Development plan · Roscommon County Council
Roscommon County Development Plan 2022–2028
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards.
Roscommon County Council · 2022–2028 · 238 pages
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- SELF-SUSTAINING GROWTH TOWNS <2000 POPULATION These settlements provide important services and facilities for their own populations and surrounding rural hinterlands, as well as being important local employment centres. The focus of growth in the Self-Sustaining Growth Towns <2000 population of Ballaghaderreen, Castlerea, Elphin and Strokestown will be on attracting employment, as well as investment in services, in conjunction with facilitating population growth commensurate with the size and function of the towns, and a more balanced delivery of housing. The strategy for the individual towns is outlined in more detail in their respective Settlement Plans contained in Volume II of this Plan. CORE STRATEGY POLICY OBJECTIVES It is a policy objective of Roscommon County Council to: CS 2.15 Ensure that the towns of Ballaghaderreen, Castlerea, Elphin and Strokestown continue to act as important local service centres that maintain sustainable communities, help to ensure a good quality environment, provide public transport to the main centres, ensuring a high quality of life for those who live in the vicinity. SERVICED SETTLEMENTS Similar to the Self-Sustaining Growth Towns <2000 population, the smaller serviced settlements also offer important services and facilities, on a smaller and more limited scale, to their own population and their rural hinterlands. The growth strategy for these settlements is for their existing role to be maintained and strengthened. Any future growth will correspond with the capacity in infrastructure available. Due to their existing and envisaged size, the strategy for serviced settlements (essentially large villages) is to provide for small-scale welldesigned residential, commercial and community developments which have regard to the existing scale and character of the settlements. A key priority is to retain community and social facilities within these villages and to encourage indigenous enterprises and service provision. The strategy for the individual settlements is outlined in more detail in their respective Village Plans in Volume II. CORE STRATEGY POLICY OBJECTIVES It is a policy objective of Roscommon County Council to: CS 2.16 Ensure that the serviced settlements throughout the county maintain existing population levels and services, and to ensure that future growth is balanced and sustainable and is relative and appropriate to their scale, size and character. 3131Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 – Volume I Chapter 2: Core Strategy and Settlement Policy
- UNSERVICED SETTLEMENTS The strategy for these settlements is to encourage small scale, incremental residential growth that reflects the rural nature of the settlements. The nature of these settlements, in terms of their character and community inf rastructure, are considered to provide potential opportunities for low density residential development as a viable alternative to single housing in the open countryside. The provision of such developments will contribute to the principle of compact growth. Some of these identified unserviced settlements, however, require signif icant improvements in physical inf rastructure in order to facilitate residential or commercial development and to assist in their long term viability as settlement centres. The strategy for the individual settlements is outlined in more detail in their respective Village Plans, set out in Volume II of the Plan. CORE STRATEGY POLICY OBJECTIVES It is a policy objective of Roscommon County Council to: CS 2.17 Ensure that the unserviced villages throughout the county maintain existing population levels and services and that future growth is incremental and small scale in nature, relative and appropriate to their scale, size and character. RURAL AREAS As set out in the Core Strategy allocation table (Table 2.2), this Plan continues to make provision for a proportion of population uplift / housing unit growth in rural areas outside serviced and unserviced settlements i.e. in smaller rural nuclei and the open countryside. Growth in these areas will predominantly be locally based, with a shift away from commuter led development and with greater emphasis on the creation of sustainable communities. The NPF and RSES make a distinction between rural areas under urban influence i.e. within the commuter catchment of cities and large towns and centres of employment, and rural areas outside these catchments. Local Authorities are required to identify areas of strong urban influence in the hinterlands of settlements and to develop a tailored policy approach to ensure that development in such areas is facilitated based on sustainable principles, and a core consideration of demonstrable social or economic need to live in such rural areas. This Plan supports the strengthening of rural communities and the sustainable development of rural areas in accordance with national and regional policy and is outlined in more detail in the Rural Settlement Strategy in Chapter 3. CORE STRATEGY POLICY OBJECTIVES It is a policy objective of Roscommon County Council to: CS 2.18 Ensure that the countryside continues to play its role as a place to live, work and visit, and that appropriate development is facilitated having careful regard to the carrying capacity and environmental sensitivity of the rural area. 32Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 – Volume I32 Chapter 2: Core Strategy and Settlement Policy
- 2.8 Housing Requirements In terms of housing stock, Census 2016 data indicates that there were 31,285 dwellings in County Roscommon at that time. The number of vacant units in 2016 stood at 5,323 or 17% (excluding holiday homes and those dwellings deemed to be temporarily absent). This was significantly higher than the national rate of 9%. A Housing Strategy, which has been informed by a Housing Need Demand Assessment (HNDA), has been prepared and informs this Core Strategy. The overarching purpose of the Housing Strategy is to support the proper planning and sustainable development of County Roscommon by identifying and planning for the housing needs of the existing and planned population in an appropriate manner. The key objectives of the Housing Strategy are: g To ensure Roscommon County Council provides for the development of sufficient housing to meet its obligations as set out in the NPF and the RSES; g To identify the existing and likely future need for housing in the area of the County Development Plan, with particular regard to any demonstrable need for single housing in the countryside; and g To ensure that sufficient zoned lands are provided to meet the needs of the different categories of households in County Roscommon. A high proportion of homes in County Roscommon are rural one-off houses - 56% of all occupied dwellings in the county classed as one-off homes in 2016 (compared to 26% nationally). As a result, planning for future one- off housing through projecting need for one- off housing in the countryside through the HNDA and Development Plan Core Strategy processes (as required by National Policy Objective 20 of the NPF) is particularly important for County Roscommon. The Housing Strategy is outlined in more detail in Chapter 3. CORE STRATEGY POLICY OBJECTIVES It is a policy objective of Roscommon County Council to: CS 2.19 To monitor residential development permitted per settlement types identified in the Settlement Hierarchy, in accordance with any Departmental guidance that may issue. 3333Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 – Volume I Chapter 2: Core Strategy and Settlement Policy
- 2.9 Economic Development Economic development within the county is a strategic corporate goal for Roscommon County Council. It is a central component of this Plan to provide a framework for the delivery of this goal, in order to secure the future prosperity of the county. The direction and underlying principles of this Core Strategy are consistent with the national and regional economic policy set out in the NPF and RSES, in that it advocates that future growth should take place on a sustainable platform that concentrates development in local and regional centres of growth where there is capacity to accommodate signif icant development, in a consolidated urban environment. Full detail in relation to Economic Development is outlined in Chapter 6. 2.10 Retail Development A Retail Strategy for the county has been prepared as part of this Plan. The preparation of the Strategy has been informed by the Retail Planning Guidelines for Planning Authorities (DECLG, 2012). The aim of this Strategy is to sustain and improve the retail competitiveness of the county, address expenditure leakage, and ensure an equitable and sustainable distribution of retail floorspace across the county. An evidence based approach has been taken in identifying floorspace requirements for convenience and comparison floorspace based on projected changes to the local population, consumer spending, and turnover potential, and the most appropriate means of facilitating such requirements. The policy position in relation to retailing activity is set out in Chapter 6 (Economic Development), which should also be read in conjunction with the accompanying County Roscommon Retail Strategy. 34Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 – Volume I34 Chapter 2: Core Strategy and Settlement Policy
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- 3.1 Introduction This Chapter seeks to demonstrate how the policy objectives of the Core Strategy are implemented on a more local level by setting out the detailed strategy for the future direction of settlement growth in County Roscommon. The chapter will also outline the housing policy in the county over the lifetime of the Plan, which focuses on the creation of sustainable communities and takes into account the key findings of the Housing Strategy and the Housing Needs Demand Assessment, as well as current Government policy in relation to the delivery of housing in the country. In order to sustain population growth, provide services and employment as well as ensuring a good quality of life, it is important that there is a network of vibrant settlements that are supported by strong rural areas in the county. These settlements also play a vital role in providing a mix of housing options in the county as well as acting as centres for community networks. The settlement strategy outlined in Chapter 2 promotes increased residential density where appropriate as well as supporting the consolidation of town centres in a sustainable manner and is compatible with ‘Town Centre First’ principles of development. The promotion of “placemaking” in accordance with the Growth Ambitions outlined in the RSES will be central to the development of the towns and villages of the county. This will help restore our towns and villages to being centres that are at the heart of community life, are attractive focal point to serve the local community and also to showcase them as attractive and progressive locations for investment and enterprise. 3 People, Places and Housing 3636Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 – Volume I
- 3.2 Housing Strategy In accordance with the requirements of Section 94 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), a Housing Strategy has been prepared for this Plan. The purpose of a Housing Strategy is to ensure that provision is made for the housing requirements of the existing and future population of the county. 3.3 Housing Need Demand Assessment (HNDA) National Policy Objective 37 of the NPF requires each Local Authority to develop a Housing Need Demand Assessment, which must underpin and support the preparation of housing strategies and all related housing policy outputs. It is anticipated that the HNDA carried out as part of the Housing Strategy in this Draft Plan will inform how acute and unmet demand for housing is identified before it arises. 3737Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 – Volume I Chapter 3: People, Places and Housing
- 3.4 HNDA Guiding Principles An evidence-based and future-proofed methodological approach has been adopted to ensure that the County Roscommon Housing Strategy meets the housing needs of the county and its residents, while remaining in keeping with local, regional and national guidelines. The strategy is underpinned by the HNDA, which provides a robust baseline to inform and guide policies and objectives under the Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028. The HNDA incorporates a range of socio-economic and demographic data to analyse current levels of demand and supply within Roscommon’s housing sector, and includes projections for future need over the lifetime of the Plan and beyond to 2031. It incorporates demand across different tenures, including owner-occupied, the rental sector and social housing and provides estimates of future housing needs, based on employment growth, income levels and affordability in the housing market. The HNDA undertaken as part of this Plan has two key stages – the current and future outlook, and the assessment of three core areas, namely Population, Housing and Economy (refer to Figure 3.1 below). The Housing Strategy and the Housing Needs Demand Assessment are contained in a separate document accompanying this Plan. PEOPLE, PLACES AND HOUSING POLICY OBJECTIVES It is a policy objective of Roscommon County Council to: PPH 3.1 Secure the implementation of the Roscommon Housing Strategy 2022-2028. PPH 3.2 Support the delivery of social housing in County Roscommon in accordance with the Council’s Social Housing Delivery Programme and Government Policy as set out in Rebuilding Ireland: Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness. Figure 3.1: Key Stages in HNDA Demographic trends, affordability trends and wider economic trends Housing stock profile pressures (and existing need) and management issues Estimating future housing need and demand 38Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 – Volume I38 Chapter 3: People, Places and Housing
- 3.5 Town Centre Living In order to attract people to live in our urban settlements, the quality of the urban spaces, as well as the quality of the residential units provided need to be attractive alternatives to rural one off dwellings and suburban type residences. A combination of private sector and public regeneration projects in the built environment and public realm would reinvigorate town centres, creating distinctive urban quarters which are vibrant throughout the day and night. In order for this to be done there is a need to reimagine our town centres in such a way that they are at the heart of community life and become an attractive focal point where a community can interact. Further detail on town centre living opportunities is contained in Chapter 4 – Towns and Villages. 3.6 Dwelling Mix and Tenure The mix of house types proposed in an area must ensure that the needs of all sectors of society are accommodated. A mix of house types and tenures will create thriving and diverse communities and will provide a choice of housing suitable to all age groups and persons. New homes should be designed so that they are adaptable and can be altered to meet the needs of residents through different stages of life. The application of the ‘Universal Design’ concept at the design and construction stage of a development can be a cost effective way of future proofing a home and incorporating sustainable designs and smart technologies that will allow people to live independently for longer. PEOPLE, PLACES AND HOUSING POLICY OBJECTIVES It is a policy objective of Roscommon County Council to: PPH 3.3 Require the provision of an appropriate mix of house types and sizes in residential developments throughout the county, in order to meet the needs of the population and support the creation of balanced and inclusive communities. PPH 3.4 Encourage innovation in design and require development proposals to be of high quality and make a positive contribute to the built environment and local streetscape. PPH 3.5 Require new housing developments to incorporate a variety of plot sizes and private amenity space to meet the current and future needs of residents. Proposals are required to demonstrate compliance with the principles set out in Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas (Cities, Towns and Villages) - Guidelines for Planning Authorities (DECLG, 2009). PPH 3.6 Require new residential developments in excess of 10 residential units to include a minimum of 10% universally designed units, in accordance with the requirements of ‘Building for Everyone: A Universal Design’ published by the Centre for Excellence in Universal Design. PPH 3.7 Support the development of quality residential schemes with a range of housing options having regard to the standards, principles and any specific planning policy requirements (SPPRs) set out in the ‘Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ (2009) and Circular NRUP 02/2021 Residential Densities in Towns and Village. 3939Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 – Volume I Chapter 3: People, Places and Housing
- 3.7 Social and Affordable Housing Social housing refers to housing provided by the Local Authority or by an Approved Housing Body (AHB), while affordable housing refers to owneroccupier housing provided at a price below market value. Where this category of housing is being provided, it is essential to ensure that all members of society have access to accommodation that is suitable for their needs. Rebuilding Ireland – An Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness was published in 2016 and aims to address the needs of homeless people and families in emergency accommodation, accelerate the provision of social housing, utilise vacant homes and improve the rental sector. In order to achieve this the Action Plan commits to ensure resources are available to allow both Local Authorities and Approved Housing Bodies to purchase or lease newly built private dwellings to the fullest extent envisaged by Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). It also supports the leasing of additional privately developed dwellings beyond the extent envisaged by Part V where appropriate. Compliance with the requirements of Part V of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended) will be achieved in accordance with Section 96 of that Act, which was also amended by the Urban Housing and Regeneration Act, 2015. PEOPLE, PLACES AND HOUSING POLICY OBJECTIVES It is a policy objective of Roscommon County Council to: PPH 3.8 Ensure, in accordance with Part V of the Planning & Development Act 2000 (as amended), that arrangements for the provision of Social and Affordable Housing are made in accordance with the Housing Strategy. 40Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 – Volume I40 Chapter 3: People, Places and Housing
Source Roscommon County Council: Roscommon 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.