Westmeath County Development Plan 2021–2027

1. Page 251

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   SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 240 8.4.2.7 Sustainable Communities Due to its proximity to the M6 motorway, Rochfortbridge has become a popular place to reside in. Opportunity exists to accommodate the future needs of the town in a consolidated fashion and to provide the necessary community infrastructure to meet the needs of both existing and future residents. The delivery of sustainable communities will involve providing a mix of housing types, densities and tenure. Emphasis should be based on providing a high standard of design and incorporating the principles of placemaking, green infrastructure, permeability and connectivity alongside the integration of community and recreation facilities. Opportunity exists for the provision of a linear biodiversity amenity area along the banks of the Derry River, development of a new town park, and provision of looped walks and cycle links to the town centre and to adjacent rural amenities. The plan promotes the development of green infrastructure networks both within the settlement and to the wider countryside. New proposals will have to demonstrate how they incorporate the principle of Green infrastructure into their development. The town could benefit from additional environmental and public realm enhancement works in order to revitalise the town centre, the plan includes policies in this regard. Rochfortbridge - Sustainable Communities Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 8.197 Provide for new residential development in accordance with the requirements of the Housing Strategy and Core Strategy. CPO 8.197a Development proposals on identified lands shall be accompanied by a site-specific 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 19, Volume 2). CPO 8.198 Require that an appropriate mix of housing type, tenure, density and size is provided in all new residential areas and in appropriate brownfield/infill areas to meet the needs of the population of Rochfortbridge. CPO 8.199 Encourage the appropriate redevelopment of brownfield and infill sites for residential uses within the footprint of the existing built-up area. CPO 8.200 Require proposals for development to demonstrate how they integrate/respond to Green Infrastructure and contribute to the development and protection of overall Green Infrastructure assets. CPO 8.201 Support the development of street enhancements works, widening of footpaths, public realm improvements and landscaping within the settlement.

2. Page 252

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   SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 241 CPO 8.202 Provide for the expansion and development of educational, social, community and recreational facilities in the settlement. CPO 8.203 Encourage the provision of vehicular and pedestrian links from St Joseph’s Secondary school to the R400 Mullingar Road (See Map 19, Volume 2). CPO 8.204 Support the establishment of a riverside walk and riverside biodiversity amenity area along the Derry River (See Map 19, Volume 2). CPO 8.205 Support the development of a Village Park which is age friendly, safe and secure (See Map 19, Volume 2). CPO 8.206 Provide for the expansion of the playground, town park and attendant lands in the town centre for recreational use (See Map 19, Volume 2). CPO 8.207 Support cycling and walking within the community through improved walking/cycling infrastructure within the town, its hinterlands and at areas of interest and attractions. CPO 8.208 Promote the development of ecological sustainable peatways, as an alternative visitor experience within the peatlands surrounding Rochfortbridge, with potential to link into the wider Strategic Greenway Network of National and Regional routes. 8.4.2.8 Commercial & Retail Development The County Retail Strategy states that net retail floor space in the town is 160m2. The town provides a range of local services meeting the day-to-day needs of its catchment population. Rochfortbridge provides an opportunity for an enhanced retail offer, to serve the needs of the town and its rural hinterland. There is development potential within the town centre on Main Street, in addition re-use of vacant sites and buildings for retail purposes will also be a priority. The plan will support the re-use of existing vacant sites and buildings for retail, commercial, employment and community use. Rochfortbridge - Commercial & Retail Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 8.209 Sustain, enhance and consolidate the retail and services offer of the town. CPO 8.210 Reinforce the centre of Rochfortbridge as the priority location for new commercial and retail development, with quality of design and integration/linkage being the key underpinning principles in the expanded mixed-use town core. CPO 8.211 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 need to travel by private car.

3. Page 253

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   SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 242 CPO 8.212 Encourage and facilitate the re-use and regeneration of derelict land and buildings for retail and other town centre uses, with due cognisance given to the Sequential Approach prescribed in the Retail Planning Guidelines 2012. 8.4.2.9 Heritage Much of the heritage features associated with Rochfortbridge concern built and archaeological elements. There are numerous fine examples of architectural heritage, with the NIAH classifying 13 structures, buildings or complexes worthy of regional status in the settlement. Of particular note is Derrygreenagh Park, a Bord na Móna housing development which was designed by the renowned Architect and Town Planner Frank Gibney. In recognition of its character and significant architectural heritage, Derrygreenagh Park is designated as an Architectural Conservation Area in this Plan. There are also a number of archaeological sites in the surrounding landscape of the settlement, the most visible of these being the remnants of a rath or ringfort in a field surrounded by a copse of mature trees to the south of the town centre. There are a number of mature native trees present in the town which are important features of the streetscape of Rochfortbridge and are deemed worthy of protection on account of their character enhancing attributes. These include a grouping of nine trees on a walled embankment on the R446 western approach into the town centre and a large and distinctive tree located at the north eastern end of the town centre opposite Bagnall’s Shopping Centre. Rochfortbridge - Heritage Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 8.213 Promote and enhance existing archaeological, built and natural heritage elements associated with Rochfortbridge and ensure their protection. CPO 8.214 Require development proposals in the vicinity of mature trees to be accompanied by a comprehensive tree survey. CPO 8.215 Retain and protect the existing grouping of native mature trees on the walled embankment which align the R446 western approach into the town centre and the large elm tree situated opposite the retail centre, on account of their characterenhancing attributes for the settlement (See Map 19, Volume 2). CPO 8.216 Retain and protect trees of amenity value located within the grounds of the Mercy Convent (See Map 19, Volume 2).

4. Page 254

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   SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 243 8.5 Towns & Villages Towns and Villages as identified within the Settlement Hierarchy of the Core Strategy provide important local level residential, retailing and community functions to the rural hinterland. The development strategy for these settlements is to provide for sustainable live-work patterns to strengthen same and to improve local employment, services and sustainable transport options to enable the towns and villages to become more self-sustaining. Emphasis will be placed on maintaining the town and village as a service centre, by way of orderly consolidation and expansion of services that supports the upper tiers of the urban hierarchy. Accordingly, the settlement strategy aims to provide for vibrant and viable settlements provide a range of jobs, services and housing choice commensurate with their position on the hierarchy. The Core Strategy has identified three towns within the county as Towns and Villages, namely Clonmellon, Delvin and Tyrrellspass. 8.5.1 Clonmellon 8.5.1.1 Location & Context: Clonmellon is located on the N52 in the north of the County in close proximity to the Meath County border, approximately 30km northeast of Mullingar, 11km northwest of Athboy and 68km northwest of Dublin. In 2016, the population of the town was 664 which represents an increase of 4.7% from the previous census, which is slightly higher than the county average of 3% over the same period. 8.5.1.2 Historical Context & Settlement Form Clonmellon was built in the late eighteenth century by Sir Benjamin Chapman and abuts the Killua Castle estate where he resided. By 1837 Clonmellon was established as a market town. The settlement has a distinctive broad Main Street with focused activity on the Market Square. This wide urban form is consistent with the design of market towns and villages throughout the country. The extended street vista is broken by its topography with the Main Street rising to a point approximately halfway along its length. Clonmellon has largely maintained its historic linear urban form. The east of the Clonmellon is characterised by impressive two storey, three bay buildings with modern housing developments located at the western end of the village and an infill scheme offset south of the Main Street. 8.5.1.3 Social Infrastructure Clonmellon hosts the following community infrastructure and services including the Primary School, Playground, Community Centre, Men’s Shed, Cafe and the Credit Union. In addition, there is a wide range of community, voluntary, arts and sporting clubs active in the settlement, including Coder Dungeon, Clonmellon Active Retirement and St Vincent de Paul, sporting clubs including St Paul’s GAA Football Club, St Pauls/Delvin Ladies Football Club, Clonmellon & Crossakiel Gun Club, and Clonmellon Indoor Bowling. The latest enrolment statistics from the Department of Education and Skills indicate that the local primary school, Cluain Maolain National School had 231 pupils enrolled in 2019.

5. Page 255

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   SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 244 8.5.1.4 Physical Infrastructure Clonmellon is served by an existing wastewater treatment plant located to the northeast of the town. Water is supplied from the Northwest Water Supply Scheme. Bus Eireann provides a commuter service from Clonmellon to Dublin City, and there is also a local link service to Navan and Mullingar. 8.5.1.5 Function & Vision Clonmellon performs important local level residential, retailing, social and leisure functions to the wider rural hinterland. The vision for Clonmellon is to enhance the level of jobs, services and residential development in the town through consolidated growth within the existing urban footprint. This will involve supporting regeneration of existing vacant buildings and under-utilised sites to provide residential, local services and local employment opportunities. In addition, the plan supports measures to visually enhance the public realm and historic character and setting of Clonmellon. Clonmellon - Settlement Plan General Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 8.217 Promote residential growth, local employment, services and sustainable transport options in Clonmellon to enable the village to become more self-sustaining. CPO 8.218 Expand the range of services and facilities available to residents and the wider rural hinterland. CPO 8.219 Make provision for sustainable communities in Clonmellon by identifying sufficient land for new development, in particular housing, commercial, community and recreational uses. 8.5.1.6 Sustainable Communities Due to the accessibility of the village to existing centres of employment, Clonmellon has become a popular place to reside in. The development strategy for Clonmellon is to support new housing and population growth, thus providing a viable alternative to rural one-off housing within the surrounding hinterland and contributing to the principle of compact urban growth. The plan supports the provision of a new village park for existing and future residents. Emphasis is also placed on the provision of green routes within the village and to nearby amenities such as Killua Castle. New development proposals will be required to demonstrate how they contribute towards the creation of green infrastructure networks.

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   SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 245 Clonmellon - Sustainable Communities Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 8.220 Provide for new residential development in accordance with the requirements of the Housing and Core Strategy. CPO 8.221 Require that an appropriate mix of housing type, tenure, density and size is provided in all new residential areas and in appropriate brownfield/infill areas to meet the needs of the population of Clonmellon. CPO 8.222 Require proposals for development to demonstrate how they integrate/respond to Green Infrastructure and contribute to the development and protection of overall Green Infrastructure assets. CPO 8.223 Provide for the expansion and development of educational, social, community and recreational facilities in the settlement. CPO 8.224 Support cycling and walking within the village through improved walking/cycling infrastructure within the town, its hinterlands and to areas of interest and attractions including Killua Castle. CPO 8.225 Support the development of a Village Park in the village and amenity area which shall be age friendly, safe and secure (See Map 22, Volume 2). 8.5.1.7 Commercial & Retail Development Clonmellon provides a range of retail and other local services, meeting the day to day needs of its catchment population. There is a modest retail offer of 225m2 of floor space provided for in the village. Opportunity exists to increase the retail profile of Clonmellon. In this regard, consideration should be given to the re-use of vacant sites and buildings for retail purposes. The County Retail Strategy identifies the need for local level convenience and comparison, but not excluding tourism related/niche comparison offer in the village. The Market Place/Square occupies a prominent site in the village. Considerable potential exists to develop this site and associated building as a tourism hub for nearby attractions, as a farmer’s market or creative/digital hub for local employment opportunities. Clonmellon - Commercial & Retail Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 8.226 Sustain, enhance and consolidate the retail and services offer within the core of Clonmellon.

7. Page 257

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   SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 246 CPO 8.227 Encourage and facilitate the re-use and regeneration of the Market Square to a public/community/commercial/retail usage which will provide an opportunity to capitalise on its central location (See Map 22, Volume 2). CPO 8.228 Encourage and facilitate the re-use and regeneration of derelict land and buildings for retail and other town centre uses, having due cognisance to the Sequential Approach prescribed in the Retail Planning Guidelines 2012. CPO 8.229 Development proposals on identified lands shall be accompanied by a site-specific 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 22, Volume 2). 8.5.1.8 Heritage The designation of much of the settlement core as an Architectural Conservation Area owes much to the quantity and quality of architectural heritage on offer in Clonmellon. Approximately 1.2km east of the village centre is Killua Castle, the ancestral home of the Chapman Family built c.1780 in a gothic revival fashion. In addition to the Castle, the site hosts a number of demesne-related structures and follies of significant architectural heritage. It is further noted that Ballinlough Castle is located approximately 5km south of Clonmellon. Approximately 1km to the southwest of Clonmellon is the proposed Natural Heritage Area (pNHA) of Lough Shesk, which forms part of the River Boyne and River Blackwater Special Area of Conservation (SAC) site. Clonmellon - Heritage Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 8.230 Promote and enhance existing archaeological, built and natural heritage elements associated with Clonmellon and ensure their protection. CPO 8.231 Support the development of a dedicated Clonmellon Heritage Trail incorporating the surrounding hinterlands to promote local history and cultural heritage. CPO 8.232 Protect and maintain the Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) in Clonmellon and the buildings contained therein. Development proposals that would undermine the setting and interpretation of any structure located within the ACA will not be permitted. CPO 8.233 Support the undertaking of environmental and public realm enhancement works to and initiatives to visually enhance the streetscape and existing built form.

8. Page 258

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   SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 247 8.5.2 Delvin Location & Context: Delvin is located to the north east of the County at the intersection of the N52 linking Dundalk with Mullingar and the N51 from Navan. The village is situated approximately 20km northeast of Mullingar, 22km southwest of Kells and approximately 31km west of Navan. In 2016 the population of the town was 740 which represents an increase of 6.2% from the 2011 census. 8.5.2.1 Historical Context & Settlement Form The name Delvin derived from the Irish name Dealbhna, an ancient Irish tribe that had territory in Meath, Connacht and Munster. The village developed around the manorial castle of Gilbert de Nugent, an associate of Hugh de Lacy, first English Viceroy to Ireland, who also owned the neighbouring Castle of Clonyn situated a few hundred metres from the village centre. Both castles are now in ruins. The village has a largely linear structure along the N52. The village centre contains a compact urban grain, with terraced two storey structures varying in bays of two and three. The urban fabric of Delvin’s previous role as a market town is evident in the wide Main Street. The southern part of the village centre is dominated by the impressive ruins of Delvin Castle and St. Mary’s Church. Both structures form an impressive gateway into the village from the N52 route to the south, enriching the character of the village on its approach. The impressive Church of the Assumption on the northern end of the settlement assumes a prominent location and elevation in the village. The R395 approach road into the village is characterised by Clonyn Castle estate walls lined with mature trees which add to the character and significantly enhance the entrance into the village. 8.5.2.2 Social Infrastructure Delvin has a number of facilities serving the village and its hinterland including: Shops, Post Office, Restaurants, Garage, Garda Station, Pubs, Health Centre, Pharmacy, and Credit Union. Delvin also hosts a range of community, voluntary, arts and sporting clubs, including Playground, 3rd Westmeath Delvin Scouts, Delvin/St Pauls Ladies Football, Delvin Bowling Club, Delvin Celtic AFC, Delvin Friendship Club, Delvin Historical Society, Delvin Hospice Homecare, Delvin Vintage Club, Inland Bikers (MCC), and Taekwondo. There are two schools in Delvin, Scoil Earnáin Naofa and St Mary’s School in Southhill, approximately 1.4km east of Delvin, which caters for children aged between 5 and 18 who have learning difficulties and children with autism. The latest enrolment statistics from the Department of Education and Skills indicate that SN Scoil Earnáin Naofa had 116 pupils enrolled in 2019 while St Mary’s School had 24 pupils enrolled during the same term. 8.5.2.3 Physical Infrastructure Delvin is served by an existing wastewater treatment plant and a public mains water supply. Bus Eireann provides an hourly commuter service from Delvin to Dublin City, and also operates bus service to Mullingar, Galway, Athboy and Dundalk. Local link provides a weekly bus service to Mullingar.

9. Page 259

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   SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 248 8.5.2.4 Function & Vision Delvin performs important local level residential, retailing and community functions to the wider rural hinterland. Employment sources in Delvin are largely dominated by commercial and service providers, with agriculture a strong employment source in the rural hinterland. Delvin Mart gives local employment and generates economic activity in this sector. The vision for Devlin is to enhance the level of jobs, services and residential development in the town through consolidated growth within the existing urban footprint. This will involve supporting regeneration of existing vacant buildings and under-utilised sites to provide residential, local services and local employment opportunities. Delvin - Settlement Plan General Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 8.234 Promote residential growth, local employment, services and sustainable transport options in Delvin to enable the town to become more self-sustaining. CPO 8.235 Expand the range of services and facilities available to residents and the wider rural hinterland. CPO 8.236 Make provision for sustainable communities in Delvin by identifying sufficient land for new development, in particular housing, commercial, community and recreational uses. 8.5.2.5 Sustainable Communities The development strategy for the town is to support new housing and population growth, thus providing a viable alternative to rural one-off housing within the surrounding hinterland and contributing to the principle of compact urban growth. Policy supports the provision of a new village park to act as an amenity area, this plan also identifies future works consisting of the development of looped walks and cycle links to the town centre and outer amenities/attractions. New development proposals will be required to demonstrate how they contribute towards the creation of green infrastructure networks. Delvin - Sustainable Communities Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 8.237 Provide for new residential development in accordance with the requirements of the Housing and Core Strategy.

10. Page 260

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    SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 249 CPO 8.238 Require that an appropriate mix of housing type, tenure, density and size is provided in all new residential areas and in appropriate brownfield/infill areas to meet the needs of the population of Delvin. CPO 8.239 Encourage the appropriate redevelopment of brownfield and infill sites for residential uses within the footprint of the existing built-up area. CPO 8.240 Require proposals for development to demonstrate how they integrate/respond to Green Infrastructure and contribute to the development and protection of overall Green Infrastructure assets. CPO 8.241 Provide for the expansion and development of educational, social, community and recreational facilities in the settlement. CPO 8.242 Support cycling and walking within the community through improved walking/cycling infrastructure within the town, its hinterlands and at areas of interest and attractions. CPO 8.243 Support the development of a Village Park and Amenity Area which shall be age friendly, safe and secure (See Map 25, Volume 2). CPO 8.244 Development proposals on identified lands shall be accompanied by a site-specific 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 17). 8.5.2.6 Commercial & Retail Development Delvin provides a range of retail and other local services to meet the day-to-day needs of its catchment population. There is a modest retail offer in the settlement with 349m2 of retail floorspace identified within the County Retail Strategy in 2016. Further opportunity exists to enhance the retail profile of Delvin. In this regard, the Council will favour the re-use of vacant buildings and under-utilised sites for retail and commercial purposes. The County Retail Strategy identifies the need for local level convenience and comparison, including tourism related/niche comparison offer in the town. Delvin - Commercial & Retail Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 8.245 Sustain, enhance and consolidate the retail and services offer within the established core of Delvin. CPO 8.246 Support the vitality and viability of Delvin and facilitate a competitive and healthy environment for the commercial and retailing industry, as prescribed in the Westmeath County Retail Strategy.

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.