Louth County Development Plan 2021–2027

1. Page 511

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   Chapter 13 – Development Management Guidelines Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 13-49 A reduction in the car parking requirement may be acceptable where the Planning Authority is satisfied that: • There is sufficient parking available in the vicinity of the development to cater for any shortfall; • The nature of the development is such that existing parking spaces in the vicinity could facilitate the dual use of parking spaces, particularly if the development operated at off-peak times. Supporting documentation will be required demonstrating how the dual use will work; • The public transport links available would reduce the demand for car parking; • The central location of the development is such that the customers/residents/users of the development would be likely to walk or cycle; and • There was no off street car parking provided with the existing/previous use of the property and the redevelopment of the property would not result in a significant increase in the car parking requirement. A Transport Mobility Management Plan supporting any reduction in car parking shall be included with any application where the quantum of parking is significantly below that set out in the Car Parking Standards (Table 13.11). Parking demand calculations shall be provided detailing the demand throughout the day from a database of similar types of development in similar circumstances. 13.16.13 Workplace Travel Plans Workplace Travel Plans (which can also be referred to as Mobility Management Plans) seek to reduce the demand for the car by increasing the attractiveness of alternative modes of transport. Developments that will generate significant trip demand such as new schools or developments with in excess of 100 employees shall require the preparation of a Workplace Travel Plan. Other considerations which may trigger the requirement for these Plans include the location of the development e.g. town centre, the employment type, and the shift pattern associated with the development. The requirement for the preparation of a Workplace Travel Plan for such developments will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The Workplace Travel Plan shall include measures to promote a modal shift towards public transport, walking, and cycling in addition to car sharing and flexible working if feasible. This can be achieved by providing facilities such as showers, locker rooms and cycle parking for walkers and cyclists, the promotion of car sharing between employees, and providing information in relation to public transport availability and walking and cycling routes. The following information should be provided with any Workplace Travel Plan: • Details of the parking vehicular and cyclist parking provision; • Links between the development and public transport; • Cyclist and pedestrian facilities; • How the needs of people with impaired mobility will be met; and • How people will be encouraged to use sustainable modes of transport.

2. Page 512

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   Chapter 13 – Development Management Guidelines Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 13-50 13.16.14 Traffic and Transport Assessments Traffic and Transport Assessments involve a comprehensive review of the potential transport impacts of a development on the existing transport network. This includes travel by car, commercial vehicle, cycling, walking, or public transport. Depending on the scale of a development and the associated trip demand, the Traffic and Transport Assessment may identify a requirement to change the road layout or public transport provision. This Plan shall require the preparation of a Traffic and Transport Assessment in accordance with the Traffic and Transport Assessment Guidelines 2014 (or any subsequent updated Guidelines), which set out the thresholds and sub-thresholds for the preparation of a Traffic and Transport Assessment. The Council may deem it appropriate to have a Traffic and Transport Assessment carried out on schemes with a value less than the thresholds if it is deemed sufficiently complex. 13.16.15 Road Safety Impact Assessment A Road Safety Impact Assessment (RSIA) is described in the EU Directive on Road Infrastructure Safety Management (EU RISM) as a strategic assessment of the impact of different planning options for a new road, or for substantial modifications to an existing road, on the safety performance of the road network. A RSIA is required for such projects on the national road network. A RSIA is also recommended for similar schemes on local and regional roads. TII Publications describe the RSIA process under the standard TII PE-PMG-02001 Road Safety Impact Assessment. A RSIA is a separate process to a Road Safety Audit (RSA). While a RSA examines the safety aspects within a scheme, a RSIA considers the safety impact of a scheme on the surrounding road network. A RSIA and a RSA both work to improve the safety performance of new roads and existing roads that require modifications. The Council may deem it appropriate to have a RSIA carried out on schemes with a value less than the threshold for a Major Scheme if it is deemed sufficiently complex. 13.16.16 Cycle Parking Secure cycle parking facilities shall be provided in new developments in accordance with the standards set out overleaf. Where a modal share for cycling is outlined within a Mobility Management Plan for a development, cycle parking should be provided at a level sufficient to support this modal share or as outlined in Table 13.12, whichever is greater. Secure bicycle racks shall be provided in all cases where bicycle parking is deemed to be necessary by the Planning Authority. Such racks should be within 25m of a destination for short-term parking (shops) and within 50m for long-term parking (school, college, office). All long-term (more than three hours) cycle racks shall be protected from the weather. All on-street stands or racks should be capable of performing the basic functions of supporting the bicycle and protecting it against theft or vandalism.

3. Page 513

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   Chapter 13 – Development Management Guidelines Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 13-51 Off-street storage/parking facilities should provide adequate shelter, lighting, safety and security, ease of access and egress, and an appropriate level of supervision. As such, publicly accessible cycle parking should be of ‘Sheffield’ stand type; toaster racks or similar are not acceptable for publicly accessible cycle parking. Where high density cycle parking is provided, in a secure location, stacked cycle parking is acceptable provided it is easily used. Visitor Parking Spaces: These are designed for ease of use by the public and visitors to a development and should strive to be within 25m from main entry points. Such cycle parking spaces should be located in highly visible areas with good passive surveillance, which are easy to access and well lit. Showers and Lockers facilities: In large scale commercial developments, which incorporate large amounts of cycle parking, showers and locker facilities shall be provided. Apartments / Student Accommodation: Secure, covered communal parking should be provided at ground level as close as possible to the main entrances. Table 13.12: Cycle Parking Standards Development Type Cycle Parking Requirement Long term Visitor/Short Stay Apartment, Flat , Sheltered Housing Minimum of 1 cycle space per bedroom. For Studio units at least 1 cycle space. 1 space per 2 units Residential dwelling 1 space per unit 1 space per 5 units Student accommodation 1 space per 2 bedrooms 1 space per 5 bedrooms Shops 1 space per 5 Staff 1 space per 100m² Gross Floor Area (GFA) Supermarkets/large stores 1 space per 5 Staff 1 space per 250m² GFA Offices 1 space per 200m² GFA 1 space per 200m² GFA Industry/warehousing 1 space per 5 Staff To be determined by the Planning Authority Theatre, cinema, church, stadium 1 space per 5 Staff 1 space per 10 Seats Hotels, guest houses 1 space per 5 staff 1 space per 20 beds Hostels 1 space per 5 staff 1 space per 10 beds Lounge bars 1 space per 5 staff 1 space per 200m² Public Floor Area Restaurants 1 space per 5 staff 1 space per 200m² Public Floor Area Playing fields 1 space per 5 staff 12 spaces per ha. Schools 1 space per 5 staff 1 space per 5 Students, with a minimum of 10 spaces

4. Page 514

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   Chapter 13 – Development Management Guidelines Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 13-52 Development Type Cycle Parking Requirement Long term Visitor/Short Stay Nursing Homes 1 space per 10 residents 1 space per 5 Staff To be determined by the Planning Authority Hospitals 1 space per 5 Staff 1 space per 20 beds Multi-Storey car parks 10% of car spaces minimum of 50 spaces To be determined by the Planning Authority Public Transport pick up points/interchanges 5% of daily borders at point/station, minimum of 10 spaces To be determined by the Planning Authority Cultural, community buildings 1 space per 5 Staff 1 space per 200m² GFA Crèche 1 space per 5 Staff 1 space per 10 children Third level college/further education 1 space per 5 Staff 1 space per 10 students Student accommodation 1 space per 2 bedrooms 1 space per 5 bedrooms Conference centres To be determined by the Planning Authority To be determined by the Planning Authority 13.16.17 Entrances and Sightlines A well-designed access is important for the safety and convenience of all road users and should have regard to the design speed, function, and traffic volumes on the public road in addition to pedestrians, cyclists, and vulnerable road users. All new entrances and junctions will require clear and unobstructed sight lines to be provided. These sight lines shall be selected using the applicable road design manual TII Design Manual for Roads and Bridges’ or if the development is in towns and villages or where the speed limit is within the 60km/h zone the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets. Any development shall take the following criteria into consideration: • The designation of the road, its function in the road hierarchy, and existing/projected volumes of traffic; • The typical speed (not speed limit) of the road; • The vertical and horizontal alignment of the road; and • Any other factors that may be relevant to the location or included in the road design manual. The design and location of an entrance shall ensure: • There is sufficient forward visibility for vehicles travelling along the road to identify traffic stopping and turning off the road into the entrance. This ‘safe stopping distance’ shall ensure motorists have time to react and brake safely; and • There is sufficient forward visibility for any vehicles turning right from the road into the entrance so as to not cause an obstruction or hazard to oncoming traffic. In some circumstances, right turning lanes may be required.

5. Page 515

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   Chapter 13 – Development Management Guidelines Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 13-53 The following Design Manuals are relevant in the design of new entrances and junctions: • Streets and Roads with a speed limit of 60km/h or less – (The Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets), however on national roads in urban areas the TII publication DNGEO-03084 Treatment of Transition Zones to Towns and Villages on Urban Roads will be applied in combination with DMURS principles; and • All other roads – TII Publications (formerly) Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (which has been subsumed into TII publications). Table 13.13 sets out the minimum visibility standards for new entrances onto streets and roads where the speed limit is in excess of 60km/h and the 'Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets' is not applicable. These are minimum standards and the Authority can request greater standards depending on the characteristic of the road, observed traffic speeds, volume and type of vehicles etc. Table 13.13: Minimum visibility standards for new entrances Road Category Sight distance (Y) Visibility requirement over ground Distance of the sight line from the edge of the carriageway (1 to 6 houses) (X distance)3 Distance of the sight line from the edge of the carriageway (7 houses or greater or non-domestic developments) (Y distance)4 National and Protected Regional Routes 215 metres 0.6-1.05 metres 3.0 metres 4.5 metres Regional Road 125 metres 0.6-1.05 metres 3.0 metres 4.5 metres Local Road 75 metres 0.6-1.05 metres 3.0 metres 4.5 metres Cul-de-sac 75 metres 0.6-1.05 metres 3.0 metres 4.5 metres 3These standards do not apply to any new entrance where the 'Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets' is applicable. In certain circumstances a setback of 2.4 metres may be allowed. 4 In certain circumstances a setback of 3.0 metres may be allowed.

6. Page 516

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   Chapter 13 – Development Management Guidelines Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 13-54 Fig 13.1: Junction Visibility Splays Notes: 1. Where the 85% percentile speed on a local class 2 or a local class 3 rural road is shown to be below 42 kilometres per hour, the minimum sight distance requirements Y contained in the document TII Publication 'Geometric Design of Junctions’ DN-GEO-03060 June 2017 or as amended shall apply. 2. Topographical drawings shall be used in demonstrating visibility sightlines. 3. Where the creation of minimum visibility standards involve works on third party lands, the applicant must furnish evidence of a legal right to carry out such works. The applicant shall be requested to submit a formal legal agreement together with a map showing the extent of the lands so affected outside the site boundary and detailing the works required to comply with the visibility splay together with an undertaking from the landowner’s solicitor that the agreement will be entered as a burden against the title of the land. 13.16.18 Access for Replacement Dwellings Where an existing access to a replacement dwelling does not meet the current standards, consideration shall be given to improving the design of the access in the interests of road safety. There shall not be a presumption that such substandard accesses can be utilised in the absence of any improvements or alternative access being provided. 13.16.19 Road Gradients A flat gradient of no more than 1:50 (2%) will generally be required at new junctions or entrances for the first 5 metres from the edge of the public road. In larger commercial or residential developments, this may increase to 15 metres or more to facilitate larger vehicles such as delivery vans and refuse trucks.

7. Page 517

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   Chapter 13 – Development Management Guidelines Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 13-55 13.17 ENVIRONMENT 13.17.1 Extractive Industry The development, continuation of use or diversification of activities relating to the extractive industry will be assessed having regard to the following: • Quarrying and Ancillary Activities (DEHLG 2004), (or any subsequent Guidelines); • Guidelines for Environmental Management in the Extractive Industry (EPA, 2006); • Guidance on Biodiversity in the Extractive Industry (NPWS); • GSI’s Geological Heritage Guidelines for the Extractive Industry (2008); • The Archaeological Code of Practice (2009); • The Irish Concrete Federation Environmental Code (2005) and any other relevant policy guidance; • The requirements of Section 261 and Section 261A of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended) where applicable; • The nature of the proposal and processes involved; • The method of extraction; • The scale of activity and duration proposed; • Impact on the environment and landscape; • Impact on residential amenity; • Impact on the road network; • Impact on hydrology and hydrogeology; • Impact on archaeology and the built heritage; • Mitigation measures proposed; • Phasing programme for extraction; and • Restoration and after-care proposals. Prior to the lodgement of planning applications for extractive industry development, pre-planning consultation with the Planning Authority is encouraged. The Planning Authority may require the submission of an EIAR for sub-threshold development where it is considered that the development would be likely to have significant effects on the environment. The restoration of disused pits and quarries to productive agricultural use will be encouraged where appropriate having regard to all appropriate environmental considerations. Other possible post closure uses may be considered such as recreational facilities and natural habitat areas. A condition requiring the lodgement of a financial bond will be included in any grant of permission to ensure the satisfactory reinstatement of the site following the completion of extraction. A Special Contribution in accordance with Section 48 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended), may be imposed for the upgrade or maintenance of the local road network to facilitate the proposed development. Non-extractive industry related development may be restricted in areas that are in close proximity to existing extractive sites of significant resource potential where such developments would limit future exploitation or in areas containing proven mineral (aggregate) deposits in order to prevent the unnecessary sterilisation of these deposits.

8. Page 518

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   Chapter 13 – Development Management Guidelines Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 13-56 13.17.2 Land Reclamation Any proposal for land reclamation developments will be required to include the following information: • A rationale for the development; • The relationship of the site with any European Sites. The development shall not create any adverse effect on the integrity of the conservation objectives of any European Sites; • Visual impact – cross-sections of existing and proposed ground levels. The development shall not interfere with the character of the surrounding landscape; • Details of the type and quantity of material to be imported. Only clean, inert material will be allowed; • A traffic management plan including haulage routes and daily/weekly truck movements; • Details of how noise and dust will be managed; • Residential amenity – an assessment shall be carried out on the potential impact of the development on any residential properties in the vicinity of the lands; and • A phasing programme for the duration of the works. Any development will be required to have the requisite waste authorisation in place in accordance with the stipulations of the Waste Management Act 1996 or any subsequent updated guidance or legislation. 13.17.3 Contaminated Land The development of any lands where there are known or suspected contaminated land and groundwater issues will require investigative works to be carried out detailing the extent of contamination, the potential sources of any contamination, the migration pathways, and potential receptors the contaminated land impacts upon. A risk based approach in accordance with best practice techniques, in consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency and any other relevant bodies (as required or necessary), shall be taken to the remediation of contaminated lands to ensure works are completed to the highest standards. 13.18 ENERGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS 13.18.1 Wind Energy This Plan recognises that onshore and offshore wind energy is an energy source that has an important role in achieving national targets on fossil fuel reduction and greenhouse gas emissions. Map 10.1 in Chapter 10 Utilities provides details of the locations in the County suitable for wind energy development. The potential benefits of small-scale wind energy developments and community based wind energy developments in mitigating against climate change and raising awareness, and harnessing community involvement in the shift to cleaner sources of energy is recognised and will generally be considered favourable subject to appropriate planning considerations. Any application for wind energy development shall be prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Wind Energy Guidelines 2006 and any subsequent Guidelines. Details on access, including restrictions on new or intensification of existing accesses onto National and Protected Regional Roads are set out in Section 13.16 ‘Transport’ and Tables 7.9 and 7.10 of the Movement Chapter.

9. Page 519

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   Chapter 13 – Development Management Guidelines Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 13-57 13.18.2 Solar Energy The potential of solar energy as a clean source of energy that will reduce dependence on fossil fuels and assist in achieving national targets on greenhouse gas emissions is recognised. The retrofitting of existing buildings and the integration of solar infrastructure into the design of new buildings will be generally encouraged. Solar energy is also beginning to be developed on a larger scale through the construction of solar farms. At the time of writing, no national guidance had been published for the development of solar farms. Pending the publication of any guidance the following criteria shall be considered when preparing an application for a solar farm: • The Landscape Character Area in which the site is located; • Any environmental sensitivities in the landscape; • Site contours and levels; • Site suitability: Brownfield lands or poor agricultural lands; • Visual impact; • Ecology; • Heritage; • Glint and glare; • Ground maintenance, soil stripping, storage and maintenance; • Fencing, security and lighting; • Drainage; and • Decommissioning. In order to ensure that all environmental issues and cumulative impacts of a proposal have been assessed any application for a Solar Farm shall include details of the grid connection. Where this is not possible, details of the most likely corridor of the grid connection (including its width and route), the likely nature of the connection in terms of line voltage, whether it will be underground (preferred) or over ground (including details of pole type) and any ancillary equipment (e.g. substations) shall be provided. Details on access, including restrictions on new or intensification of existing accesses onto National and Protected Regional Roads are set out in section 13.16 ‘Transport’ and Tables 7.9 and 7.10 of the Movement Chapter. 13.18.3 Telecommunications Structures The importance of high quality telecommunications infrastructure in maintaining economic competitiveness and providing connectivity for businesses and communities is recognised. The assessment of any application for telecommunications structures will have regard to the Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structures, Guidelines for Planning Authorities, DECLG, 1996 and Circular Letter Pl07/12 published by the DECLG in 2012. The co-location of existing structures is encouraged. The construction of a new antennae or structure will only be considered when colocation is not a feasible option. Any proposal for a new structure or antennae will require a supplementary report setting out the requirements for the infrastructure and why co-location is not feasible. In identifying a suitable location for telecommunications structures consideration shall be given to the potential visual impact of the development and any sensitivities in the local landscape or settlement in which the structure is proposed to be located. A Visual Impact Assessment of the development including photomontages, may be required, depending on the nature of the development proposed.

10. Page 520

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    Chapter 13 – Development Management Guidelines Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 13-58 Telecommunication structures on visually sensitive elevated lands will only be considered where technical or coverage requirements mean the infrastructure is essential. Structures shall be designed to facilitate the attachment of additional antennae and minimise any visual impact. Any boundaries around structures shall be carefully considered and take account of the location of the structure. Palisade fencing will not normally be considered acceptable, particularly in built up areas. 13.19 HERITAGE 13.19.1 Archaeology Any development in the vicinity of a site included in the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) or within a Zone of Notification will require archaeological investigations to be carried out in accordance with the ‘Framework and Principles for the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage’ published by the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht, and the Islands in 1999. An Archaeological Impact Assessment will be required to be prepared for any development that may have a potential impact on archaeology. The requirement for this assessment shall have regard to the nature and scale of the development and its relationship with any sites or monuments of archaeological interest.5 5 In relation to the statutory requirement on anyone proposing to carry out work at or in relation to a recorded monument to give two months’ notice of the proposed work to the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, it should be noted that the practice of the NMS is to accept planning referrals as having discharged this requirement, thus avoiding unnecessary imposition on owners and developers and reducing documentation to the NMS. To ensure the long-term preservation of recorded monuments and their setting, a Conservation Plan may be required, depending on the nature of the development and the relationship of the development with the monument(s). 13.19.2 Architectural Heritage Any works which would materially affect the character of a Protected Structure requires planning permission. Owners or occupants of Protected Structures may request a declaration from the Planning Authority as to the type of works that would not materially affect the character of a specific Protected Structure and do not require planning permission. The provisions for this declaration are set out in Section 57 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). Any proposals to a Protected Structure shall ensure: • The works shall not detract from the significance or value of the structure; • Original features of architectural and historic interest are retained and new features are not presented as original or older features; • Extensions are appropriately scaled, complement and are subsidiary to the main structure; and • The special interest of the structure is not compromised when adhering to the requirements of the Building Regulations. Applications shall be prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities, 2011 and shall be supported by detailed drawings, photographs, a schedule of works, and construction materials and finishes. The level of detail required with any application will depend on the complexity and scale of the works involved.

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.