Development plan · Westmeath County Council
Westmeath County Development Plan 2021–2027
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards.
Westmeath County Council · 2021–2027 · 634 pages
Ask this document
Answers come only from the text of Westmeath County Development Plan 2021–2027, each claim linked to its page. They are not advice; check the page itself.
Free, with a daily limit.
- INTRODUCTION 1 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 7 A Chief Executive’s Report on submissions received during the Pre-Draft consultation phase issued to Members for their consideration on June 1st 2018. Following consideration of this Report, Members were given the opportunity to issue directions regarding the preparation of the Draft Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027. Such directions were required to be strategic in nature and take account of any relevant policies or objectives for the time being of the Government or of any Minister of the Government. Members subsequently considered and approved the Chief Executive Report, together with Draft Strategic Directions having regard to the Pre-Draft consultation. The recommendations contained within the Chief Executive’s Report, including the Strategic Directions of the Members have informed the preparation of the Draft Plan: The Draft Plan was initially placed on public display from 28th February 2020 until 5th May 2020. This consultation period was, however, further extended up until 30th June 2020 due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. A live webinar event was held by Westmeath County Council on 16 June 2020 in relation to the Draft Plan. Presentations were provided on the content of the Plan, the associated SEA and AA processes undertaken and a demonstration was given on how to submit an observation to the Draft Plan by way of the Westmeath Public Consultation Portal. A question and answer session was also conducted as part of the webinar. Approximately 80 attendees joined the live event. 158 submissions were received during this Draft Plan consultation period. The Chief Executive Report on submissions to the Draft Plan was prepared and issued to the Elected Members for their consideration on 21 September 2020. Under Section 12(5) of the Planning and Development Act 2000,
- INTRODUCTION 1 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 8 (as amended), the members considered the Draft Plan and the Chief Executive’s Report on submissions received and resolved, following Council meetings dated 16, 17, 18, 19 and 24 November 2020, to accept the Draft Westmeath County Development Plan subject to a number of proposed Material Amendments. The proposed Material Amendments to the Draft Westmeath County Development Plan 2021- 2017 together with associated Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA) Determinations and Reports was placed on public display for a period of 4 weeks from 15th December 2020 to 20th January 2021 inclusive. 36 submissions were received during the Proposed Material Amendments consultation period. The Chief Executive’s Report on submissions to Material Amendments to the Draft Plan was prepared and issued to the Members for their consideration on February 16th 2021. At a special meeting of Westmeath County Council held on March 22th 2021, the Members having considered the Chief Executive Report and material amendments to the Draft Plan made the Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027. The Westmeath County Development Plan 2021- 2027 comes into effect on May 3rd 2021. 1.4 Structure of the County Development Plan 2021-2027 The Westmeath County Development Plan 2021– 2027 has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Planning & Development Act 2000 (as amended). This Plan replaces the Westmeath County Development Plan 2014 – 2020 and consists of a Written Statement including specific policy objectives supported with Maps and Appendices. The Written Statement is divided into 16 separate chapters setting out the vision, strategic context, aims, goals and the Settlement and Core Strategies for the County. The format of the plan is as follows: • Chapter 1 Introduction • Chapter 2 Core Strategy • Chapter 3 Housing Strategy • Chapter 4 Sustainable Communities • Chapter 5 Economy & Employment • Chapter 6 Tourism • Chapter 7 Urban Centres & Placemaking • Chapter 8 Settlement Plans • Chapter 9 Rural Westmeath • Chapter 10 Transport, Infrastructure & Energy • Chapter 11 Climate Action • Chapter 12 Natural Heritage & Green Infrastructure • Chapter 13 Landscape & Lake Amenities • Chapter 14 Cultural Heritage • Chapter 15 Land Use Objectives • Chapter 16 Development Management Standards
- INTRODUCTION 1 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 9 The Appendices include the Council’s Housing Strategy, a statement detailing implementation of Ministerial Guidelines, the County Westmeath Retail Strategy, List of Amenity Routes & Protected Views, List of Public Rights of Way and Trees & Woodland subject to Tree Preservation Orders. Volume 2 Book of Maps provide a graphic representation of the proposals of the Plan indicating land use zoning and other objectives of the Council. They do not purport to be accurate survey maps from which site dimensions or other survey data can be determined. Should any conflict arise between the Written Statement and the Maps, the Written Statement shall prevail. Should any conflict arise between the print and electronic version of the Plan the print version shall prevail. Volume 2 Book of Maps should be read in conjunction with four map viewers relating to land use zoning, flood risk, natural heritage and built heritage, available on the online planning portal on the Council website. Volume 3 comprises of the SEA Environmental Report which describes the SEA process undertaken to inform the Plan. Volume 4 consists of the SEA Statement which summarises how environmental considerations have been integrated into the Plan. Volume 5 contains the Natura Impact Report which discusses the impact of the Plan on the Natura 2000 network. Volume 6 presents the AA Conclusion Statement which summarises how the findings of the NIR/AA were factored into the Plan Volume 7 includes the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment which was undertaken to inform the Plan. Volume 8 comprises of the Record of Protected Structures for County Westmeath.
- INTRODUCTION 1 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 10 1.5 Legislative Context This plan should be read in the hierarchical context of legislation and plans that exist at International, National and Regional level. Since the adoption of the Westmeath County Development Plan 2014 – 2020 there have been significant developments at national and regional level in terms of strategic economic and planning policy - in particular, the publication of the National Planning Framework – Ireland 2040 (NPF), the National Development Plan 2018-2027 (NDP) and the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) for the Eastern & Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) 2019 – 2031. The National Planning Framework (NPF) The NPF is the overarching planning policy for the state (published in February 2018 under Project 2040) and contains ten National Strategic Outcomes and 75 National Policy Objectives. This planning framework sets out where development and investment should be guided to shape the national, regional and local spatial development in economic, environmental and social terms to 2040. The ten shared goals or National Strategic Outcomes prescribed in the NPF are as follows: Figure 1.2 National Strategic Outcomes of the National Planning Framework, NPF Pg. 13.
- INTRODUCTION 1 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 11 The Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) Eastern & Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) 2019 The principal statutory purpose of the RSES is to support the implementation of Project Ireland 2040 and the economic policies and objectives of the Government by providing a long-term strategic planning and economic framework for the development of the Eastern and Midland Region. The development of Regional Strategic Outcomes in the RSES is also closely aligned and supportive of both the NSO’s prescribed in the NPF and the UN Sustainable Development Goals as indicated below: Figure 1.3 Regional Strategic Outcomes, EMRA RSES, Pg. 21. Ministerial Guidelines Ministerial Guidelines issued to Planning Authorities regarding their functions under the Planning Acts have been considered in the making of this Plan in accordance with Section 28 of the Planning & Development Act 2000 (as amended). The plan policy context is primarily guided and informed by NPF and the RSES in addition to the requirements of the Planning & Development Act 2000 (as amended) and the relevant Ministerial Guidelines. Incorporating the national and regional strategic vision and policy objectives, the completed County Development Plan consists of a written statement including a Vision Statement, key policy objectives with supporting maps and appendices to present Westmeath County Councils proposals to facilitate and achieve balanced and sustainable growth in the county over the plan period and beyond. Additionally, the following environmental assessments have been undertaken to inform the Plan:-
- INTRODUCTION 1 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 12 Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) SEA is the formal, systematic evaluation of the likely significant environmental effects of implementing a plan or programme before a decision is made to adopt it. SEA is required by the EU SEA Directive as transposed into Irish law through the Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental Assessment) Regulations 2004 (SI No. 436 of 2004) as amended. The findings of the SEA are included in the SEA Environmental Report that accompanies the Plan. The report provides a clear understanding of the likely environmental consequences of decisions regarding the adoption and implementation of the Plan. All SEA recommendations have been integrated into the Plan. Appropriate Assessment (AA) AA is a focused and detailed impact assessment of the implications of a plan or project on European Sites designated for habitats or species. AA is required by the EU Habitats Directive as transposed into Irish law through the Planning & Development Act 2000 (as amended). The findings of the AA are included in the AA Natura Impact Report that accompanies the Plan. That report provides a clear understanding of the likely consequences of the Plan on European Sites. All AA recommendations have been integrated into the Plan. The emerging conclusion of the AA is that the Plan will not affect the integrity of the European Sites, alone or in combination with other plans or projects. Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) SFRA is an assessment of flood risk and includes mapped boundaries for Flood Risk Zones, taking into account factors including local knowledge, site walkovers and flood risk indicators. SFRA is required under ‘The Planning System & Flood Risk Management Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ (Department of Environment and Office of Public Works, 2009) and associated Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Circular PL2/2014. All SFRA recommendations have been integrated into the Plan.
- INTRODUCTION 1 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 13 1.6 Profile of County Westmeath The designation of Athlone as a Regional Growth Centre supported by the identification of Mullingar as a Key Town in the National Planning Framework has elevated Westmeath’s position in the Midlands region and represents a significant advancement for the County with a focus on improving local economies and quality of life to attract investment supported by sustainable communities. The inclusion of Athlone as regional driver will provide for increased employment and investment opportunities supported by the strong tourism assets identified throughout the County and targeted regeneration projects. The Core Strategy (Chapter 3) identifies the population trends and targets for Westmeath together with the settlement hierarchy in accordance with the NPF and RSES. Census 2016 recorded a population of 88,770 in Westmeath consisting of 44,688 females and 44,082 males, an increase of 3% since the previous census in 2011. 48.9% (43,435 persons) of the County’s population were recorded as living in urban areas and 51.1% (45,335 persons) living in rural areas. During the period 2011-2016 the two main towns, Athlone and Mullingar, experienced a population increase of 5.9% (20,153 to 21,349) and 4.1% (20,103 to 20,928) respectively. Population trends, economic trends and societal changes as outlined in the below infographic influence the decision-making process and service delivery planning. Having awareness and understanding of these societal changes is critical in determining future strategic objectives. As the main provider of local services, we must be aware of these changes and adopt strategies and plans to meet changing societal needs.
- INTRODUCTION 1 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 14 Figure 1.4 Westmeath County Profile.
- INTRODUCTION 1 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 15 1.7 Strategic Vision “To create and facilitate sustainable competitive growth throughout the County that supports the health and well-being of the people of Westmeath, providing an attractive destination, as a place in which to live, work, invest, do business and visit, offering high quality employment and educational opportunities within sustainable communities whilst safeguarding the environmental, cultural, heritage and tourism assets of the County”. 1.8 Strategic Aims Sustainable Communities: To develop and support vibrant sustainable communities in Westmeath where people can live, work and enjoy access to a wide range of community, health and educational facilities and amenities, suitable for all ages and needs, in both urban and rural areas, thereby supporting a high quality of life for all to enjoy. Economic Development and Employment: To promote and assist in Westmeath’s economic development and encourage increased resilience in the County’s enterprise, underpinned by talent and innovation, thereby ensuring that Westmeath is best placed to excel in the longterm delivery of sustainable jobs and an enhanced standard of living for all. Tourism: To provide for the continued expansion of the tourism sector, with a focus on creating strong visitor destination towns and sufficient high-quality visitor services and the continued development and enhancement of visitor attractions and activities to provide memorable, immersive visitor experiences, capitalising on our natural and cultural heritage assets, whilst safeguarding these resources for future generations. Urban Centres & Placemaking: To protect and enhance the unique identity and character of Westmeath’s towns and villages and improve quality of life and well-being through the application of Healthy Placemaking, underpinned by good urban design, with the creation of attractive public spaces that are vibrant, distinctive, safe and accessible and which promote and facilitate positive social interaction. Settlements: To create a network of attractive, liveable towns and villages in the County with increased levels of population, employment activity and enhanced levels of amenity which support a high quality of life and well-being. Rural: To support the role of rural areas and the countryside in sustaining the rural economy and improved connectivity, broadband and rural economic development opportunities through the development of the agricultural and agri-food sector, agricultural related developments and enterprises, including diversification of the rural economy, forestry, energy production, tourism, recreation, mineral extraction and/other new and emerging rural based enterprises, all within the context of the sustainable management of land and resources, thereby increasing the competitiveness of the rural economy, which will sustain and strengthen rural communities. Transport, Infrastructure and Energy: To achieve a sustainable, integrated and low carbon transport system with excellent connectivity within and to Westmeath by enhancing existing
- INTRODUCTION 1 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 16 strategic transportation infrastructure in the County. To provide, improve and extend water, wastewater, surface water and flood alleviation services throughout the County and to prioritise the provision of water services infrastructure, to achieve improved environmental protection and to protect public health. To provide for the development of indigenous energy resources, with an emphasis on renewable energy supplies. Climate Action: To transition to a low carbon and climate resilient County, with an emphasis on reduction in energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions, through a combination of effective mitigation and adaptation responses to climate change. Natural Heritage and Green Infrastructure: Continue to protect and enhance the County’s natural heritage and biodiversity and ensure that networks of green infrastructure are identified, created, protected and enhanced to provide a wide range of environmental, social and economic benefits to communities. Landscape and Lake Amenities: To improve the knowledge and understanding of the County’s landscape and lakelands, and enhance the overall characteristics, qualities and diversity of landscape character, its sense of place and local distinctiveness in recognition of the amenity potential of the County. Cultural Heritage: Westmeath County Council recognises the importance of identifying, valuing and safeguarding our archaeological, architectural and cultural heritage for future generations and aims to do so by means of proper management, sensitive enhancement and/or appropriate development of this resource.
Source Westmeath County Council: Westmeath County Development Plan 2021–2027 (2021–2027) · 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.