Offaly County Development Plan 2021–2027 (as varied) — Chapter 12: Land Use Zoning Objectives

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 12 Land Use Zoning Objectives Page 362 Chapter 12: Land Use Zoning Objectives Introduction Section 10 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) requires that development plans comprise objectives for the zoning of lands for particular purposes, in the interest of proper planning and sustainable development. Effective zoning promotes orderly development by integrating land use and transportation, providing a high quality of life for the county’s population, eliminating potential conflicts between incompatible land uses and establishing an efficient basis for investment in public infrastructure and facilities. Each land use zoning objective in this chapter is accompanied by a justification for same and the context for the type of development which would be acceptable. There are a wide range of land uses identified under each of the Land Use Zoning Objectives. Proposals for development will need to demonstrate compliance with the various written provisions of the Plan, as relevant, including those relating to environmental protection and management. Environmental considerations, such as those related to elevated levels of flood risk or European site ecological designations, may limit the types of uses that may be possible at certain sites. Prospective applicants are encouraged to engage with the Planning Authority at the earliest opportunity to seek guidance as to the appropriateness of emerging proposals. Zoning Principles In accordance with the overall strategy of the plan, the county’s zoning strategy is based on five important principles in particular: • Sufficient lands should be zoned at appropriate locations throughout the county, in accordance with the population targets as set out in the Core Strategy to facilitate the envisaged land-use requirements during the lifetime of this County Development Plan, 2021-2027. • Encourage sustainable development and the redevelopment of brownfield sites within established settlements by targeting at least 30% of all new homes that are proposed for settlements in this Plan within their existing built-up footprints in accordance with the National Planning Framework (NPF). • Ensure alignment of zoning with availability of services, investment in infrastructure and the provision of employment, together with supporting amenities and services. • Landuse zoning objectives are set out in order to assist individuals assessing the most appropriate locations for new development. Not all needs can be anticipated and therefore some flexibility is required, having regard to all other principles, policies and objectives. • Land is only zoned if it is serviced and/or serviceable within the life of this Plan based on Appendix 3 of the National Planning Framework.

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 12 Land Use Zoning Objectives Page 363 Land Use Zoning - General It is an objective of the Council to: LUZO-01: Ensure that development progresses in accordance with the land use zoning objectives as set out in Section 12.4 and the Land Use Matrix contained in Table 12.1. Zoning Matrix The land use zoning matrix (Table 12.1) details the most common forms of development land uses in accordance with the county’s zoning objectives and classifies under the three below categories as to whether a proposed use is generally ‘permitted in principle’, ‘open for consideration’ or ‘not normally permitted’. 1. ‘Permitted in Principle’ – The subject use is generally acceptable subject to the normal planning process, compliance with the relevant policies and objectives, standards and requirements as set out in the County Development Plan, and in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. (Note: A proposal which is indicated as being ‘Permitted in Principle’ within the zoning matrix does not imply ‘automatic approval’ as each proposal for development is considered on its individual merits). 2. ‘Open for Consideration’ – The subject use may be permitted where the Local Authority is satisfied that it is in compliance with the zoning objective and other relevant policies and objectives, standards and requirements as set out in the County Development Plan and will not conflict with the permitted, existing or adjoining land uses, in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. 3. ‘Not Normally Permitted’ – The subject use is generally incompatible with the written zoning objective and will not be favourably considered by the Local Authority, except in exceptional circumstances and in such instances, the development may represent a material contravention to the plan. Land Use Zoning Objectives Town or Village Centre / Mixed Use The purpose of this zoning is to maintain the vitality and viability of existing town and village centres by developing and consolidating centres with an appropriate mix of commercial, recreational, cultural, amenity and residential uses. Development proposals should be of a use, scale, form and design that accords with the role, function and size of the town or village centre. A diversity of uses for both day and evening is encouraged. These areas require high levels of accessibility, including pedestrian, cyclist and public transport (where feasible). Retail provision will be in accordance with Chapter 7 Retail and Town Centre Strategy and Regeneration.

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 12 Land Use Zoning Objectives Page 364 Land Use Zoning Objective – Town or Village Centre / Mixed Use It is an objective of the Council to: LUZO-02: Provide for, protect and strengthen the vitality and viability of town/village centres, through consolidating development, encouraging a mix of uses and maximising the use of land, to ensure the efficient use of infrastructure and services. Existing Residential This zoning allows for the conservation and enhancement of the quality and character of existing residential areas, to protect residential amenities and to allow for small scale infill development which is appropriate to the character and pattern of development in the area. Existing residential zoned land may also provide for small scale home based employment uses where the primary residential use will be maintained. Land Use Zoning Objective – Existing Residential It is an objective of the Council to: LUZO-03 Protect and enhance the amenity and character of developed residential communities. New Residential This zoning shall be taken to primarily include the use of land for new residential units. It may also provide for a range of other uses particularly those that have the potential to foster the development of new residential communities, for example, schools, childcare facilities, open spaces etc. The development of new residential areas shall allow for and ensure multi-modal connectivity to existing development and facilities and to adjacent lands which are zoned for development or which may be zoned for development in the future. Land Use Zoning Objective – New Residential It is an objective of the Council to: LUZO-04 Provide for new residential development and other services incidental to residential development.

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 12 Land Use Zoning Objectives Page 365 Strategic Residential Reserve This categorisation includes lands which are not currently and not proposed to be sufficiently serviced to support development within the lifetime of this Plan. These lands are not developable within this plan period. The inclusion of Strategic Residential Reserve lands in this Plan will not in any way infer a prior commitment on the part of Offaly County Council regarding their future zoning in subsequent development plans. Such a decision will be considered within the framework of national and regional population targets applicable at that time, infrastructural services and the proper planning and sustainable development of the county, including environmental assessment requirements and compliance with the Flood Risk Management Guidelines. Land Use Zoning Objective – Strategic Residential Reserve It is an objective of the Council to: LUZO-05 Provide lands for development at some time in the future but it will not be considered for development purposes during the current plan period. Enterprise and Employment This zoning promotes the development of employment uses that reinforce the enterprise and employment function of the subject area as a whole and require high environmental and design standards. Appropriate uses in this zoning include, for example research and development, light industry, retail warehousing, car showrooms, offices, employment and enterprise related uses within a high quality campus/park type development. Both standalone retail and retail as an ancillary part of a business enterprise are open to consideration within this zoning objective subject to appropriateness in applying the sequential test as detailed in Chapter 4 of the Guidelines for Planning Authorities, Retail Planning, Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, 2012, and in accordance with proper planning and sustainable development. Uses specifically excluded from this zoning include waste management activities and heavy industrial uses. Land Use Zoning Objective – Enterprise and Employment It is an objective of the Council to: LUZO-06 Provide for enterprise and employment development.

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 12 Land Use Zoning Objectives Page 366 Industrial and Warehousing The purpose of this zoning is to facilitate opportunities for industrial and warehousing uses, activities and processes which would in general give rise to land use conflict if located within other zonings. Appropriate uses in this zoning include for example, light and heavy industry, large scale warehousing, logistics, telecommunications infrastructure, energy and recycling and ancillary office space. It excludes retail warehousing. Significant landscaping is required to be incorporated into design proposals. Land Use Zoning Objective – Industrial and Warehousing It is an objective of the Council to: LUZO-07 Provide for industrial and warehousing development in suitable and accessible locations. Business/Technology Park This zoning facilitates opportunities for technology based industry and advanced manufacturing, compatible office space and research and development based employment within high quality, highly accessible, campus style settings. The zoning accommodates locations for high end, high quality, value added businesses and corporate headquarters. An emphasis on high quality sustainable design and aesthetic quality will be promoted to enhance corporate image and identity. Land Use Zoning Objective – Business/Technology Park It is an objective of the Council to: LUZO-08 Provide for technology based light industry, research and development and compatible offices in a high quality built and landscaped environment.

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 12 Land Use Zoning Objectives Page 367 Community Services/Facilities The purpose of this zoning is to protect, provide and allow expansion of a wide range of different community facilities, civic facilities and social services ranging from education and health facilities to places of worships, community centres and childcare facilities. Ancillary facilities such as dedicated open space or sports facilities will normally be facilitated within this zoning objective. Land Use Zoning Objective – Community Services/Facilities It is an objective of the Council to: LUZO-09 Provide necessary community, social, health, public administration and educational services and facilities. Open Space, Amenity and Recreation The use of land as ‘Open Space’ shall be taken to include the use of land for; parks, public woodland, pedestrian routes and greenways, riparian zones, housing estate open spaces, development incidental to the enjoyment of open space (including playgrounds, outdoor recreation centres and sports centres, civic/market square, village greens, landscaped areas, shelters, sanitary conveniences, play equipment, dressing rooms and similar facilities). It also provides for the use of such land or such facilities for games, educational and recreational purposes. High standards of accessibility are essential. Land Use Zoning Objective – Open Space, Amenity and Recreation It is an objective of the Council to: LUZO-10 Protect and improve the provision, attractiveness, accessibility and amenity value of public open space, amenity and recreation.

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 12 Land Use Zoning Objectives Page 368 Neighbourhood Centre It is intended that land zoned for ’neighbourhood centre’ will be developed to provide an appropriate range of local services including small scale and local commercial, retail and community uses, to support the population of the surrounding area. Neighbourhood Centres should complement rather than compete with town centres. Land Use Zoning Objective – Neighbourhood Centre It is an objective of the Council to: LUZO-11 Provide neighbourhood centre facilities. Uses not listed in the Indicative Zoning Matrix Land uses which are not listed in the indicative land use zoning matrix will be considered on a case-bycase basis having regard to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area and compliance with the relevant policies and objectives (including land use zoning objectives), standards and requirements as set out in this Plan, guidelines issued in accordance with Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended) and guidance issued by other government bodies/ departments. Established Use/Non-Conforming Uses Where an established use does not conform with the designated land use zoning objective of the area as set out in the County Development Plan, improvement works may be permitted where it is considered by the Planning Authority that the proposed development would not be injurious to the amenities of the area and would be consistent with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. It is not intended that existing uses which appear to be inconsistent with the land use zoning objective should be curtailed. Land Use Zoning Objective – Established/Non-Conforming uses It is an objective of the Council to: LUZO-12 Generally support reasonable extensions and improvements to premises that accommodate established/non-conforming uses, where it is considered by the Planning Authority that the proposed development would not be injurious to the amenities of the area and would be consistent with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 12 Land Use Zoning Objectives Page 369 Ancillary Uses Planning applications for developments which are ancillary to the principle use, i.e. they rely on the permitted principal use for their existence and rationale, will be considered on their merits irrespective of what category the ancillary development is listed under in the zoning matrix of this County Development Plan. Land Use Zoning Objective – Ancillary Uses It is an objective of the Council to: LUZO-13 Ensure that developments ancillary to the parent use of a site are considered on their merits irrespective of what category the ancillary development is listed under in the zoning matrix of this County Development Plan. Designations Constrained Land Uses Flood risk areas in settlement plans are represented by a ‘Constrained Land Use’ designation. This designation generally limits new development, but will facilitate existing development uses within these areas that may require small scale development such as small extensions. Development proposals within these areas shall be accompanied by a detailed Flood Risk Assessment, carried out in accordance with The Planning System and Flood Risk Assessment Guidelines and Circular PL 2/2014 (or as updated), which shall assess the risks of flooding associated with the proposed development. Proposals shall only be considered favourably where it is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Planning Authority that they would not have adverse impacts or impede access to a watercourse, floodplain or flood protection and management facilities, or increase the risk of flooding to other locations and be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. The nature and design of structural and non-structural flood risk management measures required for development in such areas will also be required to be demonstrated, to ensure that flood hazard and risk will not be increased. Measures proposed shall follow best practice in the management of health and safety for users and residents of the development. Land Use Zoning Objective – Constrained Land Uses It is an objective of the Council to: LUZO-14 Facilitate the appropriate management and sustainable use of flood risk areas designated as ‘Constrained Land Use’ on Settlement Plan zoning maps.

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 12 Land Use Zoning Objectives Page 370 Strategic Employment Zones (particular to Tullamore) Reflecting Regional Policy Objective 4.27 of the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy which states that Key Towns (such as Tullamore) shall act as economic drivers and provide for strategic employment locations to improve the economic base by increasing the ratio of jobs to workers, it is an objective of the Plan to provide two Strategic Employment Zones (SEZ) within the settlement boundary of Tullamore town in the following areas: • Ardan Road; and • Ballyduff. The purpose of this objective is to facilitate strategic large scale employment in development zones in a sequential manner to promote sustainable compact growth in tandem with the delivery of infrastructure and enabling services. These zones have development capacity, good accessibility, availability of a land bank of at least 100 acres in size and potential to deliver significant economic development and employment creation. The proposed Ardan Road SEZ has potential to cater for the expansion of Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore and its continued development as a Teaching/University Hospital and/or to provide a Med or Bio Technology Park with linkages to the Hospital, whilst the proposed Ballyduff SEZ has the potential to provide a Business / Technology Park, leveraging its proximity to the Axis Business Park, Burlington Business Park and Srah IDA Business Park in the area. Land Use Zoning Objective – Strategic Employment Zones (particular to Tullamore) It is an objective of the Council to: LUZO-15 Support the development of Strategic Employment Zones in Tullamore at; (a) Ardan Road to cater for the expansion of Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore and its continued development as a Teaching/University Hospital, and/or a Med or Bio Technology Park with linkages to the Hospital; and (b) Ballyduff for a Business and Technology Park. LUZO-16 Planning applications for Strategic Employment Zones shall be brought forward in the context of a masterplan for the subject lands as detailed in Development Management Standard 72. The design and siting of individual units within Strategic Employment Zones shall comply with the principles of any Design Statement prepared as part of the masterplan for the overall site.

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    Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 12 Land Use Zoning Objectives Page 371 Strategic Community Services/Facilities (particular to Tullamore) ‘Strategic Community Services/Facilities’ are land use zonings intended for consideration in future Local Area Plans in Tullamore to serve the needs of ‘strategic residential reserve’ development which will be considered for development during future plan periods. Land Use Zoning Objective – Strategic Community Services/Facilities (particular to Tullamore) It is an objective of the Council to: LUZO-17 To provide lands for development at some time in the future to serve the needs of ‘strategic residential reserve’ development but will not be considered for development purposes during the current plan period. Material Contravention The Council has a statutory obligation to take such steps as may be necessary to secure the objectives of its County Development Plan. In appropriate circumstances, the Council may permit a material contravention of the Plan where a proposed development contravenes materially an objective of the Plan but which following detailed assessment is considered appropriate by the Council’s Executive. The granting of a permission which materially contravenes the County Development Plan is a reserved function of the Council’s Executive, exercisable following a public consultation process and consideration of a report prepared by the Chief Executive.

Source Offaly County Council: Offaly County Development Plan 2021–2027 (as varied) — Chapter 12: Land Use Zoning Objectives (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.