Development plan · Tipperary County Council
Tipperary County Development Plan 2022–2028
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards. Variations adopted since are not in this text.
Tipperary County Council · 2022–2028 · 226 pages
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- TIPPERARY COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028 VOLUME 1 172 11.8 Noise and Light Emissions The Tipperary County Council Noise Action Plan 2018 - 2023 was prepared in line with the European Communities Environmental Noise Regulations 2018 (S.I. No. 549/2018) and is aimed at management of environmental noise. Environmental noise is defined by the Regulations as unwanted or harmful outdoor sound created by human activities, including noise emitted by means of transport, road traffic, rail traffic, air traffic and noise in urban areas over a specified size. Types of noise not included in the regulations include noise caused by neighbours, construction sites, night clubs, pubs, etc. The Noise Action Plan seeks to manage the existing noise environment and protect the future noise environment within the Action Planning Areas identified below: 1. M8 Motorway as it passes through Tipperary (64.8kms); 2. M7 Motorway as it passes through Tipperary (57kms); 3. N24 National Primary Road as it passes through Tipperary (69.8kms); 4. N52 National Secondary Road, from M7 Interchange, to Ardcroney (13Kms); 5. N62 National Secondary Road, from M8 Interchange, to Thurles (8Kms); 6. R688 (Cashel to Clonmel Road) for a distance of 1.3kms north from its junction with the N24 National Primary Road at the Cashel Road Roundabout, 7. R689 (Urlingford to Clonmel Road) for a distance of 1km north from its junction with the N24 National Primary Road at the Fethard Road Roundabout. Mitigation measures to reduce noise impacts may include: • Improved traffic management and smoothing traffic flows. • New traffic calming areas and optimisation of existing traffic measures. • Improvement or changes to road surfaces during routine road maintenance, • Reduction of traffic density on a countywide basis. The Council will consider the impact of noise emissions that may arise from such developments through the planning process, and in line with the relevant guidelines and standards for such developments. The Council recognises the need for artificial lighting as a means to contribute to a safe and secure night-time environment; however, the Council also recognises the impacts of light pollution, glare and light spillage and its impact on the visual, environmental and residential amenities of surrounding areas, and will seek to ensure that new development does not result in significant disturbance as a result of light pollution.
- TIPPERARY COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028 VOLUME 1 173 11.9 Planning Policy It is the policy of the Council to: 11 - 1 In assessing proposals for new development to balance the need for new development with the protection and enhancement of the natural environment and human health. In line with the provisions of Article 6(3) and Article 6 (4) of the Habitats Directive, no plans, programmes, etc. or projects giving rise to significant cumulative, direct, indirect or secondary impacts on European sites arising from their size or scale, land take, proximity, resource requirements, emissions (disposal to land, water or air), transportation requirements, duration of construction, operation, decommissioning or from any other effects shall be permitted on the basis of this Plan (either individually or in combination with other plans, programmes, etc. or projects59). 11 - 2 Ensure the protection, integrity and conservation of European Sites and Annex I and II species listed in EU Directives. Where it is determined that a development may individually, or cumulatively, impact on the integrity of European sites, the Council will require planning applications to be accompanied by a NIS in accordance with the Habitats Directive and transposing Regulations, ‘Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects, Guidelines for Planning Authorities’, (DEHLG 2009) or any amendment thereof and relevant Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and European Commission guidance documents. 11 - 3 Ensure the conservation and protection of existing, and proposed NHAs, and to ensure that proposed developments within or in close proximity to an existing or proposed NHA would not have a significant adverse impact on the status of the site as described. 11 - 4 (a) Conserve, protect and enhance areas of local biodiversity value, habitats, ecosystems and ecological corridors, in both urban and rural areas, including rivers, lakes, streams and ponds, peatland and other wetland habitats, woodlands, hedgerows, tree lines, veteran trees, natural and semi-natural grasslands in accordance with the objectives of the National Biodiversity Plan (DCHG 2017) and any review thereof. (b) Safeguard, enhance and protect water bodies (rivers/canals/lakes) and river walks and to provide links, where possible, to wider green infrastructure networks as an essential part of the design process. (c) Require an ‘Ecosystems Services’ approach for new development to incorporate nature-based solutions to SUDS, in so far as practical, as part of water 59 Except as provided for in Article 6(4) of the Habitats Directive, viz. There must be: a) no alternative solution available, b) imperative reasons of overriding public interest for the project to proceed; and c) Adequate compensatory measures in place
- TIPPERARY COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028 VOLUME 1 174 management systems, public realm design and landscaping, in line with best practice. (d) Where trees or hedgerows are of particular local value, the Council may seek their retention, or where retention is not feasible, their replacement and will seek a proactive focus on new tree-planting as part of new development. 11 - 5 Ensure that new developments proposed in or near ‘Ground Water Protection Schemes’ and ‘Zones of Contribution’ which contribute to public water supplies, do not result in a significant negative impact on the integrity, function and management of these important assets. 11 - 6 Ensure the integration of river corridors with green infrastructure in settlements in line with the ‘Planning for Watercourses in the Urban Environment’ (Inland Fisheries Ireland, 2020). 11 - 7 a) Ensure the protection of water quality in accordance with the EU WFD, and support the objectives and facilitate the implementation of the associated Programme of Measures of the River Basin Management Plan 2018-2021 and any successor. This includes contributing towards the protection of Blue-Dot catchments and drinking water resources. Also, have cognisance of the EU’s Common Implementation Strategy Guidance Document No. 20 and 36 which provide guidance on exemptions to the environmental objectives of the WFD. b) Support an integrated and collaborative approach to catchment management in accordance with the River Basin Management Plan 2018-2021 and any successor. c) Require an undisturbed edge or buffer zone to be maintained, where appropriate, between new developments and riparian zones of water bodies to maintain the natural function of existing ecosystems associated with water courses and their riparian zones, and to enable sustainable public access. 11 - 8 Provide for the sustainable development of fisheries, in compliance with the Habitats and Birds Directives, and other ecological protection objectives. New infrastructure should be positioned at already modified locations where feasible; and sedimentation and siltation issues should be considered, with floating infrastructure used where feasible. Fishery related developments may necessitate the preparation of a Visitor/Habitat Management Plan that includes requirements in relation to: sustainable fishing practices that would not affect the ecological site integrity; and invasive species. 11 - 9 Assess all new developments (both within and without designated Flood Risk Zones) in line with the ‘Staged Approach’ and pre-cautionary principle set out in the Planning System and Flood Risk Management Guidelines for Planning Authorities, (DEHLG, 2009) and any amendment thereof, and the following:
- TIPPERARY COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028 VOLUME 1 175 (a) Require the submission of site-specific Flood Risk Assessments for developments undertaken within Flood Zones A & B and on lands subject to the mid-range future scenario floods extents, as published by the OPW. These Flood Risk Assessments shall consider climate change impacts and adaptation measures including details of structural and non-structural flood risk management measures, such as those relating to floor levels, internal layout, flood-resistant construction, flood-resilient construction, emergency response planning and access and egress during flood events. (b) SFRAs and site-specific flood risk assessments shall provide information on the implications of climate change with regard to flood risk in relevant locations. The 2009 OPW Draft Guidance on Assessment of Potential Future Scenarios for Flood Risk Management (or any superseding document) shall be consulted with to this effect. (c) Ensure each flood risk management activity is examined to determine actions required to embed and provide for effective climate change adaptation as set out in the OPW Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan for Flood Risk Management applicable at the time. (d) Applications for development on land identified as ‘benefitting land’ may be prone to flooding, and as such site-specific flood risk assessments may be required in these areas. (e) Require applications for new development, or for an extension to an existing development on land zoned for ‘Social and Public’ or ‘Amenity’ use and where a potential flood risk is identified, and where the proposed use might be vulnerable, to be subject to site-specific flood risk assessment to the satisfaction of the Council. 11 - 10 (a) Flood risk assessments shall incorporate consideration of climate change impacts and adaptation measures with regard to flood risk, and, (b) Flood risk management planning shall determine actions to embed and provide for effective climate change adaptation as set out in the OPW ‘Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan for Flood Risk Management’ applicable at the time. 11 - 11 (a) Ensure that new developments proposed in ‘Arterial Drainage Schemes’ and ‘Drainage Districts’ do not result in a significant negative impact on the integrity, function and management of these areas. (b) Consult with the OPW in relation to proposed developments in the vicinity of Flood Relief Schemes and drainage channels and rivers for which the OPW are responsible, and to retain a strip on either side of such channels, where required, to facilitate maintenance access thereto.
- TIPPERARY COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028 VOLUME 1 176 (c) Protect the integrity of any formal flood risk management infrastructure (see key flood risk infrastructure identified in Section 2.2 “Drainage, Key Flood Risk Infrastructure and Early Warning Systems” of the SFRA), thereby ensuring that any new development does not negatively impact any existing defence infrastructure or compromise any proposed new defence infrastructure 11 - 12 In assessing proposals for new development to seek to protect, support and conserve the geological heritage sites of Tipperary and their value as outlined in the Tipperary Audit of Geological Heritage Sites, (GSI/TCC, 2019). 11 - 13 Seek to control the spread of invasive plant and animal species, including consideration of potential pathways for invasive species spread, i.e. watercourses. 11 - 14 Ensure that proposals for agricultural developments, as appropriate, comply with the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2010 or any amendment thereof. 11 - 15 Support the diversification of peatlands, whilst ensuring the protection of their ecological, archaeological, cultural and educational significance in line with the National Peatlands Strategy (DAHG 2015). The Council may request landowners to prepare a ‘Peatland Master Plan’, especially for areas of industrial cut-over peatland, and will work with all stakeholders involved in the process in this regard. Any Masterplan should identify any significant tourism, amenity and recreation potential of these lands. 11 - 16 Facilitate new development which integrates and respects the character, sensitivity and value of the landscape in accordance with the designations of the Landscape Character Assessment, and the schedule of Views and Scenic Routes (or any review thereof). Developments which would have a significant adverse material impact on visual amenities will not be supported. 11 - 17 Ensure the protection of the visual amenity, landscape quality and character of designated ‘Primary’ and ‘Secondary’ amenity areas. Developments which would have a significant adverse material impact on the visual amenities of the area will not be supported. New development shall have regard to the following: a) Developments should avoid visually prominent locations and be designed to use existing topography to minimise adverse visual impact on the character of primary and secondary amenity areas. b) Buildings and structures shall integrate with the landscape through careful use of scale, form and finishes. c) Existing landscape features, including trees, hedgerows and distinctive boundary treatment shall be protected and integrated into the design proposal.
- TIPPERARY COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028 VOLUME 1 177 11 - 18 Ensure that new development does not result in significant noise disturbance and to ensure that all new developments are designed and constructed to minimise noise disturbance in accordance with the provisions of the Noise Action Plan 2018 and relevant standards and guidance that refer to noise management. 11 - 19 Ensure that new development does not result in significant disturbance as a result of light pollution and to ensure that all new developments are designed and constructed to minimise the impact of light pollution on the visual, environmental and residential amenities of surrounding areas. 11.10 Planning Objectives It is the objective of the Council to: 11 - A Support education and awareness programmes related to protection and promotion of the environment, biodiversity and our natural systems i.e. through membership of the All-Ireland Pollinators Plan, Tidy Towns, Green Schools etc. 11 - B Undertake a survey of non-designated wetlands as defined by the Ramsar Convention (2010) in the county over the lifetime of the Plan. 11 - C (a) Support and facilitate the implementation of the objectives of the Tipperary Heritage Plan 2017- 2021, and, (b) Prepare a ‘Biodiversity and Heritage Plan’ for Tipperary over the lifetime of the Plan. 11 - D (a) Support the objectives of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2021- 2025 by incorporating pollinator friendly native trees and plants within grass verges along public roads and existing and future greenways, new hedgerows, public parks and public open spaces in towns and villages, including part of mixed use and residential developments. (b) Prepare a ‘Pollinator Action Plan’ for Tipperary over the lifetime of the Plan, having consideration to the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, 2021 - 2025. 11 - E Require an integrated and collaborative approach to local catchment management to assist in the effective implementation of the RBMP (and any review thereof) and to support the activities of LAWPRO in the Local Authorities Waters Programme. 11 - F (a) To support and facilitate the CFRAM Programme, and to support the OPW in the development and implementation of sustainable flood risk management plans and actions. (b) To consider, as appropriate any new and/or emerging data, including, when available, any relevant information contained in the CFRAM Programme Flood Risk Management Plans.
- TIPPERARY COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028 VOLUME 1 178 11 - G Apply best practice in sustainable environmental standards in the design and development of collaborative and/or public sector development in Tipperary, including: (a) Ensure that biodiversity issues are considered at the earliest possible stages of plan making; (b) Ensure that plans and strategies comply with nature conservation legislation and policy as required (fulfil SEA and AA requirements); and (c) Carry out ecological impact assessment of plans and strategies as appropriate. 11 - H Apply the provisions of the Tipperary County Council Noise Action Plan 2018 – 2023 as it relates to Noise Action Areas in order to reduce disturbance from noise. 11 - I Comply with the Arterial Drainage Act 1945 (as amended) prior to the carrying out of construction/ alteration works, or drainage works etc on water channels.
- TIPPERARY COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028 VOLUME 1 179 12.0 Sustainable Transport 12.1 Introduction With the second highest vehicle ownership rate per capita in the country, there is an obvious reliance on the private car for transportation. Given that 71% of Tipperary commuters travel to work or school by car or van, there are good opportunities for a shift to more sustainable modes of transport supported by policy, infrastructure investment and behavioural change measures. Economic and population growth can result in greater demand for motorised transport if not properly planned. To ensure that this potential impact is reduced, the Council will, as a first principle, seek to reduce the need for transport, through compact and plan-led growth, supported by active travel measures and infrastructure. The NPF, the ambitions of the Core Strategy, and the national target to reduce annual emissions by 7% will require a very significant change in how we travel, in terms of reducing demand, and with a modal shift from the private car to public transport, walking and cycling. This chapter sets out polices and objective in the Plan to enhance national and regional connectivity and to support development of a sustainable transport strategy for the county. Tipperary is a largely rural county with many dispersed settlements and communities. The county is centrally and strategically located along interconnecting national rail lines with access to the cities of Dublin, Cork, Waterford and Limerick, along with regional ports and airports. It also has strategic transport connectivity in the form of national, regional and local road networks, which facilitate the delivery of public and private transportation. The towns of Tipperary are generally compact in nature, an important aspect in the move to more sustainable forms of local travel including public transport, walking and cycling. Figure 12.1 National Sustainable Mobility Policy (DoT,2030)
- TIPPERARY COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028 VOLUME 1 180 12.2 National and Regional Policy A low carbon transport sector is underpinned by the National Sustainable Mobility Policy (DoT, 2022). The National Sustainable Mobility Policy sets out a strategic framework to 2030 for active travel (walking and cycling) and public transport journeys to help Ireland meet its climate obligations. It is accompanied by an action plan to 2025 which contains actions to improve and expand sustainable mobility options across the country by providing safe, green, accessible and efficient alternatives to car journeys. It also includes demand management and behavioural change measures to manage daily travel demand more efficiently and to reduce the journeys taken by private car. The NPF and the RSES both recognise the importance of connectivity in achieving the full potential of places, achieving economic prosperity, improving quality of life and accommodating development in suitable locations. At the regional level, the Limerick- Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy and the Waterford Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy set out regional frameworks for investment in transport over twenty-year periods. The Council will seek to collaborate on these plans to strengthen transport connectivity with these cities, and to support growth and development of key settlement in the hinterland of the metropolitan areas. The Council will support the principles of the National Sustainable Mobility Policy (DoT, 2022) the Climate Action Plan (DECC, 2019), and the provisions of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021, as they relate to carbon proofing transportation. 12.3 Transport in Tipperary 12.3.1 Rail Transport Tipperary benefits from a central location on the national rail network, and is served by the following rail infrastructure. • Dublin to Cork/Limerick (high-frequency rail services) • Waterford to Limerick (low-frequency rail services) • Limerick to Ballybrophy (low-frequency rail services) The Plan provided a spatial strategy for growth for the development of the Key Towns, and other settlements along the rail network, including settlements such as Thurles, Templemore and Limerick Junction located on a high frequency Dublin to Cork/Limerick Railway network. The rail lines between Waterford and Limerick, and Limerick and Ballybrophy are important for interregional connectivity, however they are underutilised and do not offer an effective service. The nationally important intersection of Limerick Junction, also provides opportunity for development as a regional transport hub. The RSES has recognised the importance of these lines for regional
- TIPPERARY COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028 VOLUME 1 181 development, and the Council will seek to support the improvement of services and infrastructure for both freight and passenger services. 12.3.2 Intra-Regional and Local Bus Services As a rural county, with many small to medium rural villages, the connectivity of rural areas with the urban towns and associated services is an important aspect of quality of life. The NTA provides rural transport services, including the ‘Local Link Rural Transport Programme’ which aims to address rural social exclusion, and the integration of rural transport services with other public transport services. Key objectives of the NTA and TII are: • Integration with other public transport services, including HSE and schools • Better linkage of services between towns, villages and rural areas • Ensure fully accessible vehicles operate on all services • Enhance the customer experience • Increase patronage among children and young people • Encourage innovation in the service Bus Éireann and a number of private operators provide long distance express services as well as local bus services within the county. The Council, in collaboration with its partners will seek to support the development of regional and local bus services. The Council, when preparing LTPs and active travel plans, and in considering investment and enhancement programmes for the smaller settlements, will include for the provision of bus services as part of the consideration of multi-modal transport opportunities. The Council will work with the NTA through their ‘Connecting Ireland’ programme, in identifying demand and potential demand for bus services, as an alternative to the private car. 12.3.3 Active Transport Infrastructure Tipperary has an excellent network of walking routes, and in recent years there has been good investment in dedicated cycling facilities. The existing cycle network includes mainly unsegregated on-road cycle lanes, with some high-quality segregated lanes in towns, such as the cycle-way on part of the Clonmel by-pass. The exemplary Suir Blueway Tipperary is an off-road route that connects the town of Clonmel with Carrick-on-Suir for commuting and leisure alike. A number of individual urban walking and cycling strategies were prepared for urban towns in 2014 under the Smarter Travel Programme, and sustainable transport is now a priority in public realm and regeneration plans throughout the county. However, the private car remains the predominant mode of transport across towns in the county at present.
Source Tipperary County Council: Tipperary 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.