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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- Bringing back town centre units into productive use can be achieved through a range of development options, including: g Remodelling existing residential spaces as attractive, and in many cases compact modern units; g Amalgamation of two or more smaller vacant residential units above ground floor level, to form a single high quality residential unit, developed as an attractive alternative to a suburban dwelling. Innovative approaches may be considered to achieve this, such as the establishment of a profit sharing development partnership between two or more property owners; or g Integration of an existing upper storey residential space into a larger mid-block residential development in order to form either large townhouses or higher density residential housing schemes, with the benefit of communal amenity spaces and pedestrian access. TOWNS AND VILLAGES POLICY OBJECTIVES It is a policy objective of Roscommon County Council to: TV 4.16 Encourage and promote the adaption of vacant former retail/commercial buildings for residential use in order to repopulate existing settlements. In order to ensure that such proposals do not undermine the vitality and service functions of towns and villages, it will be necessary to demonstrate that no retail or commercial demand exists. TV 4.17 Give favourable consideration to proposals for alternative beneficial uses to repurpose vacant and under-utilised buildings and land in order to re-energise town and village centres. A high standard of development is required in all cases. TV 4.18 Promote development at sustainable densities that support compact growth and the consolidation of urban areas (with particular emphasis on Town Cores), and which are also appropriate to the local context and enhance the local environment in which it is located. TV 4.19 Encourage the appropriate development of infill sites, brownfield lands, and lands identified on the Vacant Site Register and the Derelict Site Register. TV 4.20 Support proposals that encourage town centre living, including the conversion of the upper floors of buildings (i.e. above ground floor) into residential use, in order to revitalise the social and physical fabric of urban areas in the county. A relaxation in development standards will be considered for such projects, where it is sufficiently demonstrated that the development proposal will deliver high quality accommodation. TV 4.21 Support proposals for development involving evening and late-night commercial, retail, cultural, food and beverage or entertainment uses within, or immediately adjacent to, town centres where it can be demonstrated that the development will enhance the character and function of the area. 6161Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 – Volume I Chapter 4: Towns and Villages
- 4.10 Infill and Brownfield Sites Many development opportunities exist within the towns and villages of the county on infill and brownfield sites, to provide for new development in a consolidated and compact form. Both of these site types, of which many are centrally located, offer excellent potential new development. The redevelopment of centrally located sites offers significant advantages, particularly due to their proximity to existing commercial and community services and facilities. 4.11 Strategic Land Use Strategy This Plan advocates a more strategic and innovative land use strategy, in which the number of land use zones in the Settlement Plans are consolidated and simplified. This is intended to provide greater flexibility and facilitate a wider mix of compatible uses, particularly in core urban areas. In conjunction with the rationalised zoning approach, a simplified land use zoning matrix has also been introduced in respect of each settlement, with a focus on general classes of use, as opposed to the more traditional prescriptive matrix list of development types. 4.12 Constrained Land Use Zoning Several urban areas in County Roscommon lie adjacent to rivers and streams. The Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) which was undertaken as part of the preparation of this Plan identified a number of areas which are liable to flooding. Flood risk areas in Settlement Plans are represented by a ‘Constrained Land Use’ designation. While by necessity limiting new development, the Constrained Land Use approach represents a practical response that recognises that existing development uses within these zones may require modifications and/or extension. 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. Constrained Land Use Zoning applies to the four towns of Ballaghaderreen, Castlerea, Elphin and Strokestown. Each Settlement Plan includes a map identifying the extent of the Constrained Land Use Zone. Proposals should demonstrate 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 would be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. Further practical advice on undertaking development in a Constrained Land Use Zone is included in Appendix 3. 62Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 – Volume I62 Chapter 4: Towns and Villages
- CHAPTERRural Development and Natural Resources 5 63
- 5 Rural Development and Natural Resources 5.1 Introduction Rural development and the appropriate management and use of the county’s natural resources are central to the future of County Roscommon. This chapter sets out the strategic aims and objectives required to promote the sustainable development of rural communities as well as for the management and development of the county’s natural resources. 5.2 Rural Settlement Strategy The Settlement Strategy for County Roscommon as set out in Chapter Two includes facilitating those engaged in agriculture and other rural resource based occupations to live in their own local rural areas. In facilitating the alignment of residential and occupation locations, the Settlement Strategy is a vehicle for the transition towards a low carbon and climate resilient society, and reduces and discourages unnecessary trip generation. Greater emphasis on the creation of sustainable communities can be reinforced through sustainable rural housing as well as contributing to important local services. The focus on creating these sustainable communities includes not only environmental, but also social and economic aspects of development. 6464 Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 – Volume I
- 5.3 Rural Economic Development In order to secure sustainable rural development, it is important that rural communities and traditional rural based agricultural activity and agricultural diversification are supported. The benefits of supporting other appropriate rural based commercial activities are also recognised, with developments related to agri-food and tourism being examples of such. There is however a need to balance the development of rural areas alongside the need to protect the countryside, in order to ensure the sustainable management of the natural resources of the county. The Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas (CEDRA) was established in 2012. The REDZ (Rural Economic Development Zone) initiative was a recommendation contained within the CEDRA and is intended to complement the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and cater for projects between the towns and surrounding hinterland that maximise local assets in areas such as tourism, culture, heritage and other areas that support rural economic activity. Our Rural Future, Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025, published in March 2021, sets out a blueprint for the development of rural Ireland over the next five years. The policy will be implemented through 150 commitments which will address the challenges facing communities and deliver new opportunities for people living in rural areas. The policy will also help rural areas recover and create more resilient rural economies and communities for the future. RURAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY OBJECTIVES It is a policy objective of Roscommon County Council to: RD 5.1 Work with all relevant stakeholders to implement the recommendations of the CEDRA Report on Energising Ireland’s Rural Economy and Our Rural Future, Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025 to develop economic, social and cultural benefits for the rural community. 6565Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 – Volume I Chapter 5: Rural Development and Natural Resources
- 5.4 Agricultural Activity and Diversification Census 2016 figures recorded a total of 2,311 persons identifying their occupation being in the industrial category of ‘agriculture, fisheries and forestry’. However, this figure does not capture the full extent of engagement in the sector, given that it does not record those with multiple occupations including part time occupations in rural resourced based activities. Indeed, the more accurate reflection of the number of farmers in Co. Roscommon should be based on the number of herd numbers as pertaining to the District Veterinary Office and that figure is recorded at 5,535. The Council seeks to ensure the continuity of agriculture for reasons which are not solely economic. This sector has important cultural significance, is the predominant land use in the county and has essentially shaped the landscape and settlement pattern of the County. For these reasons and for the economic benefits for the County, the Council’s rural development strategy is centred on facilitating the continuity of agriculture as well as supporting agriculture by maintaining the integrity of viable farming areas. To sustain rural communities in the changing economic climate, farm diversification and new employment opportunities will be required. It is important to acknowledge the challenges posed by Brexit to the rural economy and the need to support vulnerable businesses in their response to the changing economic climate. There is scope for agricultural business to diversify into a broad range of areas. The Council supports the diversification of farm businesses into areas which do not impact the landscape or environmental protection policy objectives of this plan. Examples of potential diversification areas include: g Organic Farming; g Home based economic activity; g Rural tourism; g Diversification into other rural economic sectors such as forestry, bio-fuel and renewable energy. RURAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY OBJECTIVES It is a policy objective of Roscommon County Council to: RD 5.2 Encourage and facilitate agricultural diversification into agri-businesses such as organic foods and rural tourism, as a means of promoting rural diversity and strengthening the local economic base. RD 5.3 Support and encourage farm-based renewable energy technologies as a means of improving the shift toward a low-carbon and climate resilient economy in the agriculture, food and forestry sectors. RD 5.4 Support the agricultural sector and the development of agriculture to facilitate the development of sustainable agricultural activities. 66Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 – Volume I66 Chapter 5: Rural Development and Natural Resources
- 5.5 Agri-Food and Local Produce In recent years there has been significant growth in the demand for fresh local produce. Developments in horticulture and in value added food and agricultural enterprises are sectors with opportunities for growth. 19 A national 10 year plan for the agri food sector. National level strategies such as Food Wise 202519 emphasise the importance of this sector and its potential for enhanced growth. The main themes of Food Wise 2025 - sustainability, human capital, market development, competitiveness and innovation - underpin the strategy for development in rural Roscommon. Artisan food and beverage production is also playing an increasingly important role in the economy of County Roscommon. The resultant high-quality, locally-produced goods make a signif icant contribution to both the food and hospitality industry in the county. The development of An Chistin, a new food hub in Castlerea which includes training facilities as well as food business incubation units for rent to local food producers, is an important element in the future development of this sector in the county. Local Country Markets also make an important contribution to the food sector and local economy, with markets held throughout the county on a weekly basis. RURAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY OBJECTIVES It is a policy objective of Roscommon County Council to: RD 5.5 Promote the continued development and expansion of the agri-food sector through the themes set out in Food Wise 2025, subject to environmental constraints. RD 5.6 Protect the economic and social benefits of local country markets devoted to the sale of local agricultural and craft produce and to support their role as visitor attractions. 6767Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 – Volume I Chapter 5: Rural Development and Natural Resources
- 5.6 Forestry Forests and woodlands play an important role in terms of supporting rural employment and rural diversity, climate change management and carbon sequestration, biodiversity and as a source of renewable/alternative energy sources. 20 Source - The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Forests and woodlands also have a significant recreational and amenity value. County Roscommon has 28,311 hectares of forestry, accounting for just over 11% of land in the county.20 Forestry is encouraged in appropriate areas, where it will not significantly impact upon designated habitats, archaeology, interfere with areas of high amenity value, protected views or scenic routes, or be obtrusive in the landscape or present a risk to sensitive ecosystems or water quality. Planting of native woodlands will increase biodiversity value in the landscape. This Plan aims to support the sustainable growth of forestry as an economic activity, whilst also affording maximum protection to the rural environment and landscape. Forestry is discussed further in Chapter 8 (Climate Action, Energy and Environment) in the context of its contribution to reducing CO2 levels and its positive impact on climate change. RURAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY OBJECTIVES It is a policy objective of Roscommon County Council to: RD 5.7 Support forestry development of appropriate scale and character where it does not have a negative impact on the countryside, (including public access/rights of way, traditional walking routes and recreational facilities), or cause pollution or degradation of wildlife habitats, natural waters or areas of ecological importance. RD 5.8 Encourage private forestry developers to provide access through their forests for walking routes, bike trails, bridle paths, and other non-noise generating activities as part of an integrated development. RD 5.9 Encourage the planting of diverse and native species to ensure rich and varied biodiversity value, particularly in areas where there is evidence of a dominant species planted cumulatively within the landscape. 68Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 – Volume I68 Chapter 5: Rural Development and Natural Resources
- 5.7 Renewable Energy Rural areas have the potential to be harnessed for renewable energy projects, including wind, hydro and solar energy. In addition, waste to energy projects, such as biomass, anaerobic digestion and dry digestion may be suitable, subject to planning and development considerations. The Council will support renewable energy projects in rural areas, subject to ensuring the protection of landscape sensitivities, residential amenity, views or prospects, public rights of way, wildlife, habitats, special areas of conservation, protected structures, bird migration paths etc. Chapter 8 (Climate Ac tion, En ergy an d Environment) of this Plan discusses renewable energy in detail and outlines policy objectives for renewable energy within the county. The policy position should also be read in conjunction with the Renewable Energy Strategy which has been prepared to accompany this Plan. 6969Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 – Volume I Chapter 5: Rural Development and Natural Resources
- 7070Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 – Volume I Chapter 5: Rural Development and Natural Resources
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.