Waterford City and County Development Plan 2022–2028 — Chapter 2

1. Page 11

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   WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 202830 While Table 2.4 sets out the quantum of land for our urban settlements (Classes 1 to 3B), it should be noted that the development of the remaining classes of settlements will be guided by the policy provisions of the Development Plan, with a move from an overdependence on land use zoning as a means of managing new development, so as to provide a more flexible approach to support the release of optional lands for housing development in particular which will be important in meeting local demand across our rural areas. The identified settlement boundaries will control the expansion of the settlements while allowing settlement cores to be developed in a manner consistent with existing character of each individual location. In determining the quantum of housing units that can be delivered during the life of the Development Plan within these rural settlements the following should be noted: 4A Rural Towns (500 -1500 Pop): These settlements which have developed historically as strong rural market towns serving their immediate rural hinterlands can support a maximum of c.20 houses during the life of the Development Plan subject to compliance with the policies and standards of the Development Plan. 4B Rural Villages (<500 Pop): Small cluster housing of 5-10 houses will be supported in principle, subject to compliance with the policies and standards of the Development Plan. This is subject to a total of c. 15 houses being permitted during the life of the Development Plan. Larger clusters may be achievable where services can support such a proposal. Settlements located close to or within the Waterford MASP may facilitate additional numbers of houses where services support the proposal. 5 Rural Nodes: Small cluster housing of 5-10 houses will be supported in principle subject to compliance with the policies and standards of the Development Plan. Development of up to 10 houses may be appropriate over the lifetime of the Development Plan. During the lifetime of the Development Plan, we will monitor the level of development across these rural settlements and where development is not forthcoming in any particular settlement for whatever reason we may facilitate additional development in neighbouring settlements. In addition, settlements with service/infrastructure capacity and those within and adjacent to the Waterford City MASP area may facilitate additional growth to a scale consistent with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. In all cases the developer will be required to demonstrate that the proposal is in compliance with the principles of proper planning and sustainable development and the policy objectives and development management standards of the Development Plan. 2.10 Rural Areas In line with the provisions and policy objectives of the NPF and the RSES, the unitary City and County Development Plan considers that this rural countryside will continue to be a living and lived in landscape, focussing on the requirements of rural communities and their economies, based primarily on agriculture, forestry tourism and rural enterprise, while at the same time avoiding an over-spill urban generated development and protecting environmental quality. The Development Plan seeks to support the sustainable development of rural areas, encourage growth and arrest the decline of our rural towns and villages in a manner consistent with NPO 15 - 20.

2. Page 12

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   WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 202831 To facilitate robust and clear planning decisions, and to provide a rational distinction between areas under urban influence i.e., within commuter catchments2 of cities and large towns, and other rural areas outside commuter catchments, reflecting policy objectives NPO 19 and RPO 27 of the NPF and RSES respectively, an assessment of the following data has been undertaken: • Census 2016 (POWCAR) data on commuting patterns. • The Housing Strategy projections. • Natura 2000 Sites. • Topography/land cover, landownership and public road network; and, • Census 2016 socio-economic and demographic data (Appendix 18). This assessment has resulted in the identification of all County Waterford as being under urban influence and as such that the provision of single housing in the open countryside should be based on considerations of economic, social or local housing need to live in a rural area, and siting and design criteria for rural housing in statutory guidelines and plans. Policy objectives in this regard are set out in Section 7.11.2. Circular Letter PL2/2017, issued by the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government in May 2017, advised local authorities that the Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines are currently being revised to ensure the rural housing policies and objectives contained in local authority Development Plans comply with Article 43 of the EU Treaty on the freedom of movement of citizens. It is worth noting that Development Plan rural housing policies may require future amendment by way of a variation of the Development Plan, on publication of the updated Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines. 2.10.1 Rural Area under Strong Urban Influence The key Development Plan objectives in this area are, on the one hand, to facilitate the housing requirements of the local rural community, subject to satisfying site suitability and technical considerations, whilst on the other hand directing urban generated development to areas zoned and designated for housing in the adjoining villages and rural settlement nodes. We will manage sustainable growth in ‘Rural Areas under Urban Influence’ and facilitate the provision of single houses in the countryside based on the core considerations of economic, social or local need to live in a rural area, siting and design criteria for rural housing, and compliance with statutory guidelines and plans, having regard to the viability of smaller towns and rural settlements in a manner consistent with NPO 19 of the NPF. Further revitalisation of these areas will be achieved by implementing other Development Plan policy objectives which will enhance development opportunities by stimulating the regeneration e.g., through the promotion and support of economic development initiatives like agri-tourism, cottage type industries and local enterprise, as referred in Chapter 4. Our primary objective and aim will be to ensure real and long-term community consolidation and growth of our smaller towns, rural settlements and settlement nodes. Therefore, we will have regard to the viability of our smaller towns and rural settlement nodes in the implementation of rural housing policy. 2 The standardised EU/OECD definition of a city region is where 15% of the workforce is employed in the principal city area. Where this is mapped, it defines the city region commuting catchment or functional area.

3. Page 13

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   WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 202832 2.11 Principles underpinning Housing Land Requirements The National Strategic Outcomes (NSOs) of the NPF (Figure 2.4), as supported by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are at the very heart of the long term spatial planning, aspirations and goals of this Development Plan, as well as the associated population targets and housing land requirements. Figure 2.4 National Strategic Outcomes (Source NPF) There is significant alignment between the UN SDGs and the NPF NSOs in areas such as climate action, clean energy, sustainable places and communities, economic growth, reduced inequalities, innovation and infrastructure and education and health. Of particular note in terms of sustainable places and communities as they relate to housing land availability during the life of this Development Plan, are NPF national policy objectives NPO 3-9, and 14-20.

4. Page 14

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   WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 202833 2.11.1 Residential Density Assumptions Calculating the residential land requirement for the period of the Development Plan, has required consideration of the broad range of settlement types and sizes, and the need for a varied residential density figure to be applied to settlements and development sites, depending on their tier within the settlement hierarchy. In addition, density of development will generally be determined by: • Generalised zoning objectives applied in the Development Plan. • Contextual size of settlements across the county and to the built context. • Access to services and related infrastructure3 and in particularly public transport; and, • Proximity to centre in larger urban towns such as Dungarvan/Tramore and Waterford City in particular when considering infill/brownfield development. In all cases the requirements for compact growth is acknowledged and encouraged by the Council, given the need to reduce CO2 emissions by reducing energy consumption, and to support a more efficient use of energy in the residential and transport sectors. Due consideration has therefore been given to the core considerations of the NPF, RSES, and all relevant S28 Ministerial Guidelines; in particular the Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas (Cities, Towns & Villages), Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments, Urban Design Manual: A Best Practice Guide and Urban Development and Building Heights: Guidelines for Planning Authorities. Where lower densities are identified within settlements, the rationale for so doing is based on the requirement to meet the housing needs for both urban and rural areas, with particular focus on providing a real alternative to urban generated development in the open countryside, and providing scope and choice within the housing market which supports the diversity and consolidation of rural and urban settlements and the achievement of a balanced housing type and tenure mix, as required by the Housing Strategy. 2.11.2 Tiered Approach to Zoning The method of land use zoning employed in this Development Plan focuses on delivering the strategic outcomes and priorities of the NPF for Waterford City and County. The approach taken considers the provisions of NPO 72(a), (b) & (c) of the NPF4, paying particular attention to the infrastructural services available, thereby adopting a Tier 1 and Tier 2 approach to the release of land for residential development during the life of the plan. This has avoided the inappropriate zoning of land for development where such land cannot be serviced during the life of the plan. Appendix 14 of the Development Plan sets out the notional cost of addressing infrastructural deficits which will be required to be addressed prior to Tier 2 lands being available for development during the life of this Development Plan. Section 6 and SPPR DPG 7 of the consultation draft Development Plans: Guidelines for Planning Authorities (August 2021) identifies how lands which are suitable for residential development can be tiered/phased or prioritised in the Development Plan. This sequential approach develops further the Tiered Approach to Zoning and gives due cognisance to the principles of compact growth and utilisation of existing infrastructure as set out in the NPF and RSES. In a manner consistent with SPPR DPG 7, the new residential land use zoning (R1 GZT) provisions of the Plan are defined as either phase 1 or phase 2 lands as per the series of maps below. Generally, save for the phase 2 lands identified in the maps, all other R1 zoned lands can be taken as being phase 1. 3 Refer to Hierarchy of Settlements and Related Infrastructure, diagram on page 83 of NPF. 4 Appendix 3 of the National Planning Framework sets out the methodology for a tiered approach to land zoning, which forms the basis of the methodology used in the Development Plan.

5. Page 15

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   WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 202834 In addition to the provisions of the Guidelines and the sequential approach to development, the phasing approach set out in the Plan also takes cognisance of the unique pattern of land ownership across our larger urban settlements, the likelihood of development lands coming to market, the availability of services and development activity in the area. The phasing approach seeks to ensure that development on larger land holdings follows a sequential pattern and in this regard the following should be noted: • All lands zoned for new residential development (R1) are considered to be developable during the lifetime of the Development Plan. • R1 zoned lands not specifically identified as phase 2 shall be considered phase 1. • Within any landholding all phase 1 lands shall be developed or committed to development prior to any development being proposed/permitted on phase 2 lands within that landholding. • All planning applications for development on phase 2 lands shall be supported by documentation to clearly identify that phase 1 lands within the landholding have been developed out, are committed to development and that the implementation of any such permitted development is imminent, or that phase 1 lands are not available within the landholding. In addition to the maps set out below, Table 2.3. identifies the quantum of phase 1 & 2 lands relevant to each urban location and the potential quantum of housing units that could be delivered in each. While the phasing methodology for Tramore is focused on a single core area, recognition is given to the role and function of Ballinroad in considering the phasing for Dungarvan while the neighbourhood strategy for Waterford City has influenced the spatial pattern of phase 2 lands across the built footprint of the city. Table 2.3 Residential Phasing Settlement Phase 1 Total (Hectare) Phase 2 Total (Hectare) An Gaeltacht na nDéise (inc Sean Phobal) 3.97 3.38 Clonmel Environ’s 1.93 0.00 Dungarvan and Ballinroad 21.39 16.09 Dunmore East 6.78 0.00 Lismore 3.07 0.00 Portlaw 4.93 0.00 Tramore 9.86 3.07 Waterford city (Total) 114.43 65.45 Total R1 Tier 1 Lands 166.35 87.99 City Neighbourhoods Phase 1 Total (Hectare) Phase 2 Total (Hectare) City Northwest 21.24 14.12 City Southwest 50.57 29.85 Sacred Heart / Ballytruckle/ Kilcohan / Williamstown 19.42 10.48 Dunmore Road / Farronshoneen / Ballinakill 2.91 0 Dunmore Road / Knockboy / Blenheim 19.38 11.01 Ferrybank 0 0 City Centre 0 0 Larchville / Lisduggan / Lismore Park 0.91 0 Waterford City (Total) 114.43 65.46

6. Page 16

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   WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 202835© Ordnance Survey Ireland 2017 © Ordnance Survey Ireland 2017 Legend Residential Lands Phase 1 Residential Lands Phase 2 Gaeltacht Na nDéise Residential Phasing Includes Ordnance Survey Ireland data reproduced under OSi License number 2014/18/CCMA/WaterfordCity&CountyCouncil. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Ordnance Survey Ireland and Government of Ireland copyright. © Ordnance Survey Ireland, 2014 Sean PhobalClonmel Greyhound Stadium Central Technical Institute The Showgrounds Shopping Centre Dudley's Mills Business Park Hillview Sports Club Loreto Secondary School Raheen House Hotel Legend Residential Lands Phase 1 Residential Lands Phase 2 Clonmel Environ's Residential Phasing Includes Ordnance Survey Ireland data reproduced under OSi License number 2014/18/CCMA/WaterfordCity&CountyCouncil. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Ordnance Survey Ireland and Government of Ireland copyright. © Ordnance Survey Ireland, 2014 Figure 2.5 Phase 1 and 2 lands – An Rinn and Old Parish Figure 2.6 Phase 1– Clonmel

7. Page 17

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   WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 202836Saint Augustine's College Dungarvan Golf Course Legend Residential Lands Phase 1 Residential Lands Phase 2 Dungarvan & Ballinroad Residential Phasing Includes Ordnance Survey Ireland data reproduced under OSi License number 2014/18/CCMA/WaterfordCity&CountyCouncil. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Ordnance Survey Ireland and Government of Ireland copyright. © Ordnance Survey Ireland, 2014Dunmore East Golf Club Legend Residential Lands Phase 1 Residential Lands Phase 2 Dunmore East Residential Phasing Includes Ordnance Survey Ireland data reproduced under OSi License number 2014/18/CCMA/WaterfordCity&CountyCouncil. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Ordnance Survey Ireland and Government of Ireland copyright. © Ordnance Survey Ireland, 2014 Figure 2.7 Phase 1 and 2 lands – Dungarvan/ Ballinroad Figure 2.8 Phase 1– Dunmore East

8. Page 18

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   WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 202837Saint Carthage's Cemetery Lismore Castle Legend Residential Lands Phase 1 Residential Lands Phase 2 Lismore Residential Phasing Includes Ordnance Survey Ireland data reproduced under OSi License number 2014/18/CCMA/WaterfordCity&CountyCouncil. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Ordnance Survey Ireland and Government of Ireland copyright. © Ordnance Survey Ireland, 2014Legend Residential Lands Phase 1 Residential Lands Phase 2 Portlaw Residential Phasing Includes Ordnance Survey Ireland data reproduced under OSi License number 2014/18/CCMA/WaterfordCity&CountyCouncil. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Ordnance Survey Ireland and Government of Ireland copyright. © Ordnance Survey Ireland, 2014 Figure 2.9 Phase 1– Lismore Figure 2.10 Phase 1– Portlaw

9. Page 19

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   WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 202838Legend Residential Lands Phase 1 Residential Lands Phase 2 Tramore Residential Phasing Includes Ordnance Survey Ireland data reproduced under OSi License number 2014/18/CCMA/WaterfordCity&CountyCouncil. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Ordnance Survey Ireland and Government of Ireland copyright. © Ordnance Survey Ireland, 2014Legend Residential Lands Phase 1 Residential Lands Phase 2 Waterford City Residential Phasing Includes Ordnance Survey Ireland data reproduced under OSi License number 2014/18/CCMA/WaterfordCity&CountyCouncil. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Ordnance Survey Ireland and Government of Ireland copyright. © Ordnance Survey Ireland, 2014 Figure 2.11 Phase 1 and 2 lands – Tramore Figure 2. 12 Phase 1 and 2 lands – Waterford City

10. Page 20

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    WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 202839 Appendix 17 quantifies the infrastructural deficit where relevant relating to all land zoned for new residential development, both phase/tier 1 and 2. 2.12 Waterford City & County Population Targets To give some clarity to the calculations on which the population target data in the Core Strategy Table is based, the following should be noted: Waterford Metro Area Population: Table 4.1 of the NPF and Table 1 of Waterford MASP (RSES), NPO 3(b). Dungarvan and Clonmel Environs Key Town Population: NPO 9, Table 3.2 RSES, NPO 3(c). Waterford County Population: Table 3.2 RSES, NPO 3(c) and Appendix 1 RSES. Housing Supply Target Methodology for Development Planning: Guidelines for Planning Authorities DHLGH (DEC 2020), and Housing Need and Demand Assessment & Housing Strategy (Appendix 3 of this Plan). The achievement of the national strategic outcomes is a principal goal of the Development Plan, in particular the population targets for Waterford City and County. To achieve this level of employment and population growth, the Development Plan charts a path by way of its vision, its strategic outcomes, its policy objectives and a structure to monitor plan implementation in order to secure investment in infrastructure and services and to support communities, employment and amenities required to make Waterford a place where people call home. In addition to the resident population targets of the NPF/RSES, it is estimated that a University in the region would attract an additional 1,500 learners annually and within five years this would equate to in excess of 6,000 additional learners. The scale of the population specifically in Waterford would grow to about 12,000- 14,000 learners over that period. A doubling of graduate student numbers and of international learners would bring that population to about 15,000. There would be expected to be a prorata growth both in faculty and professional/ managerial/ support staff along with the growth in students, with an estimated additional staff complement of about 500 (to a total complement of about 1,300) based in Waterford. 2.13 Target Population Growth Table 2.4 identifies the population and housing unit target as envisaged for Waterford City and County in the RSES, NPF, Section 3(a) and (b) of the Implementation Roadmap for the National Planning Framework and the Housing Supply Target Methodology for Development Planning: Guidelines for Planning Authorities DHLGH (DEC 2020), the as described above. These figures have been further adapted to facilitate a more linear progression in reaching our 2031 target, in order to enable time to address constraints to implementing development across the city and county. The minimum housing target of 4,824 will ensure that Waterford City has the capacity to develop in its role as a regional economic driver for the wider city region as envisaged in the NPF/RSES, while the growth identified for Dungarvan, Tramore, other towns/villages and rural areas will facilitate the sustainable growth of these areas over the lifetime of the Development Plan.

Source Waterford City and County Council: Waterford City and County Development Plan 2022–2028 — Chapter 2 (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.