provide additional feed and machinery storage areas, and improve livestock welfare. It is acknowledged that the scale of agricultural buildings are such that they will be visible from surrounding roads and public viewpoints. However, new buildings shall be positioned and designed so they are as unobtrusive as possible. When designing a building particular attention shall be given to the sensitivity of the landscape in which it will be located. If the scale and height of the building is particularly large, the reasons for a building of the particular size shall be set out. Wherever possible, new buildings shall be clustered with existing buildings in the yard. Finishes to buildings will normally include rendered/block walls and dark coloured panels to the side and roof of buildings such as dark green, red, or grey. Landscaping can assist in the integration of new buildings into the landscape. Any planting shall include native species only. Details of how any effluent and run-off associated with the development will be collected and stored within the farmyard shall be provided. 13.13.12 Home Based Economic Activity Proposals for home based economic activities, in urban and rural areas, will be considered on a case-by-case basis. These activities shall be ancillary to the primary use of the property as residential accommodation. The impact of the activity on the residential amenities of surrounding properties will be a key consideration. The scale and nature of the home based activity will be such that it will be compatible with the area in which it is located and will have minimal impact on surrounding residents with regard to noise, traffic movements, odours, and general disturbance. There shall also be adequate parking facilities to accommodate the intended use.

2. Page 502

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   Chapter 13 – Development Management Guidelines Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 13-40 13.14 RETAIL It is important that new retail developments are of a high design quality and at an appropriate scale to the centre in which they are located. All retail development proposals shall take the following standards into account, in addition to the guidance contained in the ‘Retail Planning Guidelines’ and associated ‘Retail Design Manual’ (2012). 13.14.1 General Design Considerations The design and layout of buildings shall be of a high quality that provides an ease of circulation for pedestrians and vehicles. Landmark buildings of notable design will be encouraged at strategic locations in settlements. The design and scale of buildings shall take account of their context and surrounding land uses and shall endeavour to make a positive contribution to the area in which they are located. For larger developments or higher buildings, a design statement setting out the rationale for the design approach taken may be required. Service yards shall be located to the rear of buildings and appropriately screened and landscaped. Roof mounted equipment such as extractor fans or antenna shall be designed to integrate into the building and shall be appropriately screened where possible. 13.14.2 Loading Areas A functional parking and set down/loading area shall be provided in accordance with the parking standards set out in Table 13.11 in this Chapter. 13.14.3 Parking Car parking shall be provided in accordance with the parking standards set out in Table 13.11 in this Chapter. Surface parking areas shall be constructed using permeable materials and shall incorporate the principles of SuDS. Provision of secure cycle storage facilities is essential for supporting the promotion and development of cycling as a more sustainable mode of transport. Bicycle parking for all new retail developments shall be provided in accordance with the standards set out in Table 13.12 in this Chapter. 13.14.4 Residential Amenity As part of the design and layout of any development, consideration must be given to the impact of the development on surrounding properties and residents in relation to air quality, excessive noise, and lighting. External lighting shall be designed to have minimal spillage or pollution into the surrounding environment or residential areas. 13.14.5 Service Stations and Retailing Service Stations will be considered on appropriately zoned lands compatible with surrounding land uses where a safe access can be achieved and there would be no adverse impact created on the amenities of surrounding properties. They will generally not be encouraged within the core retail area of urban centres or in the open countryside. Convenience shops are part of the normal ancillary services provided within Service Stations.

3. Page 503

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   Chapter 13 – Development Management Guidelines Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 13-41 In smaller settlements, they can have a very important function as the local shop or small supermarket. In accordance with the Retail Planning Guidelines, the net floorspace of the shop should not be in excess of 100m². Where permission in excess of 100m² net floorspace is sought, the sequential approach shall apply. Minimal advertising will be permitted at Service Stations and generally shall be restricted to a single main pillar/totem pole sign structure. Canopies should be appropriate to their setting in terms of height and design. Internal illumination of lighting shall preferably be in the form of individual backlit letters. Proposals for on-line or off-line motorway service facilities will be assessed in accordance with the guidance set out in the Spatial Planning and National Roads Guidelines for Planning Authorities, DECLG (2012). 13.14.6 Lower Order Retailing In assessing planning applications for lower order retail uses including Off- Licences, Betting Shops, Amusement and Gaming Arcades, Casinos, Vaping Shops, Fast Food Outlets/Takeaways, the following considerations will be taken into account: • The need to safeguard the vitality and viability of the defined 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; • Proposed façade design, the type and degree of any advertising/lighting and its integration with the character of the area; • Location and appearance of vents and other external services and their impact on adjoining amenities in terms of noise/smell/disturbance/ visual impact; • Careful consideration of the location of fast food outlets in the vicinity of sensitive locations such as schools and parks; and • Fast food outlets/takeaways with proposed drive through facilities will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. 13.14.7 Town Centre Living As part of the approach of revitalising town centres, support will be given to uses that will allow town centres to become multi-functional destinations providing services, leisure, cultural, civic, and residential uses. The use of the upper floors of commercial properties for residential accommodation will be encouraged and, in addition, consideration may be given to proposals for residential uses at ground floor level in certain circumstances or locations where there has been a sustained level of vacancy over a prolonged period. The provision of such accommodation will only be facilitated in circumstances where it is located outside the Core Retail Area and would complement the role of the town centre as a ‘destination’ for commercial, social or cultural activities. 13.14.8 Shopfronts The primary function of a shopfront is to identify a retail premises within a street using a combination of name, sign and window displays. The towns and villages of County Louth contain numerous examples of traditional shopfront designs together with large numbers of more modern design, much of which reflects a certain amount of corporate harmonisation.

4. Page 504

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   Chapter 13 – Development Management Guidelines Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 13-42 13.14.9 Shopfront Design and Signage The Planning Authority will encourage the preservation of authentic, traditional shopfronts and the provision of good quality contemporary designs. The Council has produced ‘Shopfront Design Guidelines’ in order to assist designers of shop fronts and signage. These Guidelines can be accessed from this link. Use of the Irish language in business and shopfront signage is welcomed by the Council. In assessing planning applications for works to any element of the shop front, the Planning Authority will be guided by the design principles set out in the Shopfront Design Guidelines. 13.14.10 Architectural Conservation Areas and Protected Structures Any change of use, extension, or modification to a Protected Structure or building in an Architectural Conservation Area for a commercial/retail use shall be sensitive to the character of the area in which it is located. Particular care shall be given to the location of equipment such as extractor fans. The Shopfront Design Guidelines provide specific advice for signage in ACAs and Protected Structures. 13.14.11 Free-Standing Advertisement Displays Free standing advertising displays (including digital) will be considered in certain locations such as pedestrian precincts of shopping centres and other areas of retail/commercial activity such as town centres. The location of these advertising displays shall not interfere or impede pedestrian movement or more vulnerable road users, and shall not be a distraction for motorists. Any proposal for a digital display will have regard to the area in which it is to be located and any possible impacts it may have on visual or residential amenities. The height of the structures shall be sympathetic to its surroundings and shall not be unduly prominent in the streetscape. The proliferation of this signage shall be avoided. 13.14.12 Retail Park Signage The provision of signage at a retail park is essential to provide details regarding the nature and location of the units located therein. To avoid visual clutter only one such sign incorporating a number of uniform individual advertisements will be permitted at the entrance to the development. Any sign or associated structure should not create an obstruction to pedestrian or cyclist movement or create a traffic hazard. 13.15 TOURISM DEVELOPMENT This section sets out the standards that will apply to developments relating to specific tourism related uses. The Planning Authority will seek: • To facilitate, where appropriate, proposals to improve access for all at existing tourism sites and facilities, and to require all new tourism related developments to ensure the development is accessible to everyone, regardless of their age or ability.

5. Page 505

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   Chapter 13 – Development Management Guidelines Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 13-43 • To support the provision of accessible tourism; and • To ensure all projects and improvements will adopt the principles of Universal Design. 13.15.1 Hotels, B&B’s and Guest Houses In determining planning applications for both new and for change of use to bed and breakfast, guesthouse, hotel or hostel in residential areas, the Planning Authority will have regard to the following: • Size and nature of facility; • The compatibility with its surrounding area and land uses; • The standard of accommodation for the intended occupiers of the premises; • The availability of adequate, safe and convenient arrangements for car parking and servicing; • The type of advertising proposed; • The potential impact on the local streetscape and built heritage; • The impact on the amenity of residents in the locality ;and • The number of existing facilities in the area. Car parking shall be provided in accordance with the requirements set out in Table 13.11 of this of Chapter. 13.15.2 Tourism Activities Any proposal for a tourism related activity or development shall include a supporting business and design statement outlining the following: • An overview of the proposal setting out how the concept for the project was initiated and why it is suited for the location chosen; • Projected growth of the facility in the short, medium, and long term; • How the design and scale of the development will integrate into the landscape; • How the proposal would complement the natural and cultural heritage of the area; • The potential impacts of the proposal on local infrastructure in particular roads and water services; • Anticipated modes of transport to the facility; • Any signage required; and • How the development would complement established tourism complexes and facilities in the County. 13.15.3 Caravan and Camping Sites Any proposed caravan or camping sites shall have regard, in scale and layout design, to the existing character of the area in which they are proposed to be located. They shall generally be located within the development boundary of established settlements meeting the highest quality and standards applicable. Consideration will be given to small scale facilities in appropriate locations outside of towns and villages subject to a demand and need for the facility being demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Planning Authority. This will require the preparation of a Business and Design Statement outlining why the chosen location is the most appropriate location for the facility. It will also be a requirement to demonstrate compliance with all other planning and environmental criteria including suitability of the location, design, scale, integration into the landscape, access and service arrangements, residential amenity, in addition to outlining the potential impact on natural heritage and the local environment.

6. Page 506

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   Chapter 13 – Development Management Guidelines Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 13-44 13.16 TRANSPORT This section sets out the transportation standards for development in the County. As part of the strategy of supporting the integration of land use and transportation and promoting a modal shift away from a dependence on the private car, new developments shall, as far as possible, include provision for sustainable modes of transport such as walking, cycling, and public transport. These standards should be read in conjunction with existing national guidance, which includes the following publications: • Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS); • Roads Traffic Act, 1994 (as amended); • Roads Traffic Act, 1994 (as amended) Traffic Signs Manual, Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport; • Road Traffic Regulations,1997-2012; • DN-GEO-03030 - Guidance on Minor Improvements to National Roads; • Traffic Management Guidelines; • Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements Guidelines for Planning Authorities • National Sustainable Mobility Policy • National Cycle Manual; • Smarter Travel; • TII Publications / Design Manual for Roads and Bridges; • Recommendations for Site Development Works for Housing Areas; • Spatial Planning and National Roads: Guidelines for Planning Authorities; • TII Publication PE-DDV-02046 Area Based Transport Assessment (ABTA) Guidance Notes ; • TII Traffic and Transport Assessment (TTA) Guidelines (2014); • Road Safety Impact Assessment (RSIA), TII Publication PE-PMG-02001 Road Safety Impact Assessment; • Road Safety Audit: TII Publications GE- STY-01024 Road Safety Audit; • DNGEO-03084 Treatment of Transition Zones to Towns and Villages on Urban Roads; • Achieving Effective Workplace Travel Plans Guidance for Local Authorities; • Workplace Travel Plans A Guide for Implementers; and • Permeability Best Practice Guide. 13.16.1 Pedestrian and Cycling Facilities The provision of quality and attractive walking and cycling facilities that are accessible, safe, and well connected to surrounding streets and neighbourhoods can lead to an increase in the number of people choosing to use these facilities. Walking and cycling facilities shall be a central element of the design of any new roads. Footpaths shall be designed to allow pedestrians pass each other in comfort, shall have a minimum width of 2 metres, and shall accommodate people with mobility issues and those who are visually impaired. Cycle paths shall be designed in accordance with the Traffic Management Guidelines and the National Cycle Manual and shall be provided on all new arterial/distributor roads and link roads unless a suitable alternative route is available. Local roads shall be designed to reduce the speed of vehicles, making the road safer for other road users including cyclists. This provides opportunities to create a shared space for cyclists and motor vehicles.

7. Page 507

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   Chapter 13 – Development Management Guidelines Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 13-45 Street lighting shall be provided along footpaths and cycle paths in accordance with the recommendations made in ‘Site Development Works for Housing Areas’ (DoEHLG) and any subsequent publication or successor to this document. 13.16.2 Rail Network Any development in the vicinity of existing rail lines shall comply with the setbacks and construction requirements of Iarnród Éireann, the National Transport Authority, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, and any other relevant stakeholders. 13.16.3 Bus Network Any new or upgrades to existing roads or the development of large scale residential and employment areas, shall include provision for bus infrastructure including bus stops, shelters, and lay-bys that would improve public transport provision. The provision of these facilities shall be agreed in consultation with the Council and the National Transport Authority. The location of bus shelters shall meet the needs of the users but shall also strive to integrate into the local streetscape and shall not unduly interfere with pedestrian and cyclist movement along the footpath. 13.16.4 Park and Ride/ Park and Share Facilities In addition to providing parking facilities, the design and layout of Park and Ride and Park and Share facilities shall include provision for a set down area for buses, a sheltered waiting area for customers, appropriate pedestrian and cycle connectivity within the facility and from the surrounding neighbourhoods, and bicycle parking. Park and Ride and Park and Share Facilities shall be suitably lit to provide a degree of security and public safety. 13.16.5 Roads The national, regional, and local roads in the County perform an important economic and social function keeping people and businesses connected. 13.16.5.1 National and Regional Roads As set out in Section 7.10 of the Movement Chapter it is important that the number of new accesses and the intensification of existing accesses onto the National and Regional road network are restricted in order to maintain the functionality, safety and efficiency of the road network. Aside from the exemptions, set out in Tables 7.9 and 7.10, any new access off a National or Protected Regional road shall be restricted to locations within the 50km/h speed limit. Accesses in locations where the speed limit is greater than 60km/h shall generally be avoided. In transitional zones where the speed limit is 60 km/h before reducing to 50km/h an access may be considered in limited circumstances, however, would require the preparation of a road safety audit in accordance with the requirements of TII or the Infrastructure Section of the Council. Works on National and Regional Roads shall be carried out in accordance with the TII Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) or the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS), whichever document is applicable. 13.16.5.2 Local Roads The width, alignment, and speed of local roads varies between locations in the County. Any works to the local road network shall be designed and carried out in accordance with the requirements of the TII Design Manual for Roads and Bridges or the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets.

8. Page 508

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   Chapter 13 – Development Management Guidelines Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 13-46 These works include improvements to existing roads or the construction of new roads.2 13.16.6 Car Parking The method of transport people choose to use when travelling to and from a development is a determining factor in how many car parking spaces are required to service it. Whilst this Plan promotes a modal shift away from the private car to more sustainable modes of transport, the car will continue to be an important mode of transport, and therefore there will normally be a requirement to provide car parking as part of a development. Any on-site parking areas provided within developments shall be suitably lined and surfaced. Large parking areas, particularly those used by the public or visible from public viewpoints shall be broken up with soft landscaping. Any loading bays within a development shall be located so delivery vehicles do not interfere with the movement or circulation of traffic and do not encroach onto parking spaces. 13.16.7 Disabled Parking Disabled parking spaces shall be generally applied at the rate of 5% of spaces for developments requiring 10 or more spaces, with a minimum of one no. space. It is acknowledged that due to the nature of certain developments the number of disabled spaces required may be more than this figure. The disabled parking requirements for such developments shall be assessed on a case-by-case basis. 2 DMURS is applicable if the road/site is located within the 60km/h speed limit. 13.16.8 Age Friendly Parking In commercial developments open to the public or in residential developments with shared spaces, age friendly parking shall be provided where possible. 13.16.9 Charging Points for Electric Vehicles In all car parking areas, provision shall be made for charging points for electric vehicles. This shall include the necessary wiring and ducting. Pending the publication of guidance on the minimum requirement of these spaces, an assessment shall be made on a case-bycase basis; however, applicants shall strive to provide these charging points in a minimum of 20% of the total spaces. 13.16.10 Dimensions of Parking Spaces The dimensions of parking and loading spaces are set out in Table 13.9. 13.16.11 Parking Standards that Reflect the Demand and Location It is considered appropriate that the car parking requirements in the towns and villages in the County is reflective of the accessibility and connectivity of the settlement in addition to the existing and planned investment in public transport and active travel for the area/settlement. In accordance with national and regional policy, which seeks to reduce dependence on the private care and promote a modal shift towards more sustainable modes of transport, maximum car parking is being introduced for dwellings in residential developments.

9. Page 509

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   Chapter 13 – Development Management Guidelines Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 13-47 Taking account of the various levels of connectivity and public transport availability in the County, parking standards have been tiered. These tiers and parking standards for residential development are consistent with those set out in the Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlement Guidelines and are set out in Table 3.10 below. Table 13.9: Dimensions of Parking Spaces Parking Space Dimensions Parking Space - perpendicular to kerb 5.0m x 2.5m Parking Space - adjacent to a wall or other obstruction 5.0m x 2.75m Parking Space - parallel to the kerb 6.0m x 2.5m Accessible Parking Bay 5.0m x 2.5m plus 1.2m to the side and rear of each space Loading Bay 6.0m x 3.0m Circulation areas 6.0m in width Table 13.10 Parking Tiers for County Louth High Capacity Public Transport Node or Interchange Lands within 1,000 metres (1km) walking distance of an existing or planned high capacity urban public transport node or interchange, namely an interchange or node that includes DART, high frequency Commuter Rail. Highest densities should be applied at the node or interchange and decrease with distance. Area 1 - Applies to land within 1km of Drogheda Train Station Accessible Locations Town centre of Regional Growth Centres and /or lands within 500 metres (i.e. up to 5-6 minute walk) of existing or planned high frequency (i.e. 10 minute peak hour frequency) urban bus services. Area 2 - Applies to Regional Growth Centres - Drogheda and Dundalk Intermediate and Peripheral Locations Intermediate Location Lands within 500-1,000 metres (i.e. 10-12 minute walk) of existing or planned high frequency (i.e. 10 minute peak hour frequency) urban bus services; and Lands within 500 metres (i.e. 6 minute walk) of a reasonably frequent (minimum 15 minute peak hour frequency) urban bus service. Peripheral Location Lands that do not meet the proximity or accessibility criteria detailed above. This includes all lands in Self-Sustaining Growth Towns, Self- Sustaining Towns, Small Towns and Villages, and Rural Nodes. Area 3 - Applies to Self-Sustaining Growth Towns, Self- Sustaining Towns, Small Towns and Villages, and Rural Nodes

10. Page 510

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    Chapter 13 – Development Management Guidelines Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 13-48 13.16.12 Car Parking Standards Table 13.11: Car Parking Standards Development Type Area 1 Car Parking Standards Area 2 Car Parking Standards Area 3 Car Parking Standards Residential Dwelling (including duplex units) 1.5 per unit (maximum) 1.5 per unit (maximum) 2 per unit (maximum) Apartment 1 apartment 1 per apartment 2 per apartment Retail – Food Retail 1 per 20m² Retail Warehousing 1 per 40m² Cash and Carry 1 per 50m² Banks/Financial Institutions 1 per 30m² Restaurants, cafes, and takeaway 1 per 20m² Bars, Night Clubs, Lounges 1 per 20m² 1 per 20m² 1 per 5m² Showrooms 1 per 50m² 1 per 50m² 1 per 50m² Industry (light and general) 1 per 50m² 1 per 50m² 1 per 50m² Warehouse 1 per 100m² 1 per 100m² 1 per 100m² Offices 1 per 50m² 1 per 50m² 1 per 20m² Church, theatre, cinema, and auditorium 1 per 20 seats Crèches 1 per 6 children Schools 1 per classroom 1 per classroom 1 per classroom Third level facilities To be determined by P.A. To be determined by P.A. To be determined by P.A. Student accommodation To be determined by P.A. To be determined by P.A. To be determined by P.A. Hotel 1 per 2 bedrooms Clinics, surgeries, and group medical practices 2 spaces per consulting room 2 spaces per consulting room 3 spaces per consulting room Nursing Homes 1 per employee and 0.5 per bed 1 per employee and 0.5 per bed 1 per employee and 0.5 per bed Commercial leisure – play centres, bowling alleys, amusement centres etc. 1 per 100m² public space 1 per 100m² public space 1 per 30m² public space Conference Centres 1 per 20 seats 1 per 20 seats 1 per 5 seats Stadium To Be Determined by the P.A. To Be Determined by the P.A. To Be Determined by the P.A.

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.