Monaghan County Development Plan 2025–2031

1. Page 321

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   Environment, Energy and Climate ActionEnvironment, Energy and Climate Actionintroductionchapter 01 319 ACAP 1 Proposals for development within or adjoining Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs) shall comply with Section 15.3.2 of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2025-2031. ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION AREAS POLICY WALL MATERIALS Where traditional renders are being repaired the material, style and detailing should match that of the original in as far as is possible. In general, the stripping of render to expose brickwork in ACAs will not be acceptable. Traditional finishes including lime-based renders, natural cement renders, wet dash, smooth or coursed painted renders, random coursed stone and cut stone should be used in new or redeveloped buildings. CILLS AND DOORS Cills are usually a minimum 100mm deep stone with bull nosed profile, but concrete may be considered acceptable in some instances. All doors fronting into the street should be hardwood in traditional form and dimension. Fan lights, where appropriate, should be above the door and not part of the door design. STREET RAILINGS, GATES Widening an entrance or altering flanking walls or railings will alter the visual AND BOUNDARY impact of the streetscape and should be given careful consideration as such FEATURES alterations can have a detrimental impact on the character of an ACA. Where the repair of historic ironwork is proposed, as much of the original material as is possible should be retained. SPECIAL FEATURES Elements and details which are becoming increasingly rare should be identified for special protection in any redevelopment/refurbishment scheme. These include railings, plinths, cisterns, stone stairs, external fabric of basement areas, iron handrails, stone paving and drainage channels. 15.3.3 RECORD OF MONUMENTS AND PLACES All entries on the Record of Monuments and Places (and any new archaeological discoveries) are protected under Section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act, 1994. The main threat to archaeological sites in recent years has been the growth in large scale developments such as road building, quarrying, industrial development, agriculture and afforestation. Development proposals adjacent to a protected monument or place, or any archaeological site discovered, will only be considered acceptable where it can be carried out in a manner which minimises the impact on the monument or archaeological site, and will not have an adverse impact upon its setting. GUIDELINES FOR DEVELOPMENT WITHIN OR ADJOINING ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION AREAS (ACAS) DETAIL RMP 1 Proposals for development adjacent to protected monuments and places or archaeological sites shall comply with Section 15.3.3 of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2025-2031. RECORD OF MONUMENTS AND PLACES POLICY Environment, Energy and Climate ActionEnvironment, Energy and Climate ActionDevelopment management standardschapter 15

2. Page 322

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   Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031 320 HHDLP 1 Proposals for development within the vicinity of historic houses, demesnes and designated landscapes shall comply with Section 15.3.4 of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2025-2031. HISTORIC HOUSES, DEMESNES AND DESIGNATED LANDSCAPES POLICY 15.3.4 HISTORIC HOUSES, DEMESNES AND DESIGNATED LANDSCAPES County Monaghan has several fine examples of historic houses, demesnes, and designated landscapes, which are listed in Chapter 6.19 of this Development Plan. Conservation Plans to guide appropriate development will be required where deemed necessary by the Planning Authority for complex sites such as demesnes where there is a mix of cultural and natural features across a large area. Proposals for development within the vicinity of historic houses, demesnes or designated landscapes shall generally be considered acceptable where: a) Any new development will not adversely affect the site, setting or views to and from historic houses, demesnes and designed landscapes, b) They are accompanied by an assessment and evaluation of the impact of the development on the landscape, designed views and vistas to/from such a site. 15.4 SHOPFRONTS Well maintained shopfronts add character to a street, and they have an important role in defining the character of the streetscape. Equally, the quality of townscapes can be diminished by shopfronts in poor condition or of poor design. The retention and refurbishment of historic shopfronts in lieu of their removal and replacement with a modern shopfront will be required, unless demonstrated otherwise to the satisfaction of the Planning Authority. Proposals for shopfronts shall generally: a) Relate to the architecture of the building to which it forms part of, including the upper floors in terms of proportion, scale and alignment. b) Respect the scale and proportions of the streetscape by maintaining existing fenestration and plot width, including any vertical division or features breaking up horizontal facades. c) Include the design elements of a traditional Irish shopfront, such as the fascia, pilasters, consoles, cornice, architrave and stallriser, with details of fascia signage included as part of any planning application. Proposals for shopfront signage shall generally: a) Be contained within the fascia. b) Not be permitted above the ground floor or across pillars or columns. c) Include lettering which is either hand painted on the fascia or consist of individually mounted solid letters mounted on the fascia, with materials and colours appropriate to the streetscape. d) Include lettering, the size and dimensions of which, are in proportion to the depth of the fascia board. e) Avoid the use of plastic, vinyl or neon signs and only use high-quality materials. f) Only include corporate signs, logos and commercial branding where they are compatible with the character of the building, its material and colour scheme and those of adjoining buildings. g) Encourage the use of Irish Language. h) Not include projecting signs, unless they are sympathetic to the building on which they are to be displayed and respect any existing or proposed fascia signage. i) Include back lighting of individual letters as opposed to spotlighting. Internal illumination shall be resisted. j) Only include illumination of fascia signage, shopfronts or distinctive architectural features which is discreet and is preferably limited to spotlighting, uplighting or disguised minimal strip lighting. k) Only include external lighting which is cowled and directed away from the public roadway. Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031

3. Page 323

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   Environment, Energy and Climate ActionEnvironment, Energy and Climate Actionintroductionchapter 01 321 SFP 1 Proposals for shopfronts shall comply with Section 15.4 of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2025-2031. SHOPFRONTS POLICY ASDP 1 Proposals for advertisement structures and displays shall comply with Section 15.5 of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2025-2031. ADVERTISEMENT STRUCTURES AND DISPLAYS POLICY Where proposals for shopfronts include: a) Roller shutters - they shall be perforated, in a colour to complement the façade. Shutter boxes shall be contained within the shop front behind the fascia. External steel roller shutters will not normally be permitted. b) Screens - the use of perforated external back lit screens or translucent internal screens shall be required. c) Canopies or awnings – these will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances where they do not have a detrimental impact on the visual amenity of the shop front or its setting and are incorporated within the shop front. 15.5 ADVERTISEMENT STRUCTURES AND DISPLAYS Advertising can impact upon the appearance of the building, structure or place where they are displayed. Therefore, all advertising must be appropriate in terms of the building, settlement or setting in which they are located. The display of advertisements at inappropriate locations can result in a loss of visual amenity and can also constitute a danger to public safety or traffic safety. Proposals for advertisement structures and displays shall: a) Generally be located on the same site to which the advertisement relates to or in close proximity to that site. b) Not adversely impact on the general characteristics of the area including any special features of historic, archaeological, architectural, landscape, cultural or special interest. c) Not be permitted on or near protected structures, within Architectural Conservation Areas, in parks, residential areas, in Areas of Primary and Secondary Amenity or where it is considered they would detract from the visual amenity of the area. d) Be sympathetic to the size, scale, siting, design and materials of the building and street in which it is to be located. e) Not interfere with windows or other facade features at any level. f) Not add to the concentration of existing advertising structures and displays in the area resulting in visual clutter. g) Not be permitted at roundabouts, at traffic signalised junctions, at locations where they obstruct sight lines or compete with other traffic signs or would endanger traffic safety. h) Encourage the use of Irish language on shop front signage. i) Restrict sandwich board advertisements by the number, location, dimension and design, ensuring that they do not undermine the use and amenity of the streetscape in which they are located. j) Comprise one principal advertisement structure or display at industrial/commercial/retail parks, incorporating a number of uniform individual advertisements at the entrance to the development. k) Not be permitted where they may interfere with the safety of pedestrians, the accessibility of the public footpath or roadway, the safety and free flow of traffic. l) Only be permitted on a temporary basis for advertising hoarding, where they are replacing an authorised sign of similar type, such as billboards, tri-vision and three-dimensional signs, or where they are utilised to screen a building site. m) Be resisted along the road network particularly on approaches to towns and villages. Environment, Energy and Climate ActionEnvironment, Energy and Climate ActionDevelopment management standardschapter 15

4. Page 324

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   Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031 322 15.6 PUBLIC ART AND MURALS Monaghan County Council has adopted a Monaghan Culture and Creativity Strategy 2023-2027. Where planning permission is required, the placement of murals on external walls must be carefully considered. Murals shall not comprise an advertisement or product placement and shall not detrimentally affect the visual appearance of the building or its setting and surrounding area. Public art and murals shall normally be resisted in sensitive areas, for example on or adjacent to protected structures, within or adjoining Architectural Conservation Areas and areas of Primary or Secondary Amenity Value. PAMP 1 Proposals for public art and murals shall comply with Section 15.6 of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2025-2031. PUBLIC ART AND MURALS POLICY 15.7 RETAIL DEVELOPMENT Recent trends nationally have seen a decline in the number of small, independent retailers and the emergence of larger franchise-based stores, as well as greater levels of online shopping. These trends increasingly influence shopping patterns and have created a demand for large shopping locations where extensive car parking facilities are available. However, supporting the vitality and viability of the traditional town and village centres is of critical importance, and the overriding aim is to promote healthy competitive retail environments commensurate to the settlement size and function. The assessment of retail development proposals will focus on the qualitative aspects of the proposal including urban design, integration with the built fabric of the town centre and their contribution to the vitality and viability of the town centre. Large out of town retail centres located adjacent or close to existing, new or planned national roads shall be resisted. Out of town centre locations will only be considered in accordance with the Sequential Test, as required under the Retail Planning Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2012 (or any new or updated/subsequent versions). Proposals for retail development shall comply with the County Monaghan Retail Development Strategy 2016- 2022, and the Retail Planning Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2012 (and the accompanying Retail Design Manual), or any new or updated/subsequent versions. RDP 1 Proposals for retail development shall comply with Section 15.7 of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2025-2031. RETAIL DEVELOPMENT POLICY 15.8 MULTI-UNIT RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS Multi-unit residential developments comprise of two or more residential units which have shared services. The location, design and integration of new multi-unit residential developments can significantly impact on established communities. All stakeholders concerned with multi-unit residential developments including developers, the Planning Authority and the community, should share a common goal to create high quality living environments. Multi-unit residential developments will not normally be permitted outside of the designated settlements of County Monaghan. Proposed multi-unit residential developments serviced by developer provided infrastructure such as wastewater treatment systems will be resisted until such times as Uisce Éireann takes in charge this type of infrastructure. Residential developments within the settlements will be assessed against and shall comply with the following Ministerial Guidelines and publications (and any new or updated/subsequent versions): Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031

5. Page 325

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   Environment, Energy and Climate ActionEnvironment, Energy and Climate Actionintroductionchapter 01 323 k Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements - Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2024) k Sustainable Urban Design Guidelines – Standards for New Apartments (DHLGH, 2022) k Quality Housing for Sustainable Communities- Best Practice Guidelines for Delivering Homes and Sustaining Communities, (2015) k Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (2022) k Urban Design Manual- A Best Practice Guide (2009) k Quality Housing for Sustainable Communities (DEHLG, 2007) k Delivering Homes Sustaining Communities, Statement on Housing Policy (DEHLG, 2007) k Recommendations for Site Development Works for Housing Areas (1998) k Monaghan County Council Taking in Charge Procedures (2010) k The Greater Dublin Strategic Drainage Study (2005) k TII Specifications for Road Works (2013) (as amended) 15.8.1 LAYOUT The layout of a residential scheme and how it relates to its surroundings is an essential component to creating a quality environment for a community. New multi-unit residential development shall generally have regard to the following: a) The existing character, street pattern, streetscape and building lines of the area, b) The compatibility of the proposed development with the adjoining buildings, particularly with respect to infill sites, c) The interconnectivity of roads/streets and pedestrian routes so that they are permeable and easy to navigate, d) A layout where roads do not dominate the proposed development, e) A movement pattern that supports walking, cycling, and convenient access to public transport, and includes traffic calming, f) A layout that is well connected and integrated with the surrounding urban area and, where necessary, can provide connecting footpaths and public lighting to existing provision, g) The provision of appropriate buffers along existing and proposed roads to protect the residential amenity of the dwellings, and to protect the visual amenity of the setting of the settlement. The design, scale, form and detailing of the buffer shall be dependent on the likely impact of the road or the development on amenity, h) The creation of active frontage, with corner sites providing dual frontage, i) The avoidance of extensive fencing fronting on to streets and public roads, j) The natural and built heritage features of the site and surrounding area, k) The presence of watercourses particularly when determining the location and design of public open space and/or linear parks, l) The provision of passive surveillance through design to ensure housing overlooks streets, car parks, open space areas, m) The creation of different urban forms to provide a more varied building line to reduce appearance of suburban layouts, and n) Respect established building lines, particularly on infill development sites. Planning applications for residential and mixed-use developments within the settlements shall be accompanied by a Design Concept Statement demonstrating how the proposed development complies with a – n above, and with the twelve criteria set out in the Urban Design Manual (2009). The Design Concept Statement shall outline the overall design concept and objectives for the site and include a conceptual site layout plan detailing the characteristics of the site, information on any special designations, infrastructural needs (including community facilities) and an explanation of the rationale behind the final design. The level of detail required will depend on the nature, scale and location of the proposed development. Environment, Energy and Climate ActionEnvironment, Energy and Climate ActionDevelopment management standardschapter 15

6. Page 326

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   Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031 324 15.8.2 ORIENTATION AND SEPARATION OF DWELLINGS Houses should overlook streets, footpaths, pedestrian paths, cycle routes and open spaces. Layouts should consider orientation according to the sun path in order to maximise amenity, daylight and the benefits of passive solar gain. Houses should be designed to ensure that overlooking and overshadowing of adjoining properties is minimised. Individual pedestrian access to rear garden areas should generally be provided for every property. 15.8.3 SHARED SPACES/HOME ZONES The concept of shared spaces within residential areas is where the road space is shared between drivers and other users and where the needs of residents, including pedestrians, cyclists and children are emphasised in the design. The DEHLG Urban Design Manual advocates the creation of shared spaces and provides for very low traffic speeds that create a sense of place which is prioritised over movement. The road layout shall have regard to the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS). Shared space characteristics include the incorporation of a wide variety of housing design and development layout, including variations in building lines, building heights, deviations in the width and alignment of vehicle paths, variety of surface treatments and extensive use of street furniture and planting. 15.8.4 DWELLING MIX For a residential development to be considered inclusive, it should make provision for housing of different types, sizes and tenures. This provides choice and helps to create a balanced, sustainable community. The provision of a variety of different house types will create visual variety and social dynamic, thereby preventing residential development being homogenous in character. In accordance with the principles of Housing Options for Our Ageing Population – Policy Statement 2019, the Council will promote an age-friendly approach by ensuring that both existing and proposed residential developments are future proofed for an ageing population. In particular, developers will be encouraged to provide single storey dwellings for the elderly, those with impaired mobility, and to facilitate downsizing in all developments. Where the Planning Authority deems appropriate, applicants for residential development should consider the incorporation of units suitable for elderly persons within proposed schemes and consideration should be given to accompanying facilities and materials in line with the age friendly principles taken from the Ten Universal Design Features to include in a Lifetime Adaptable and Age Friendly Home – June 2021, published by Age Friendly Ireland. In private housing schemes, normally a minimum of 10% of housing units shall be 2-bedroom units. The design of new dwellings shall have a high degree of flexibility to allow for adaptability for lifetime housing needs and for those with impaired mobility. 15.8.5 LAYOUT AND DESIGN OF APARTMENTS The Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments (DHPLG 2022), identify minimum standards for floor areas of apartments including storage space and individual room areas. Apartment design should aim to achieve higher standards than those prescribed for in the Ministerial Guidelines. 15.8.6 PART V Under the provisions of Part V of the Act 20% of all private residential developments on land zoned for residential or mixed uses (where residential development is included) shall be provided for social housing (or as otherwise amended by legislation). MURP 1 Proposals for multi-unit residential development shall comply with Section 15.8 to 15.8.6 of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2025-2031. MULTI-UNIT RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031

7. Page 327

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   Environment, Energy and Climate ActionEnvironment, Energy and Climate Actionintroductionchapter 01 325 15.8.7 HOUSING DENSITY The Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements Guidelines for Planning Authorities, 2024, set out national planning policy and guidance in relation to the planning and development of urban and rural settlements, with a focus on sustainable residential development and the creation of compact settlements. The Guidelines are accompanied by a non-statutory Design Manual that illustrates best practice examples of how the policies and objectives of the Guidelines can be applied. These Guidelines build on and update previous guidance to take account of current Government policy and economic, social and environmental considerations. There is a renewed focus in the Guidelines on the renewal of existing settlements and on the interaction between residential density, housing standards and quality urban design and placemaking to support sustainable and compact growth. Development proposals for residential development shall demonstrate that the housing density proposed is appropriate to its context, provides for a sustainable pattern of development, whilst ensuring a high-quality living environment and having regard to the zoning objective pertaining to the site. 15.8.8 LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT ON LANDS ZONED AS ‘PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL B’ An application for low density residential development, including serviced sites, at a maximum density of 15 units per hectare (unless where site-specific circumstances can justify otherwise), will be permitted by the Planning Authority on lands zoned as ‘Proposed Residential B’. Where it is proposed to develop serviced sites, the developer shall be required to submit a Design Concept Statement for the development of the entirety of the zoned lands in the immediate vicinity of the site, in a sequential manner. The Design Concept Statement shall specify details in relation to a maximum house to plot ratio, the design of dwellings, finishes, materials and boundary treatments, to ensure a quality residential environment. The Design Concept Statement should also confirm the sequencing arrangements for the release of sites to ensure that the development takes place in a suitable and co-ordinated manner. A condition shall be attached to any subsequent grant of permission ensuring that all dwellings within the development comply with this Statement. Proposals to develop only part of a zoned Proposed Residential B land bank shall be accompanied by a Concept Master Plan for the entirety of the land bank, demonstrating that its overall development will not be prejudiced by the proposal. HDP 1 To require a density of units within multi-unit residential schemes, in accordance with the Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements Guidelines for Planning Authorities, 2024 and any new or updated/subsequent versions. HOUSING DENSITY POLICY LDRP 1 Proposals for low density residential development shall comply with Section 15.8.8 of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2025-2031. LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT ON LANDS ZONED AS ‘PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL B’ POLICY Environment, Energy and Climate ActionEnvironment, Energy and Climate ActionDevelopment management standardschapter 15

8. Page 328

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   Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031 326 15.8.10 RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT IN TIER 4 SETTLEMENTS Residential development and serviced sites on suitable lands located within any of the defined Tier 4 settlements which have capacity within existing public foul drainage and public/group water systems, will be considered subject to compliance with the following: a) The submission of evidence to the satisfaction of the Planning Authority that there is demand for the proposed residential development taking account of the extent, nature and status of extant permissions for residential development, and vacant residential properties in the settlement. b) The proposal contributes to the sequential development of land from the centre of the settlement outwards and/or represents an infilling of the existing settlement envelope. c) The scale and density of the development accords with the character of the village Notwithstanding the requirements of criteria a-c above for Tier 4 settlements and Section 15.8 ‘Multi Unit Residential Developments’ of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2025-2031, and taking into account the objectives of ‘Housing for All – A New Housing Plan for Ireland’ to address the shortage of housing, the Planning Authority may favourably consider proposals for social housing developments which are outside the defined Tier 4 settlement limit where a clear demonstrable need is proven to the satisfaction of the Planning Authority, and where the lands are contiguous to the settlement limit and can be adequately serviced. RDSP 1 Proposals for residential developments within Tier 4 settlements shall comply with Section 15.8.10 of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2025-2031. RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT IN TIER 4 SETTLEMENTS POLICY 15.8.9 SINGLE DWELLINGS ON LANDS ZONED AS PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL (A AND B) AND STRATEGIC RESIDENTIAL RESERVE Proposals for single dwellings on lands zoned as Proposed Residential (A and B) and Strategic Residential Reserve shall comply with the following criteria: a) It is satisfactorily demonstrated, through the submission of a Concept Master Plan, that the proposed development of one site within a larger land bank can be carried out without affecting the comprehensive development of the entire land bank. b) The development will represent the sustainable and efficient use of existing infrastructure and services, or proposed infrastructure and services for which funding has already been secured, and c) It is demonstrated that the required infrastructure can be provided for at the developer’s expense. d) In respect of proposed single dwellings on lands zoned as strategic residential reserve, that a satisfactory justification has been provided in accordance with the requirements of Table 9.1, Chapter 9, LUO 5, Strategic Residential Reserve, Land Use Zoning Objective. SDPRP 1 Proposals for single dwellings on lands zoned as Proposed Residential A and B and Strategic Residential Reserve, shall comply with Section 15.8.9 of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2025-2031. SINGLE DWELLINGS ON LANDS ZONED AS PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL (A AND B) AND STRATEGIC RESIDENTIAL RESERVE POLICY Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031

9. Page 329

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   Environment, Energy and Climate ActionEnvironment, Energy and Climate Actionintroductionchapter 01 327 15.8.11 RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT IN TIER 5 AND 6 SETTLEMENTS Small scale residential development and serviced sites on suitable lands located within any of the Tier 5 and 6 settlements which have capacity within existing Uisce Éireann drainage and public/ group water systems, will be considered subject to compliance with the following: a) The submission of evidence to the satisfaction of the Planning Authority that there is demand for the proposed residential development taking account of the extent, nature and status of extant permissions for residential development, and vacant residential properties in the settlement. b) The development represents a sustainable expansion of the settlement avoiding the loss of areas of amenity, important biodiversity areas, community facilities or playing fields. c) The development reflects the nature, scale and form of existing residential development in the settlement. d) The development will represent sustainable and efficient use of existing infrastructure and services. e) The arrangement of the development would not adversely affect the setting and character of the settlement. f) Where it is proposed to develop serviced sites, the developer shall be required to submit a Design Concept Statement for the entirety of the development. The Design Concept Statement shall specify details in relation to a maximum house to plot ratio, the design of dwellings, finishes, materials and boundary treatments, ensuring a quality residential environment. The Design Concept Statement should also confirm the sequencing arrangements for the release of sites to ensure that the development takes place in a suitable and coordinated manner. A condition shall be attached to any subsequent grant of permission ensuring that all dwellings within the development comply with this Statement. g) It is demonstrated that the required infrastructure can be provided for at the developer’s expense. RDSP 2 Proposals for small scale residential developments within Tier 5 and 6 settlements shall comply with Section 15.8.11 of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2025-2031. RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT IN TIER 5 AND 6 SETTLEMENTS POLICY Environment, Energy and Climate ActionEnvironment, Energy and Climate ActionDevelopment management standardschapter 15

10. Page 330

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    Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031 328 15.8.12 RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND PUBLIC OPEN SPACE The provision of recreational facilities such as open spaces, formal play areas, playing pitches, all weather surfaces, changing facilities, etc is essential in all areas of multi-unit residential development. The need for these facilities will be assessed by the Planning Authority having regards to the scale of the development proposed and the existing provision of facilities in the area. They should be integrated into the overall design of the scheme, easily accessed, well designed, and should not significantly impact on the established standard of amenity of adjoining residents. Where a number of residential developments are proposed adjacent to each other, developers are encouraged to provide a design solution that integrates recreational facilities into the overall development of the wider area. A key requirement within residential developments is the quality of open space provision. Open space should provide for both active and passive recreation, as well as contributing to the character and attractiveness of a development. It should be safe, convenient, usable and accessible for all sectors, but in particular for children, the elderly and those with disabilities. Furthermore, open space should provide linkages to adjoining residential areas and community facilities. The provision of public open space within new developments should facilitate the retention of existing landscape features such as mature trees, hedgerows, biodiversity rich areas, streams, watercourses and archaeological features. The landscaping of the open space areas should include semi-mature trees. Peripheral areas, narrow tracks, backland areas, steeply sloping and poorly proportioned areas will not be considered acceptable. The loss or reduction of an area of public open space within a residential development will only be permitted where: k the open space provision can be enhanced through the redevelopment of the site, or, k an alternative provision of equivalent benefit is provided elsewhere, or, k where there would be an overall community gain from the development, and, k the loss of the open space will have no significant adverse impact on the amenity of the area. Public open space shall be provided in accordance with the standards set out in the Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements, Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2024), specifically Policy and Objective 5.1 – Public Open Space. In addition to these standards, Table 15.2 outlines the minimum required open space and/or recreational facilities for multi-unit residential developments, according to unit numbers. TABLE 15.2 RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND PUBLIC OPEN SPACE STANDARDS NUMBER OF FORMAL PLAY AREA PLAYING RECREATIONAL DWELLING UNITS PITCH CHANGING FACILITIES Brownfield 0-40 41-150 Yes 151-200 Yes Yes >200 Yes Yes Yes The Recreational Facilities and Public Open Space requirements are a higher standard than those prescribed in the Ministerial Guidelines and are applicable having regard to the pattern of development of County Monaghan’s settlements. The Planning Authority may require the provision of open space and recreational facilities where the number of dwellings proposed in a development falls marginally below the thresholds set out in Table 15.2 or when taken cumulatively with other existing developments, where deemed appropriate by the Planning Authority. Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031

Source Monaghan County Council: Monaghan County Development Plan 2025–2031 (2025–2031) · 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.