Development plan · Waterford City and County Council
Waterford City and County Development Plan 2022–2028 — Chapter 11
One part of the council's development plan written statement, which the council publishes in parts. Variations adopted since are not in this text.
Waterford City and County Council · 2022–2028 · 26 pages
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- 282 Chapter 11: Heritage Strategic Objectives To identify, protect, manage and enhance the rich qualities of the built, cultural and natural heritage of the City and County, and to encourage its sensitive and appropriate integration into the sustainable development of our places for the benefit of present and future generations. The Plan seeks to achieve a balance between the foregoing and economic prosperity and social integration. To seek the protection, sustainable management and enhancement of Waterford’s built heritage; to promote the appropriate regeneration and reuse of our historic structures which strengthen a sense of place; to promote awareness and enjoyment of our built heritage for the present and future generations 11.0 Heritage Overview Waterford’s heritage takes many forms – built, natural, cultural and linguistic, tangible and intangible. Heritage is all about people and place and our local heritage underpins a sense of place and identity for Waterford whilst providing a range of benefits to society, well-being, and the economy. The conservation and management of heritage is directed by national legislation which supports a range of international conventions that have been ratified by the Irish Government. The principal national legislation in relation to the Built Environment is the National Monuments Acts 1930-2014 and Part IV of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). At a local level, the Waterford Heritage Plan (2017-2022) has guided the conservation, research, enhancement and access to heritage of the City and County and much survey work commissioned under this Plan has been used to inform heritage policy. The aim of this plan is to set out a strategic and coordinated approach for heritage in recognition of the benefits that heritage delivers; identifying a sense of place for Waterford, learning lessons from our past to plan for the future and added value for the development of Waterford City and County. The publication of Heritage Ireland 2030 provides a strategy for the protection, promotion and management of Ireland’s heritage for the next decade and beyond. The objectives of Heritage Ireland 2030 are set out under three themes: Communities and Heritage, Leadership and Heritage and Heritage Partnerships. Heritage Ireland 2030 recognises that local authorities have a critical role in all aspects of the protection and promotion of heritage as owners of National Monuments, as regulatory authorities in relation to planning and economic development of areas with potential for heritage-led regeneration. It is an objective of Heritage Ireland 2030 to enhance support for local authorities and others working in community heritage engagement. Heritage Policy Objectives Heritage 01 Waterford Heritage Plan To implement and review the Waterford Heritage Plan in partnership with all relevant stakeholders and subject to available resources. Heritage 02 Heritage Ireland 2030 To support the objectives of Heritage Ireland 2030 in relation to Communities and Heritage, Leadership and Heritage and Heritage Partnerships.
- WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028283 11.1 Built Heritage Waterford has a unique and varied built heritage. This heritage is a physical reminder of the culture, ideals and history of previous generations. It includes castles, country houses, churches and public buildings, some of which were designed by eminent architects. However, more modest structures such as town houses, thatched cottages and farm complexes also contribute significantly to the character of the County. Waterford also has a rich industrial and maritime heritage which includes mills, quays and lighthouses. This wide variety of building stock has, over time, contributed to the special character of the County and is a unique resource which, once lost or damaged, cannot be replaced. The use and function of buildings by their very nature change over time and conservation can be considered the management of change. Sympathetic maintenance, adaptation and reuse of buildings of architectural or historical merit have the potential to generate aesthetic, environmental and economic benefits for future generations whilst maintain the character. The Council will adopt a partnership approach with regard to the appropriate renovation and improvement of protected structures, vernacular heritage and historic buildings by offering practical advice. Owners of historic structures who wish to alter, extend or adapt their buildings are strongly encouraged to consult with the Council at pre-planning stage. The Council is obliged to protect the built heritage under Part IV of the Planning Development Act 2000, as amended. To ensure best conservation practices are observed, the Council will have regard to the relevant statutory guidance issued by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and other statutory bodies. In the Development Plan built heritage is protected by designation under • The Record of Protected Structures (RPS) • Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs)
- 284 11.2 Protected Structures A Protected Structure is a building or structure which has an identified special architectural, historic, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social, or technical interest. A Protected Structure, unless otherwise stated in the RPS, includes: • the interior of the structure. • the land lying within its curtilage. • any other structures within the curtilage, and their interiors, and: • all fixtures and features which form part of the interior or exterior of any of these structures. In the City and County there are a total of 1,625 structures on the Record of Protected Structures (RPS). The Council maintains a continually updated copy of the RPS, a list of which is available on the Council website1 Structures can be added to, or deleted from the RPS during the lifetime of the Plan by a formal process. A review of the RPS was undertaken in preparation for this Plan. Additions and deletions may be viewed in Appendix 9. Under Section 53 of the Planning Acts, the relevant Minister may make recommendations to consider the designation of the buildings and gardens listed in the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage as Protected Structures. The Council will have regard to the ministerial recommendations and will consider the structures listed in the NIAH for protection, by designation of Protected Structures, by the adoption of Architectural Conservation Areas to protect groups of buildings, or by whatever other means the Council considers will most effectively protect the architectural heritage of Waterford. 1 https://www.waterfordcouncil.ie/departments/culture-heritage/heritage/protected-structures.htm
- WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028285 Built Heritage Policy Objectives BH 01 Record of Protected Structures We will promote the protection of the architectural heritage of the City and County through the identification of structures of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest, by the inclusion of such structures on the Record of Protected Structures (RPS) and by taking such steps as are necessary to ensure the protection of those structures, their maintenance, conservation, enhancement, and appropriate active use. To this end we will contribute towards the protection of architectural heritage by complying, as appropriate, with the legislative provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) in relation to architectural heritage and the policy guidance contained in the Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines 2011 (and any updated/superseding document). BH 02 Supporting our Built Heritage Assets It is the policy of the Council: • To promote the sustainable reuse of protected structures for any such purpose compatible with the character of the structure. The Planning Authority may, where considered appropriate, relax use zoning and other site development restrictions and may grant exemption from or reduce the amounts of development contributions payable in order to secure the protection and conservation of protected structures or historic structures within ACAs and by way of reduction of development levies for improvements to Protected Structures. These restrictions may be relaxed and development contributions reduced or exempted where the protected structure will be rehabilitated to a high standard, where the special interest, character and setting of the building is protected and where the proposed use and development is consistent with conservation policies and the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. In such cases the proposed development shall be open for consideration notwithstanding the current zoning objective for the site and therefore shall be considered as not materially contravening the Development Plan. • To administer incentives for the protection of the architectural heritage of the City and County through administration of the Built Heritage funding schemes or similar Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage funding schemes. • To advise with regard to best conservation practice as per Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2011 available on the Councils Website and Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage Advice Series. BH 03 Statutory Declarations We will issue Section 57 Declarations on request to owners or occupiers of protected structures detailing the type of works that it is considered would or would not materially affect the character of the structure or of any element of the structure which contributes to its special interest. BH 04 Demolition of Protected Structures Proposals for the demolition of a Protected Structure may be considered in exceptional circumstances and the onus will be on the developer to provide the strongest justification for such an action as per the Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities and other guidance.
- 286 WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028 11.3 Architectural Conservation Areas An Architectural Conservation Area (ACA), as defined in Section 81 of the Planning & Development Act, as amended, is a place, area, group of structures or townscape, taking account of building lines and heights that is of special architectural, historic, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest or value or contributes to the appreciation of protected structures and whose character it is an objective of the Development Plan to preserve. ACA designation means we can protect the special character of historic cores of the city, towns and villages, and distinctive features, while encouraging suitable, sustainable, and contemporary development. Although the individual buildings may not be of special merit, their importance is in their context and interrelationship and the contribution each makes to the character of the area. Unless a structure is also included on the Record of Protected Structures, the protected status afforded from inclusion in an ACA only applies to the exteriors and streetscape. A Statement of Character for each of the ACAs is included in Appendix 10 while Table 11.1 sets out a schedule of ACAs. In Waterford a General Conservation Area has been designated within the City comprising the Viking and Norman City and the later 18th century streets such as The Mall, Parnell Street and O’Connell Streets, the designated area is indicated on the objectives map. This designation requires a greater attention to the detail of development proposals in order to protect the character of this area. When carrying out development, or when considering proposals for development or redevelopment within the General Conservation Area the Planning Authority shall have particular regard to: • The effect of the proposed developments on Protected Structures and their settings. • The impact of proposed developments on the streetscape and urban layout in relation to compatibility of design, materials, and intensity of site use. • The impact of the proposed development on existing amenities, having regard to traffic and parking and the amenity and utility value of public and private spaces, including open spaces. Table 11.1 Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs) Aglish Clashmore StradballyAnnestown Clonea Power TallowArdmore Dunmore East TramoreBallyduff West Kilmacthomas Waterford CityCappoquin Lismore VillierstownCheekpoint Passage EastCopper Coast Portlaw Dungarvan
- WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028287 Built Heritage Policy Objectives BH 05 Architectural Conservation Areas It is the policy of the Council to: • Achieve the preservation of the special character of places, areas, groups of structures setting out Architectural Conservation Areas (ACA). • Protect the special heritage values, unique characteristics and distinctive features, such as shopfronts within the ACA from inappropriate development which would detract from the special character of the ACA. • Prohibit the demolition of historic structures that positively contributes to the distinctive character of the ACA. • Encourage the undergrounding of overhead services and the removal of redundant wiring/ cables within an ACA and to assess all further cable installations against its likely impact on the character of the ACA as the cumulative impact of wiring can have a negative impact on the character of ACAs. • Provide guidelines on appropriate development to retain its distinctive character; and protect elements of the streetscape such as rubble stone boundary walls, planting schemes and street furniture such as paving, post boxes, historic bollards, basement grills, street signage/plaques, etc. which make a positive contribution to the built heritage. • Retain or sensitively reintegrate any surviving items of historic street furniture and finishes such as granite kerbing and paving that contribute to the character of an ACA. BH 06 Architectural Heritage Impact Assessment It is the policy of the Council when considering development which may have a significant impact on a protected structures, its setting or curtilage or have an impact on an ACA, that the proposal be accompanied by an Architectural Heritage Impact assessment (AHIA) detailing the potential impact of the development on the architectural heritage. The report should be compiled in accordance with the details set out in Appendix B of the Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities, Department of the Environment. Built Heritage Policy Objectives BH 07 Promoting our Architectural Heritage It is the policy of the Council to identify and implement measures for promoting the character of the historic cores of the city, towns and villages, their unique identity and their architectural, archaeological, historical and cultural, social interest and diversity. 11.4 Retaining Character/ Uniqueness The character of the historic cores of the city, towns and villages are defined by their built heritage. The narrow laneways of the medieval of the City and Dungarvan, the historic shopfronts of Cappoquin and the thatch houses of Dunmore East imbue a sense of place and are a physical manifestation of the social, economic and cultural activities of past generations. The layout of the model village of Portlaw is inspired by the Baroque tradition of urban planning make it exceptional both in the context of Irish urban development as well as that of model village design. The Architectural Heritage of Tramore- a homeowner’s guide (2010), illustrates the features of this quintessential Victorian resort town and the importance of maintaining and conserving the architectural heritage. Sympathetic maintenance, adaptation and reuse can allow the architectural heritage offers aesthetic and economic benefits whilst retaining the unique character of the built heritage for future generations
- 288 Built Heritage Policy Objectives BH 08 Reusing our Heritage Buildings It is a policy of the Council to encourage sympathetic development or reuse of historic buildings to promote heritage led economic growth and regeneration whilst not adversely detracting from the building or its setting. Any proposals shall respect features of the special architectural and historic character by appropriate design, materials, scale, and setting. BH 09 Ecological Impact Assessment It is the policy of the Council to request an ecological impact assessment where development may have an adverse impact on protected wildlife species such as bats or nesting birds and the Apis mellifera mellifera/ native Irish honeybee. The incorporation of biodiversity enhancement measures shall be a requirement in repair works to existing or design of new developments 11.5 Regeneration and Reuse Waterford City and County Council have a strong track record of driving successful heritage-led regeneration projects. The acquisition and redevelopment of strategically important derelict buildings and vacant sites at Cathedral Square and Chairman’s Arch have provided social housing, a new and improved public space, and the creation of a new and improved pedestrian link connecting the quays and the Museum offerings to the City’s main retail shopping streets to the west. The refurbishment of The Alms-houses in Tallow, and Waterford Gallery of Art and the works proposed in Cappoquin under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and Historic Towns Initiative in Tramore are exemplars of heritage led regeneration.
- WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028289 11.6 Design The design of any proposed new development in a historic core should respect the existing character of its setting and blend in harmoniously sited and designed sympathetically so as not to detract from the setting. New developments should consider the existing building heights, vertical and horizontal lines, window size and fenestration in the vicinity, building materials and elevations of the existing structures. In some cases, high quality contemporary design can be acceptable. 11.7 Vista and Settings The setting of an area, together with views in and out of it, can contribute greatly to its overall character of an historic building or groups of buildings within an ACA. A schedule of Protected Views and Scenic Routes are set out in Appendix 8. Project Objectives To regenerate the town centre, restoring its traditional function as the focus for Cappoquin and the surrounding area. This proposal will initiate a series of interlocking projects each strategically targeting a specific area and opportunity in and around Cappoquin. Initial project areas are: • Town Centre Vacant Properties • Housing Pilot Scheme • Public Realm • Access to River • Blueway • Railway Bridge Loop Walk • Sustainability The proposals are intended as a realistic cross-section of what it is possible to achieve in the short to medium term for the town of Cappoquin. The projects will be all the more effective for being carried out in the same developmental phase, each complementing the other while setting the example for further regeneration of the town. Plan of Cappoquin town with project proposals. North Railway bridge loop walk Blueway Access to river Public realm (Main St.) Pilot housing scheme Vacant properties Bio-diversity project 8
- 290 Built Heritage Policy Objectives BH 10 Building Adaptation It is the policy of the Council to facilitate appropriate, high-quality design solutions for adaptations of Protected Structures and historic buildings in an ACA that carefully consider the design, height, scale, massing, and finishes of adjacent buildings. BH 11 Maintaining and Enhancing Special Character It is the policy of the Council to protect structures and curtilages included in the RPS or historic structures within ACA, from any works which would visually or physically detract from the special character of the main structure, any structures within the curtilage, or the streetscape or landscape setting of the ACA. BH 12 Settings and Vistas It is the policy of the Council to ensure the protection of the settings and vistas of Protected Structures, and historic buildings within and adjacent to ACAs from any works which would result in the loss or damage to their special character. BH 13 Vacant and Derelict Structures It is the policy of the Council to encourage the sensitive redevelopment of vacant or derelict sites within the ACA and historic cores of the city, towns and villages whilst promoting a high standard design which respects urban plots, roof lines vistas and streetscape. BH 14 Retaining Built Fabric It is the policy of the Council to: • Encourage the sensitive redevelopment and reuse of the ground floor shop units of Protected Structures or buildings in the historic cores for other uses including residential whilst retaining the shopfront façade, windows and doorways to upper floors. • Promote the sustainable reuse and refurbishment of vacant upper floors of buildings in the historic core for residential use through incentives such as the Repair and Lease Scheme. 11.8 Shopfronts Shopfronts are one of the most important elements in shaping the character and quality of retail streets. An attractive façade and shop front give a good impression of the business and the streetscape in general. Vibrant streetscapes boost the economic health and the quality of life in a community and are appealing places for people to live, work and visit.
Source Waterford City and County Council: Waterford City and County Development Plan 2022–2028 — Chapter 11 (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.