Mayo County Development Plan 2022–2028

1. Page 21

   Cite this pagePDF p. 21 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   CHAPTER 2 CORE & SETTLEMENT STRATEGY Population Target for County Mayo 2027 2.7 Core Strategy The Core Strategy is intended to set out high level policy to direct the future spatial development of County Mayo, consistent with the NPF, RSES and the Planning Acts. Under the Act, a Core Strategy focuses on: • Defining a settlement hierarchy for the County that is consistent with the NPF and RSES. • Transposing the prescribed NPF and RSES housing and population targets set at county level for the rural and urban centres identified within the settlement hierarchy. • Providing an evidence-based rationale for the land proposed to be zoned for residential and mixed-use development, having regard to the capacity of existing zoned land and the phasing of development and taking account of the location of public transport and services. • Demonstrating how the Planning Authority has had regard to the statutory Retail Planning Guidelines in setting out objectives for retail development. Mayo is a rural county with a dispersed settlement pattern which is reflective of Mayo’s agrarian history, and which demonstrates the relationship between Mayo people and the rural countryside. The Core Strategy underpins and builds on this rural settlement pattern, whilst strengthening the role played by the towns and villages in establishing a sustainable synergy between both rural and urban areas of the county. The Core Strategy provides a sustainable choice for development between rural and urban areas, increasing the attractiveness of Mayo as a place to live, work, visit and invest. 2.7.1 Population Projections for County Mayo The Implementation Roadmap for the NPF highlights the Governments focus on achieving alignment between national, regional and local planning policy and practice. The roadmap provides transitional population projections at a regional and county scale, in order to inform Development Plans for the period 2026 and 2031 (Table 2.1). It also sets out mechanisms to assist Development Plans in addressing the six-year period up to 2026/2027.The transitional population projections from the Roadmap for Mayo are listed below: 130,500 142,000-144,500 147,000-150,500 Table 2.1 Transitional Population Projections for County Mayo 2.7.2 Population Scenarios at Settlement/County Level Several population growth scenarios were examined in formulating a settlement strategy for Mayo1. The growth scenarios reviewed the key determinants of birth, death and migration rate in the county up to the period 2031, including non-policy-based intervention and policy-based intervention scenarios. The non-intervention scenario does not envisage any policy-based intervention but instead assumes the continuation of the prevailing trends in mortality, fertility and migration. The policy intervention scenario utilises an interpolated forecast of population and assumes a level of policy- based interaction. This scenario was chosen as it aligns with the NPF implementation roadmap population targets. Specifically, the scenario aligns with the NPF projected higher population growth rate for the county, and this is achieved by developing complementary policies and objectives devised to retain 30% of the population that would otherwise migrate out of the county. A central tenet of the chosen scenario is the inclusion of complementary policies and objectives in the plan to enhance the attractiveness of the county for remote working, smarter work practices, and the provision of infrastructure at appropriate locations and scale to facilitate same. 2.7.3 Population Targets for County Mayo Utilising the policy intervention scenario, which is aimed at reducing migration out of the county and increasing migration into Mayo, the population target for the Plan period to 2027 is set out below in Table 2.2. 130,500 145,700 15,200 (+11.6) Table 2.2 Population Targets for County Mayo The key principle of the Core Strategy is to build on the unique dispersed settlement characteristics of Mayo. In order to provide a balance, link and synergy between the rural countryside and urban settlements of the county, the population ratio between rural and urban will be targeted at 60:40. Target Population Ratio to 2027 Rural:Urban Rural (60%) Urban (40%) Total (100%) 85,790 59,910 145,700 Table 2.3 Targeted Population Ratio to 2027 2.7.4 Housing Land Requirements The First Revision of the National Planning Framework (NPF) (April 2025) sets out updated national and local population and housing targets to 2040. These targets anticipate a national population of 6.1 million by 2040, requiring the delivery of approximately 800,000 new homes, or 50,000 homes per annum. Projected population growth should be planned in accordance with NPF requirements. These requirements target a minimum of 30% of all new development on infill and brownfield sites within the existing built footprint of urban settlements of over 1,500, with a minimum of 20% of all development on infill and brownfield sites within the existing built footprint of rural settlements. In this regard, lands have only been identified in the Core Strategy for development that can connect to existing development services, i.e. road and footpath access including public lighting, foul sewer drainage, surface water drainage and water supply, for which there is service capacity available, and can therefore accommodate new development. These lands are also positioned within the existing built-up footprint of established settlements or contiguous to existing developed lands. 1. Mayo Housing Strategy (See Volume 4) Transitional Population Projections for County Mayo 2026

2. Page 22

   Cite this pagePDF p. 22 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   CHAPTER 2 CORE & SETTLEMENT STRATEGY In light of the updated policy objectives and growth projections set out in the First Revision of the National Planning Framework (2025) and associated guidelines and acknowledging the constrained delivery of housing in recent years the Development Plan now seeks to facilitate appropriate development proposals on lands zoned Strategic Residential Reserve Tier 1 (SRR1). Activation of these lands will be subject to the principles of sequential, infrastructure-led compact growth, as well as the environmental considerations that underpin the Development Plan 2.7.5 Average Household Size The Census 2016 data indicates that Mayo has a population to household size of 2.62, which is lower than the state average of 2.75. However, the NPF states that this state average is expected to decline to around 2.5 by 2040, while also acknowledging that household sizes in urban areas tend to be smaller than in the suburbs or rural parts of the country. In line with this projected trend, a graduated average household size is utilised within this plan to 2040. As shown in the Housing Strategy (Volume 4), in 2027, the average household size is thus projected to be 2.56. By applying the relevant household size to projected population increases, it is possible to forecast required household numbers to 2027 and beyond. 2.7.6 Household Composition As set out in Section 6.6 of the NPF, information on household composition and projections in relation to household size are informative evidence inputs that can assist with understanding stock profile pressures. Analysis of the historic household sizes (i.e. household size cohort per household from the historic Census data) has therefore been undertaken to help discern and forecast how the composition of households may change during the plan period and is presented in the Housing Strategy (see Volume 4). This analysis (as summarised in Figure 2.1) demonstrates a trend towards 1 and 2 person households over the plan period, which are projected to form a combined total of 62.1% of all households by 2027. In contrast, the number of households comprising of 4 people or more will continue to decline between 2021-2027. Households with four or more people will amount to approximately 22.6% of total households by 2027. Figure 2.1 Forecasted Household Size Cohort in County Mayo during the plan period (Source: CSO, projected) 2.7.7 Core Strategy Table The Core Strategy Table as set out below indicates the distribution of future population and housing across the county’s settlements in the form of a settlement hierarchy. Table 2.4 Core Strategy Table *Note: Lands zoned for Residential in Tier II towns will be monitored to ensure the delivery of the proposed housing targets. Upon reaching the new residential unit target per settlement, the remaining undeveloped residential lands will revert to strategic residential reserve lands. Tiers III, IV and V adopt a single category mixed-used zoning approach. 31 *See Settlement Hierarchy for Tier V Rural Villages

3. Page 23

   Cite this pagePDF p. 23 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   CHAPTER 2 CORE & SETTLEMENT STRATEGY (Tier 3) 2.7.8 Retail Strategy The Mayo County Development Plan recognises a four-tier retail hierarchy in the county (See Table 2.5 below). This retail hierarchy is consistent with the RSES (2020-2020), Section 28 Retail Planning Guidelines (2012) and the Settlement Strategy and aims to concentrate higher order shopping functions in Castlebar, Ballina and Westport. The sequential approach to development will be applied to proposals for retail development in accordance with the Retail Planning Guidelines for Planning Authorities (DoEHLG 2012). The land use maps for Tiers I to III, inclusive, identifies inner (town centre) and outer (edge of town centre) town centre areas to assist in the applicable of the sequential approach, whilst ensuring edge of-centre sites are within easy walking distance of the identified primary retail area of each town. CSP 2 To support the implementation of the Core Strategy for Mayo in a manner that is consistent with policies at a national and regional level, in particular population targets and distribution. Tier I(a) – Key Towns Ballina and Castlebar Regional (Tier 2) Tier I(b) – Strategic Growth Centre Westport Sub-Regional/District Centre CSP 4 To support the compact growth of towns and villages to ensure that development proceeds sustainably and at an appropriate scale, density and sequence and in line with the Core Strategy Table. Tier II – Self-Sustaining Growth Centres Tier III – Self-Sustaining Growth Centres Ballinrobe, Ballyhaunis, Belmullet, Claremorris and Swinford Balla, Charlestown Crossmolina, Foxford, Knock, Killala, Kiltimagh, Louisburgh and Newport. Small Towns and Rural Areas (Tier 4) Small Towns and Rural Areas (Tier 4) Tier IV – Rural Settlements 18 no. Rural Settlements Local Shopping (Tier 5) Tier V – Rural Villages 37 no. Rural Villages Local Shopping (Tier 5) Table 2.5 - Retail Hierarchy 2.7.9 Monitoring and Management With the adoption of specific population targets for the county and each settlement/tier typology, the monitoring of the extent of residential development is required to ensure that development occurs in a coherent, reasoned and evidence-based manner. Notwithstanding that the population increase/ household allocations are targets and not limits the delivery of all residential development will be carefully monitored during the lifetime of this Plan to ensure it does not cumulatively result in housing units or population being exceeded within the context of the overall population limits within the county and in accordance with the Core Strategy and S28 Housing Target Guidelines. 2.7.10 Core Strategy Policies and Objectives Mayo County Council shall ensure that the future spatial development of Mayo is informed by means of a plan led approach, directing residential and employment generating development to locations in accordance with national and regional policy, and with environmental carrying capacity, which can support investment in public infrastructure and services, and which is sensitive to the physical character of the built and natural environment. This approach is enshrined in a number of Core Strategy Policy Objectives, as set out below. CSO 2 CSO 4 To ensure that sufficient zoned lands are available to satisfy the housing requirements of the designated settlements in the county over the lifetime of the Plan. To move towards more compact towns by promoting the development of infill and brownfield/consolidation/regeneration sites and the redevelopment of underutilised land within and close to the existing built-up footprint of existing settlements in preference to edge of centre locations. 32 Tiers Town RPGs Retail Hierarchy Tiers Core Strategy Policies CSP 3 CSP 5 Core Strategy Objectives CSO 3

4. Page 24

   Cite this pagePDF p. 24 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   CHAPTER 2 CORE & SETTLEMENT STRATEGY RURAL URBAN Rural Countryside Rural Villages Rural Self Towns Self Growth Towns Strategic Growth Towns CSO 6 CSO 8 To deliver at least 20% of all new homes in rural towns and villages within the existing built-up footprint of settlements. To monitor development for compliance with the objectives of the Core Strategy and adjust, where necessary, the approach taken to the consideration of development proposals, in order to ensure effective and reasonable alignment with national and regional policy and objectives. 2.8.1 Settlement Hierarchy County Mayo has traditionally been a predominantly rural county and for this reason the Core and Settlement Strategy separates the rural countryside from settlements in the Settlement Hierarchy. The allocation of the settlements within each tier of the settlement hierarchy was informed by: • NPF and RSES • Population Size • Settlement Asset Capacity Matrix (Appendix I). • Ratio of Jobs to Worker Ratio This approach ensures that settlements identified for significant population and/or employment growth are supported by the requisite investment in infrastructure and provision of employment opportunities, amenities and services. 2.8 Settlement Strategy The settlement strategy will continue to provide for the sustainable development of the county by continuing to balance the distribution of Mayo’s population between rural to urban. Figure 2.2: Synergy Between Rural and Urban through Settlement Hierarchy Aghagower, Aghamore, An Tinbhear (Inver), Attymass, Ballycroy, Ballyglass, Ballyheane, Bekan, Breaffy, Brickens, Bun an Churraugh (Bunnacurry), Carnacon, Carracastle, Ceathrú Thaidhg (Carrowteige), Corrchloch (Corclough), Cross, Crossboyne, Doogort, Eachléim (Aghleam), Gaoth Sáile (Gweesalia), Geata Mór (Binghamstown), Gleann na Muaidhe (Glenamoy), Glenhest Glenisland, Hollymount, Islandeady Kilmovee, Knockmore, Mayo Abbey, Moygownagh, Moyne (Kilmeena), Parke, Partry, Poll an tSómas (Pollatomish), Roundfort, The Neale & Tuar Mhic Éadaigh (Tourmakeady). Keel-Dooagh, Shrule, Kilkelly, Gob an Choire (Achill Sound), Bangor Erris, Ballindine, Ballycastle, Bunnyconnelan, Bellavary, Kilmaine, Cong, Turlough, Mulranny, Belcarra, Bohola, Lahardane, Irishtown, Dumha Thuama (Doohoma). Balla, Charlestown, Crossmolina, Foxford, Killala Kiltimagh, Knock, Louisburgh, Newport Ballinrobe, Ballyhaunis, Béal an Mhuirthead (Belmullet), Claremorris Swinford Ballina, Castlebar, Westport Settlement Hierarchy for County Mayo (Table 2.6). CSO 5 CSO 7 To implement all land use planning policies and objectives in a manner which CSO 9 Rural Urban Rural Countryside Tier 5 Tier 4 Tier 3 Tier 2 Tier 1 Rural Villages Rural Settlements Self- Sustaining Towns Self- Sustaining Growth Towns Key Towns & Strategic Growth Towns CSO 10 • The proposed development aligns with the principles of sequential and infrastructure-led compact growth; • Adequate infrastructure capacity is available; • The proposal complies with the environmental and planning principles underpinning the Development Plan

5. Page 25

   Cite this pagePDF p. 25 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   CHAPTER 2 CORE & SETTLEMENT STRATEGY Map 2.3 Settlement Hierarchy Map 2.8.1.1 Rural Countryside The rural countryside is and will continue to be a living and lived-in landscape focusing on the requirements of rural economies and communities, while at the same time avoiding inappropriate development from urban areas and protecting environmental assets. The Council will ensure that development of the unserviced rural areas takes place in a manner that is compatible with the protection of key economic, environmental, biodiversity and cultural/heritage assets such as the road network, water quality and important landscapes. 2.8.1.2 Rural Villages (Tier V) Rural Villages in the Settlement Strategy comprises of small villages, of less than 50 people. Aghagower, Aghamore, An Tinbhear (Inver), Attymass, Ballycroy, Ballyglass, Ballyheane, Bekan, Breaffy, Brickens, Bun an Churraigh (Bunnacurry), Carnacon, Carracastle, Ceathrú Thaidhg (Carrowteige), Corrchloch (Corclough), Cross, Crossboyne, Doogort, Eachléim (Aghleam), Gaoth Sáile (Gweesalia), Geata Mór (Binghamstown), Gleann na Muaidhe (Glenamoy), Glenhest, Glenisland, Hollymount, Islandeady Kilmovee, Knockmore, Mayo Abbey, Moygownagh, Moyne (Kilmeena), Parke, Partry, Poll an tSómas (Pollatomish), Roundfort, The Neale & Tuar Mhic Éadaigh (Tourmakeady). There is considerable variation in the villages included in this tier in terms of scale, character, context, and infrastructure. However, all have potential for appropriate levels of growth and consolidation. In order to realise the consolidation of these villages, each Rural Village Plan defines the village boundary and encourages development to be delivered in a sustainable, sequential manner from the village core outwards, while promoting the reuse and redevelopment of vacant and derelict sites and buildings. A single category mixed-use zoning applies to the rural village plans i.e. Rural Village Consolidation Zoning. A similar approach is adopted for Tier IV Rural Settlement Plans. These rural villages provide a choice for those who wish to live in a rural setting but not in the rural countryside. 2.8.1.3 Rural Settlements (Tier IV) Keel-Dooagh, Shrule, Kilkelly, Gob An Choire (Achill Sound), Bangor Erris, Ballindine, Ballycastle, Bellavary, Bunnyconnelan, Kilmaine, Cong, Turlough, Mulranny, Belcarra, Bohola, Lahardane, Irishtown and Dumha Thuama (Doohoma). Tier IV of this Core Strategy contains serviced rural towns and villages with populations of greater than 50 but less than 500, which function as local service and employment providers. In these settlements, defined land use areas can be identified (e.g. town centre, residential etc.) and a broader range of services, functions and employment opportunities are generally provided. All settlements in this tier are serviced by Irish Water infrastructure. In order to realise the consolidation of these villages, each Rural Settlement Plan defines the village boundary and encourages development to be delivered in a sustainable sequential manner from the village core outwards, while promoting the reuse and redevelopment of vacant and derelict sites and buildings. A single category mixed-use zoning applies to the rural settlement plans i.e. Rural Settlement Consolidation Zoning. Facilitating population growth through the provision of housing of suitable scale and character in these villages, subject to availability of services, is considered paramount to ensuring their future vitality and viability. The availability of serviced sites, in tandem with schemes such as the Irish Water Scheme for Small Towns and Villages, will further help to achieve this objective. 2.8.1.4 Self-Sustaining Towns (Tier III) Crossmolina, Foxford, Balla, Killala, Knock, Kiltimagh, Louisburg, Newport and Charlestown. Self-Sustaining Towns have moderate levels of population growth and a limited localised employment base, are reliant on other areas for employment and/or services and therefore require targeted ‘catch up’ investment to become more self-sustaining. While some of the settlements in this tier have populations similar to that of a number of settlements in Tier II, the employment base and asset capacity in the Tier III settlements need to be firstly increased, as opposed to targeting them for larger population allocations at this juncture. Settlement Hierarchy for County Mayo 34 353736

6. Page 26

   Cite this pagePDF p. 26 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   CHAPTER 2 CORE & SETTLEMENT STRATEGY In order to reflect this more measured approach to development within Self-Sustaining Towns, the aggregate population increase for all of the settlements in this tier is accumulated and each settlement plan adopts a more flexible zoning approach, within a defined settlement boundary. A single category mixed-use zoning applies to Tier III Self-Sustaining Towns i.e. Self-Sustaining Consolidation Zoning. This approach is also underpinned by the identification of opportunity sites within each settlement and objectives designed to ensure that future developments are of a suitable scale and nature, consolidate the town core and demonstrate the use of the “good neighbour” principle and the sequential approach at all times. 2.8.1.5 Self-Sustaining Growth Towns (Tier II) Claremorris, Ballyhaunis, Ballinrobe, Swinford and Béal an Mhuirthead The towns included in Tier II of the settlement strategy are described as Self-Sustaining Growth Towns. These are towns with a moderate level of jobs and services with capacity for continued commensurate growth, in order to become more self-sustaining. Three of the towns included in Tier II, Claremorris, Ballyhaunis and Ballinrobe have existing populations over 1,500, while the towns of Swinford and Béal an Mhuirthead, with populations of 1,394 and 1,019 respectively, are also included. All Tier II towns have jobs to workers ratio of close to 1 or above, with Swinford and Béal an Mhuirthead having jobs to workers ratio of 2.332 and 1.735 respectively, this indicates that a significant number of workers commute to each settlement from their labour catchments. All towns in this tier are also included based on the social, economic, and natural assets identified in each when assessed using the Settlement Asset Capacity (Appendix I), which would indicate their capacity to accommodate larger population allocations in comparison to Tier III towns. On an individual level, it is considered that Swinford also merits inclusion based on its strategic location on the N5, along the Atlantic Economic Corridor and in close proximity to Ireland West Airport Knock and the Key Towns of Ballina and Castlebar. Béal an Mhuirthead also merits inclusion being an important Gaeltacht Service Town along the Coastal Zone and Wild Atlantic Way. This town plays a key role in the delivering services and supporting employment for the northwest region of Mayo which is at a remove from other growth towns. A conventional land-use zoning approach has been adopted for Tier II Self-Sustaining Growth Towns, with Town Centre Opportunity Sites identified in town centre areas to encourage town centre consolidation and revitalisation. 2.8.1.6 Key Towns and Strategic Growth Towns (Tier I (a) and Tier I (b)) Ballina, Castlebar and Westport The towns included in Tier I of the settlement strategy are described as Tier 1 (a) Key Towns and Tier I (b) Strategic Growth Town. These towns are the main urban centres of scale in the county. The RSES designates Castlebar and Ballina as Key Towns. Key Towns are defined as regionally, strategic employment centres of significant scale that can act as regional drivers that complement and support the higher-order urban areas within the settlement hierarchy. Westport, a Strategic Growth Town in the settlement hierarchy, is identified in the RSES as an urban centre with strategic development potential which seeks to build on the strong physical, economic and social intrinsic links with Castlebar. The future growth of Castlebar and Westport is best achieved by building on these intrinsic links to grow in tandem as a driver of economic development for the county and region. Ballina Ballina has a population of 10,171 (CSO 2016) and is the second largest town in Mayo. Ballina functions as the main economic driver for a large area of north Mayo. The town provides 4,810 jobs, with a jobs/ resident worker ratio of 1.361 (CSO 2016). Due to its proximity to County Sligo, the town also serves as the main economic, commercial and social/educational centre for parts of west Sligo. This influence, in turn, overlaps with the western sphere of influence of the regional growth centre of Sligo town. This juxtaposition highlights Ballina’s current and future role, both as a stand-alone economic driver and an integral part of the network of other key population centres and economic drivers along this section of the AEC. Castlebar Castlebar has a population of 12,068 (CSO 2016) and is the largest town in Mayo. Castlebar is the main administrative, public health, education and commercial centre in the county. The town provides over 9000 jobs, with a jobs/resident worker ratio of 1.920 (CSO 2016). Castlebar, at a more strategic level, is intrinsically linked to the nearby town of Westport and the imminent upgrading of the N5 will also reduce the commuting time between Westport and Castlebar. Westport Westport has a population of 6,198 (CSO 2016) and is the third largest town in Mayo. Westport provides important administrative, service and economic roles and functions to its hinterland and has a reputation as being one of Ireland’s premier visitor destinations. The town provides 4,142 jobs, with a jobs/resident worker ratio of 1.647 (CSO 2016). Westport’s large industrial base, its enterprise economy and vibrant tourism industry, as well as its potential marine resources, justifies its inclusion in the top tier of the Settlement Strategy for the county as a linked growth driver with Castlebar. Settlement Strategy Policies SSP 1 Support the appropriate growth of the Rural Countryside by offering a sustainable choice for people to live in order to maintain vibrant Rural Communities. SSP 2 Support the continued growth and sustainable development of Ballina, Castlebar and Westport, as designated Tier I towns (Key Towns and Strategic Growth Town) in the Settlement Strategy, capitalising on Ballina’s designation as a Key Town in the context of the Sligo Regional Growth Centre and Castlebar/Westport as a linked growth driver in the region. SSP 3 Promote consolidation in Self-Sustaining Growth Towns coupled with targeted investment where required, to improve local employment, services and sustainable transport options and to become more self-sustaining settlements. SSP 4 Promote commensurate population and employment growth in the designated Self-Sustaining Towns, providing for natural increases and to become more economically self-sustaining, in line with the quality and capacity of public transport, services and infrastructure available. SSP 5 To promote and encourage the sustainable, balanced development of the Rural Settlements and Rural Villages in an incremental manner, with the emphasis on small scale development over a medium to long-term period, in keeping with the character of the settlement. SSP 6 To support the creation of healthy and sustainable communities that encourages and facilitates walking and cycling and general physical activity through the implementation of best practices in urban design that promotes permeability and interconnecting spaces. 36 373938

7. Page 27

   Cite this pagePDF p. 27 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   CHAPTER 2 CORE & SETTLEMENT STRATEGY SSP 7 To promote the integration of land use and transportation policies and to prioritise provision for cycling and walking travel modes and the strengthening of public transport. SSP 8 To develop the county in accordance with the Settlement Hierarchy and to require future residential development to locate at and be of a scale appropriate to the settlement tiers and levels identified in the Core Strategy Table, subject to the availability of infrastructure and services. Settlement Strategy Objectives SSO 1 To facilitate the appropriate growth of the Rural Countryside by offering a sustainable choice for people to live in order to maintain vibrant Rural Communities. SSO 2 To facilitate the development of Ballina, Castlebar and Westport to underpin their role as designated Tier I Key Towns and a Strategic Growth Town, respectively, in the Settlement Hierarchy and to ensure that the growth of these towns takes place in an orderly and sustainable fashion that will not detract from the vitality and viability of their town centres. SSO 3 To require sustainable, compact, sequential growth and urban regeneration in Ballina, Castlebar and Westport by consolidating the built-up footprints of these towns through a focus on regeneration and development of town centre infill and brownfield sites, and encouraging regeneration of underutilised, vacant and derelict lands for residential development and mixed use to facilitate population growth. SSO 4 To apply higher densities to the higher order settlements of Ballina, Castlebar and Westport (see DM Standards), to align with their roles within the settlement hierarchy, subject to good design and development management standards being met. SSO 5 To apply graded densities in towns and villages having regard to their role in the Settlement Hierarchy and where they are commensurate to the existing built environment. SSO 6 To strengthen the core of settlements and encourage the compact growth of settlements by way of the development of infill sites, brownfield lands, underutilised land / buildings, vacant sites, and derelict sites within the existing built-up footprint of the settlements and develop outwards from the centre in a sequential manner. SSO 7 To promote measures to reduce vacancy and the underuse of existing building stock and support initiatives that promote the reuse, refurbishment and retrofitting of existing buildings and the regeneration of under-utilised lands within all settlements in the Settlement Hierarchy and the rural countryside. SSO 8 To ensure that settlements grow in a manner that is self-sustaining with sufficient social and economic infrastructure, and to a scale which aligns with the Settlement Hierarchy prescribed in the Core Strategy. SSO 9 To ensure that all applications for retail developments are appropriate to the retail role, function and capacity of settlements within the settlement hierarchy and County Retail Hierarchy (Table 2.5) and have regard to the Retail Planning Guidelines for Planning Authorities (DoEHLG 2012, as amended or superseded). SSO 10 To support and facilitate the delivery of consolidation and targeted ‘catch up’ investment in services, infrastructure, amenities and local employment to settlements, where appropriate. SSO 11 To seek to progress the list of Municipal District Projects over the plan period, as set out in Appendix II. SSO 12 To ensure the promotion of sustainable settlement and transportation strategies in urban and rural areas including the promotion of measures to— (i) reduce energy demand in response to the likelihood of increases in energy and other costs due to long-term decline in non-renewable resources, (ii) reduce anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, and (iii) address the necessity of adaptation to climate change; in particular, having regard to location, layout and design of new development. SSO 13 The land use zoning provisions of the existing town and environs development plans for Ballina, Castlebar and Westport shall continue to be implemented on an interim basis until such time as local area plans are adopted for these towns, whilst also having regard to any draft local area plan, and subject to compliance with the provisions of the Mayo County Development Plan, including the Core Strategy population/housing targets. SSO 14 Development proposals in Ballina, Castlebar and Westport shall be assessed on an interim basis taking account of the principles of proper planning and sustainable development inter alia traffic safety, residential amenity, flood risk, cultural, natural and built heritage, and in accordance with the provisions of the Mayo County Development Plan, including the Core Strategy population/housing targets. SSO 15 To support and facilitate the achievement of the key priorities identified for the Key Towns of Ballina and Castlebar to maximise opportunities of regional scale, as set out in Section 3.8 of the RSES (2020-2032). SSO 16 To identify and facilitate higher and increased building heights for appropriate uses at suitable locations in the Tier I (a) Key Towns of Ballina and Castlebar consistent with SPPRs 1-4 of the Urban Development and Building Heights Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ (2018). 38 394140

8. Page 28

   Cite this pagePDF p. 28 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   CHAPTER 2 CORE & SETTLEMENT STRATEGY 4042

9. Page 29

   Cite this pagePDF p. 29 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)

   No text on this page — it is probably a drawing, a map, a photograph or a scanned page. See it in the PDF.

10. Page 30

    Cite this pagePDF p. 30 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
    CHAPTER 3 HOUSING Chapter 3 Housing 3.1 Strategic Aim The strategic aim of this chapter is to facilitate the sustainable growth of all rural areas, towns and villages throughout the county by seeking to accommodate, as far as possible, all persons in their choices to live in our rural areas, towns and villages; by supporting and strengthening the rural economy to sustain vibrant rural communities, by promoting consolidation and compact development of all urban and rural settlements in an attractive setting that provides a suitable mix of housing with supporting amenities; and by ensuring coordinated investment in infrastructure that will support economic competitiveness and create a high quality living and working environment. Related UN Sustainable Development Goals Related NPF National Strategic Outcomes Related RSES Growth Ambitions 42 43 CHAPTER 3 HOUSING CHAPTER 3 HOUSING MAYO COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 - 2028 4544

Source Mayo County Council: Mayo County Development Plan 2022–2028 (2022–2028) · 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.