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
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- SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 190 Policies and objectives specific to each individual settlement are contained within each individual Settlement Plan. Each settlement is defined by a development boundary wherein development of lands within this boundary/envelope will be prioritised. A number of “consolidation sites” which comprise of a mix of both brownfield and greenfield lands have been identified in the settlements. The Council will favour and promote the development of such sites for residential, community, and, if deemed appropriate, mixed use purposes or a combination thereof. The scale and nature of development permissible for the settlement shall be commensurate with its position in the Settlement Hierarchy and shall be consistent with relevant Core Strategy Policies. Development proposals shall be required in their layout and design to respect and reinforce the character of the individual settlement. 8.3 Self-Sustaining Growth Towns Self-Sustaining Growth Towns are towns that contain a reasonable level of jobs and services which adequately cater for the people of its service catchment. This may include sub-county market towns and commuter towns with good transport links, which have capacity for continued commensurate growth. These towns offer potential for regional economic growth and can accommodate average or above average growth to provide for natural increase, service and/or employment growth where appropriate, in accordance with the Core Strategy. Not all towns that exists at this settlement level perform the same functions with some towns operating as commuter towns whilst others function more sustainably. Key priorities for Self-Sustaining Growth Towns are consolidation coupled with targeted investment where required, to improve local employment, services and sustainable transport options and to become more self-sustaining settlements. The Core Strategy has identified four towns within the county as Self-sustaining Growth Towns, namely Castlepollard, Kilbeggan, Kinnegad and Moate.
- SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 191 8.3.1 Castlepollard 8.3.1.1 Location and Context Castlepollard serves as the principal town in the northern part of the County and is located close to Counties Meath, Cavan and Longford. The town is located 20km north of Mullingar and 97km west of Dublin. It is served by a good quality road network, three regional roads converge in the centre of the town; the R394 from Mullingar to Finnea which links to the N55, the R195 to Oldcastle, and the R395 from Delvin to Edgeworthstown which links to the M4 and N55. According to the 2016 census, the population of the settlement was 1,163 residents, up 11.6% from the previous census and significantly greater than the county average of 3% for the same period. Further development should recognise the ageing population of the town with 16.2% of the population over the age of 65 when compared to the county average of 12.8%. 8.3.1.2 Historical Context & Settlement Form Castlepollard, is a traditional market town. The town’s origins can be traced back to Nicholas Pollard, an English Army captain from Devonshire, who built a small castle at Rathyoung named Castle Pollard. The town was developed under a charter from King Charles II and is therefore referred to as a planned town, built between 1803 and 1839 around a triangular central green flanked on all sides by Georgian buildings which were originally used for business and residential use. A number of these buildings are Protected Structures within the designated Castlepollard Architectural Conservation Area (ACA). These buildings are of considerable architectural merit and the planned design of the market square provides Castlepollard with its most distinguishing feature. 8.3.1.3 Social Infrastructure Castlepollard possesses a range of services including, hotel, library, social, community and recreational facilities, nursing home and retailing. There are three schools located within the town, two National Schools and one Secondary School. Castlepollard Community College Secondary School currently caters for in excess of 270 post-primary students. There are also a number of sporting clubs in the town including soccer, GAA hurling and football and boys and girl scouts. In recent years the town has been subject to a public realm enhancement scheme, comprising of upgraded pedestrian infrastructure and surface water alleviation works, which have served to enhance the attractive traditional character of the town. 8.3.1.4 Physical Infrastructure Castlepollard is served by an existing wastewater treatment plant and sources its water from Lough Lene through the Castlepollard High Level Water Supply Scheme. 8.3.1.5 Function & Vision Castlepollard is recognised as the main service centre in North Westmeath. It is designated as a Self- Sustaining Growth Town in the Core Strategy and thus is an important economic driver for the region. Opportunity exists to increase the economic profile of the town by zoning additional lands for employment use and by maximizing the potential of the strategic location of Castlepollard as a tourist base for local attractions such as Tullynally Castle, Fore Abbey, Mullaghmeen Forest and Lough Lene.
- SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 192 Regeneration opportunities also exist in Castlepollard in tandem with placemaking measures to visually enhance the public realm and historic character and setting of the town. Castlepollard - Settlement Plan General Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 8.1 Promote the development of Castlepollard as a driver of economic growth for the North Westmeath region and fulfil its role as a designated Self-Sustaining Growth Town. CPO 8.2 Support the expansion of a range of services and facilities available to residents and the wider rural hinterland. CPO 8.3 Engage with the community and relevant stakeholder to promote and support the regeneration of Castlepollard through identification of significant regeneration projects along with associated funding streams including the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. CPO 8.4 Provide for the creation of sustainable communities in Castlepollard by identifying sufficient land for new development, in particular housing, enterprise and employment, community, recreational and tourism uses. CPO 8.5 Continue to promote the tourism potential of Castlepollard by supporting tourist related development and enhancement of existing amenities. 8.3.1.6 Economic Development Employment sectors in Castlepollard primarily consist of plastic engineering, education, retail and commercial services. Census 2016 indicates that the largest percentage of the workforce in Castlepollard were employed in professional services at 23.5%, followed by commerce and trade and manufacturing industries. Mergon International, a manufacturer of molded parts, is one of the key employers in the town. Lands have been identified at Innova Business Park, Water St, to capitalise on the potential of established leading engineering industries at this location and encourage the development of an ecosystem that supports smart specialisation cluster development and sustained economic growth. This in turn will promote innovation and entrepreneurship and enhanced employment opportunities. Further lands have been identified to the east of the town in order to complement the existing Manor Village retail development which has the potential for a new enterprise centre anchor. These lands have been identified with the aim of facilitating the diversification of the local economy into sectors such as precision farming, biotechnology, food and beverage products, low carbon construction and rural resource-based enterprises. There is also potential for the development of incubator and eworking hubs at this location.
- SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 193 Castlepollard - Economic Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 8.6 Support the consolidation and growth of existing enterprises and the development of employment opportunities within the town and encourage the smart specialisation approach to development which involves the clustering of distinct industrial sectors. CPO 8.7 Facilitate the establishment of new enterprise and employment uses on lands identified for employment purposes. CPO 8.8 Provide for the establishment of an enterprise centre to the east of the town on the Oldcastle Road to support the existing Enterprise Centre at Innova Business Park (See Map 4, Volume 2). CPO 8.9 Require all new enterprise development to be located within a landscape network and demonstrate high quality architectural built form that contributes to a positive sense of place and distinctiveness. CPO 8.10 Require development proposals on identified lands shall be accompanied by a sitespecific Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) carried out in accordance with the methodology set out in ‘The Planning System and Flood Risk Management – Guidelines for Planning Authorities, 2009’ (See Map 4, Volume 2). 8.3.1.7 Tourism The significant tourism potential of this area is widely recognised due to the unique cluster of noteworthy heritage sites and visitor attractions within a small geographical area, coupled with an exceptional picturesque landscape of hills and limestone lakes. Alignment with Ireland’s Ancient East tourism brand is required to maximise the potential of existing attractions. At present there is no strong marketing link promoting these attractions in North Westmeath, which would entice visitors to come to the area for a multi-day trip. Storytelling is at the core of Ireland’s Ancient East brand and the North Westmeath area can make a significant contribution in this regard, given its connection to many compelling Irish legends, intriguing folklore and quirky stories that are connected to its visitor attractions. An opportunity exists to group together these attractions within the vicinity of Castlepollard as part of a broader tourism package, based on the concept of a North Westmeath Tourism Cluster. Potential exists for the development of a heritage interpretation and storytelling centre within the town, which could also act as the visitor services hub for the North Westmeath Tourism Cluster. The creation of stronger linkages between attractions, activities, visitor services and accommodation are critical to increasing visitor dwell time and encouraging multi-day visits to the County with resulting economic benefit.
- SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 194 Castlepollard - Tourism Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 8.11 Support the development of a Collaborative Marketing Plan to define and brand the North Westmeath Tourism Cluster concept, in line with the Ireland’s Ancient East brand and Westmeath County Council Tourism Strategy. CPO 8.12 Support the provision of tourist accommodation and associated services in Castlepollard. CPO 8.13 Assess the feasibility of creating a heritage interpretation and storytelling centre within Castlepollard, as a visitor services hub for the North Westmeath Tourism Cluster. 8.3.1.8 Sustainable Communities Castlepollard provides an attractive place to live, rich in natural beauty and amenity. Significant residential development in Castlepollard in recent years has resulted in a population increase of 30% since the 2002 census. Opportunity exists to accommodate the future needs of the town in a consolidated fashion which will assist in the delivery of sustainable communities comprising of a mix of housing types, densities and tenure. An emphasis is therefore placed on building communities with a high standard of design, around the principles of placemaking, green infrastructure, permeability and connectivity alongside the integration of community and recreation facilities. The development strategy for Castlepollard is to support new housing and population growth, consistent with the Core Strategy, facilitating compact growth together with providing a viable alternative to rural one-off housing within the surrounding countryside. Provision is made in the plan in accordance with RPO 4.78 of the RSES, for the development of serviced sites to create ‘build your own home’ opportunities within the existing footprint of Castlepollard. In this regard, a tract of land has been zoned for residential use on the Collinstown Road with an objective to provide self-build plots. The plan promotes the development of green infrastructure networks both within the settlement and to adjacent tourist amenities. New development proposals will have to demonstrate how they contribute towards the creation of Green infrastructure networks, in particular the development of green routes through the town with connections to the Village Green, Kinturk Demesne and Tullynally Castle. Castlepollard - Sustainable Communities Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 8.14 Provide for new residential development in accordance with the requirements of the Housing and Core Strategy.
- SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 195 CPO 8.15 Require that an appropriate mix of housing type, tenure, density and size is provided in all new residential developments to meet the needs of the population of Castlepollard. CPO 8.16 Encourage the appropriate redevelopment of brownfield and infill sites for residential uses within the footprint of the existing built-up area. CPO 8.17 Work with Irish Water and landowners in providing for serviced sites for residential development within Castlepollard (See Map 4, Volume 2). CPO 8.18 Require proposals for new development to integrate with existing Green Infrastructure networks and contribute to the development and protection of overall Green Infrastructure assets. CPO 8.19 Provide for the expansion and development of educational, social, community and recreational facilities in the settlement. CPO 8.20 Support the provision of a high quality, public open park within the settlement on the Mullingar Road with pedestrian access from Pakenham Road and the Finnea Road and a link with the former Kinturk Demesne (See Map 4, Volume 2). CPO 8.21 Promote cycling and walking within the community through the implementation of a walking/cycling strategy and improved walking/cycling infrastructure within the town, its hinterlands and at areas of interest and attractions. 8.3.1.9 Commercial & Retail Development In 2016, Castlepollards total net retail floorspace was recorded at 865m2 within the County Retail Strategy, which represented an 83% increase from that recorded in 2007. This increase in retail floorspace was primarily as a result of development of the Tesco Express anchored Manor Village scheme which provides an important retail function to the town and its rural hinterland. The town provides a range of local services meeting the day-to-day convenience needs of its catchment population. Potential exists within the town to enhance comparison retail offer. The town is recognised as an important economic driver for the provision of goods and retail services and the provision of new commercial and retail development within the vicinity of Market Square is encouraged. The County Retail Strategy defines the type and quantum of retail development suitable for Castlepollard. In this regard, it identifies that large convenience and middle order comparison, specifically tourism related/niche comparison and small-scale bulky goods floorspace is appropriate at this location.
- SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 196 Castlepollard - Commercial & Retail Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CSO 8.22 Sustain and enhance the retail and services offer of Castlepollard Town Centre in line with the County Retail Strategy. CPO 8.23 Support commercial opportunities within Castlepollard town centre which harness the potential of its tourist assets and tourism profile. CPO 8.24 Reinforce the centre of Castlepollard as the priority location for new commercial and retail development, with emphasis on quality of design, positive contribution to the existing streetscape and protection of existing heritage assets. CPO 8.25 Support the provision of mixed-use developments in the town centre which create opportunities to live, work, shop, etc. within the town and reduce the propensity to travel by private car. CPO 8.26 Encourage and facilitate the re-use and regeneration of derelict land and buildings for retail and other town centre uses with due cognisance to the Sequential Approach prescribed in the Retail Planning Guidelines 2012. 8.3.1.10 Regeneration A number of key sites exist within the settlement which present the potential for physical and social regeneration with the support of private and public-sector expertise and investment, including NPF and European funding. In particular the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund operated by the Department of Rural and Community Development is available to support coordinated and integrated projects between government departments, state agencies, local authorities, other public bodies and communities, which will have an impact on sustainable economic and social development in rural areas. Accordingly, the potential for better use of under-utilised and vacant sites and buildings within the existing built-up footprint of Castlepollard to drive the delivery of quality housing, services and employment opportunities, in tandem with supporting social infrastructure is promoted. Three specific Opportunity Sites have been identified for comprehensive redevelopment or refurbishment of existing brownfield/infill lands over the lifetime of the plan. The redevelopment of these sites presents an opportunity to contribute to Castlepollard’s rejuvenation and revitalisation and in contributing to the overall improvement of the public realm and visual amenity. In this regard proposals for strategic brownfield and infill sites should be accompanied by a site brief and/or masterplan that sets out a phased programme for the regeneration of the site and demonstrates how the proposal will comply with National Guidelines that seek to achieve sustainable compact development and to integrate principles of good urban design and placemaking.
- SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 197 Opportunity Site 1 - Former Community School site in Water Street This site comprises of the former Westmeath Vocational Education Committee Technical School in Castlepollard, which is currently vacant and situated in a prime location to the north east of the town centre. The site is rectangular in shape with a site area of circa 0.7 hectares, bounded on the north and east by public roads, to the south by a residential housing estate and to the west by Killafree cemetery. Site is zoned “Consolidation Site” and has potential access onto Water Street and College Heights Road. This existing vacant and underutilised town centre site has the potential to provide a suitable mix of uses including new residential development, that will harness its prime location in the town centre. The development of such a strategic site, having regard to its proximity to adjacent primary school and within the town centre will aid in increasing the vibrancy and vitality of Castlepollard town centre. Opportunity Site 2 - Kinturk Demesne (St Peters Centre) To the south of the town stands Kinturk House, the Georgian period Pollard residence which incorporates gated entrances, landscaped grounds with walled gardens, an extensive complex of outbuildings, in addition to a hospital and church. The overall complex consists of 15 protected structures and a land area totalling 12 hectares that are zoned “Community, Educational & Institutional”. Historically, Kinturk House and gardens were extensively linked to the town, including a direct private access to the adjacent Church of Ireland grounds. Many of the buildings are now vacant and underutilised. The potential for development or reuse within the spheres of health care, education, training, enterprise, state services, tourism, sport and recreation should be further explored in the context of regeneration of this Opportunity Site. Any potential alternative uses within this complex should have regard to the requirement to respect the architectural and cultural heritage value of its context and be compatible with surrounding uses in the area. In consultation with the Local Authority, the preparation of a mothballing plan by the owner will be supported in order to safeguard and promote its reuse. Opportunity Site 3 - Former Market House, Village Green Standing on the green within Castlepollard is the Market House, it consists of an early nineteenthcentury civic building, which retains its importance to the streetscape and is an integral element of the history of Castlepollard. It is a feature building in the town and, as such, is vital to the understanding and appreciation of the planned urban form of Castlepollard. It’s use as a multifunction public building has varied over the years, originally a market house and courthouse to latter use as a town hall, fire station and library. This strategically located property is currently underutilised and provides an opportunity for regeneration to provide a focal point in the village green and will enhance vibrancy and vitality in Castlepollard town centre. The provision of a civic community hub at this location would serve in providing an opportunity to enhance social/tourist infrastructure provision within the town.
- SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 198 Castlepollard - Regeneration Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 8.27 Support the redevelopment of identified Regeneration/Opportunity Sites in the town (See Map 4, Volume 2). CPO 8.28 Encourage the appropriate reuse and regeneration of Kinturk Demesne (St Peter’s Centre) with an appropriate development that contributes positively to the character of the town having regard to its architectural and cultural heritage value (See Map 4, Volume 2). CPO 8.29 Encourage and facilitate the re-use and regeneration of the Market House to a public/community/commercial/retail usage which will provide an opportunity to capitalise on its central location (See Map 4, Volume 2). CPO 8.30 Continue to identify sites in a poor state of repair or neglect under the Derelict Sites Act and support their regeneration. CPO 8.31 In consultation with the Local Authority, support the preparation of a mothballing plan for Kinturk Demesne by the owners of the protected structure in order to encourage the safeguard and reuse of the structure. 8.3.1.11 Placemaking Castlepollard provides the focus for a wide range of activities that contribute to a sense of place and identity. This town plays an important economic, social and cultural role with the main priority of consolidation in the existing centre and support of the existing businesses and activities, in order to maintain vibrancy. The centre of Castlepollard has been designated as an Architectural Conservation Area due to its setting and townscape which are of special interest. Castlepollard can build on its strengths and sense of identity by the development of a Creative Placemaking Strategy supporting an actions-based programme for the most effective presentation, management and development of the town. Enhancement works have the potential to provide for the revitalisation of the core area and to provide social and environmental benefits to the local community and visitors to the town. It will also encourage economic growth and act as a catalyst in assisting with the revitalisation of existing building stock along the approach roads and within Market Square and provide a pedestrian bias within the town. The strategy will provide guidance and a suite of proposed interventions that will have a transformative impact on the town of Castlepollard. Particular attention should be focused on the following: • Preparation of Integrated Traffic Management Strategy. • Development of safe and secure pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure links to key community services, schools, amenities and local attractions, so to enhance pedestrian and cycle permeability. • Establish key town entry points to strengthen the ’announcement’ of Castlepollard. • Provision of street furniture and additional planting which are age and disability friendly.
- SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 199 • Creation of a dedicated bus lay-by area for pick-ups/drop offs, complete with bus shelter. • Support the development of looped walking routes within the locality, e.g. Old Road walking route. Castlepollard - Placemaking Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 8.32 Support the preparation and implementation of a Placemaking/Public Realm Strategy for Castlepollard over the plan period. CPO 8.33 Ensure that the town centre is accessible to all members of the community, including people with mobility issues, the elderly and people with young children. CPO 8.34 Actively engage with the community, developers and other agencies to secure resources for the enhancement, renewal and regeneration of the public realm in Castlepollard. 8.2.1.12 Heritage The town has an attractive and distinctive built form and the distinctive Town Core has been designated as an Architectural Conservation Area to protect its character and retain the setting of the Protected Structures. The special architectural character of Castlepollard derives from the relationship of the buildings surrounding the central green and the visual amenity of the open area itself. The buildings, which mostly date to the first quarter of the eighteenth century, do not form a homogenous whole, but share a style and form which has been diluted over the years, while nonetheless preserving something of the original character and scale. Of particular significance is the treatment of the two northern corners of the square. The awkward convergence of Pakenham Hall Road and Green Street at the northwest corner is probably a function of the town’s earliest layout, where evidence of early seventeenth-century urban development is rare outside of the traditionally ‘planted’ areas. The several approaches to the village green have a separate, though connected relationship with the central core. Vistas of the green and its surrounding buildings are to be had from a distance on approach, with a strong and distinctive architectural presence at the corners. Of particular note are the town’s carriage arches and distinctive cut stone door surrounds. Taken together, Castlepollard’s special character encapsulates a history played out in its architecture and plan form, and in the almost total survival of its historic built fabric.
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