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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- Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 CULTURAL HERITAGE 14 444 boundaries or layouts, such as burgage plots and townland boundaries in new development proposals. CPO 14.49 Ensure that works to existing buildings and structures of architectural merit maintain and enhance their character and distinctiveness. 14.10 Historic Parks, Gardens and Demesnes There are many Historic Parks, Gardens and Demesnes in Westmeath. These planned landscapes are characteristic of 18th and 19th century settlement and are often the setting of a Protected Structure; e.g. the manor house, estate houses, gate lodges, walled gardens, outbuildings and enclosed yards and gardens. The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH), includes a survey of Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes. There are 225 demesnes or designed landscapes recorded in County Westmeath. Belvedere House, Gardens and Park built c.1740 is one of the finest historic small houses in Ireland and is set in a planned 18th century landscape extending over 65 hectares. Given the architectural and cultural significance of Belvedere House, Gardens and Park and having regard to its status as the premier tourist attraction in the County, the Council is committed to ensuring that its future development is informed by a Conservation Management Plan. The preparation of masterplans for complex sites such as historic buildings and demesnes, in particular where there is a mix of cultural and natural features across a large area, is supported by the Council. Historic Parks. Gardens and Demesnes Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 14.50 Support the economic viability of parks, gardens and demesnes by encouraging high quality development that does not lead to the loss of, or cause harm to the character, the principal components of, or the setting of parks, gardens and demesnes of special historic interest. CPO 14.51 Support the preparation and implementation of a Conservation Management Plan for Belvedere House, Gardens & Park. CPO 14.52 Require a masterplan to be prepared for development proposals within historic designed and demesne landscapes. Such a plan should include an appraisal of the designed landscape together with an architectural appraisal, in order to inform design proposals, which must be sensitive to and respect the built heritage elements and green space values of the site. CPO 14.53 Undertake a review of historic designed landscapes, demesnes and gardens within the County.
- Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 CULTURAL HERITAGE 14 445 14.11 Industrial Heritage Industrial heritage refers to the physical structures which remain today from the industrial era of the late 18th century and following years. It includes railways, turnpike and coach roads, canals and their locks, distilleries, mills, hydraulic rams, the peat and quarry industries. An inventory of Industrial Heritage Sites in Westmeath was compiled in 2019 and this included an outline history of the development of industry in the County. Based on cartographic and historical information, the inventory identified 4,855 industrial heritage sites in the county and this information will inform future surveys and planning decisions. Industrial Heritage Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 14.54 Protect, where appropriate, industrial heritage structures or elements of significance identified in the Inventory of Industrial Heritage and any subsequent surveys by adding them to the Record of Protected Structures. CPO 14.55 Utilise the information provided within the Inventory of Industrial Heritage Sites in Westmeath, and any subsequent surveys when assessing development proposals for industrial heritage sites. CPO 14.56 Support the retention and appropriate repair/maintenance of historic bridges and other significant industrial heritage features in the County. CPO 14.57 Encourage the conservation of industrial heritage, in particular the equipment, machinery and techniques developed by Bord na Móna and support the development of an industrial heritage museum, interpretative centre or education centre at a suitable location in the County. 14.12 Language Heritage The use of the Irish language as part of everyday life is encouraged and the Council has an important role to play in the promotion of the language in the County. The Development Plan can support and provide land-use and spatial dimensions to promote and protect the linguistic and cultural heritage of the area. The Council will continue to support initiatives at County level to strengthen bilingualism in the County. Language Heritage Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 14.58 Promote the naming of new residential developments in bi-lingual format. The naming of new estates should reflect local place names, townlands, history, folklore and/or cultural features in the area.
- Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 CULTURAL HERITAGE 14 446 CPO 14.59 Preserve historic place and street names and ensure that new street names should reflect appropriate local historical or cultural associations. CPO 14.60 Support the use of the Irish language on shopfronts. CPO 14.61 Support the establishment of a naming committee within one year of adoption of the Plan, to evaluate naming proposals for new residential and/or mixed-use developments.
- CHAPTER 15 CHAPTER 15 Land Use Objectives
- LAND USE ZONING OBJECTIVES 15 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 447 Table of Contents 15.1 Context .................................................................................................................................... 448 15.2 Land Use Zoning ...................................................................................................................... 448 15.3 Land Use Zoning Categories .................................................................................................... 448 15.4 Established Residential ........................................................................................................... 449 15.5 Proposed Residential .............................................................................................................. 450 15.6 Self-Sustaining Rural Consolidation ........................................................................................ 450 15.7 Community, Educational & Institutional................................................................................. 451 15.8 Consolidation Site ................................................................................................................... 451 15.9 Mixed Use ............................................................................................................................... 452 15.10 Enterprise & Employment ...................................................................................................... 452 15.11 Commercial ............................................................................................................................ 453 15.12 Expanded Settlement Centre ................................................................................................. 453 15.13 Sporting Recreational ............................................................................................................. 454 15.14 Open Space............................................................................................................................. 454
- LAND USE ZONING OBJECTIVES 15 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 448 15.1 Context This chapter sets out the general land-use and zoning policies and objectives of the plan. It provides an explanation of the land use categories and the zoning objectives that apply to them. These zoning policies and objectives have been derived in line with the Core Strategy. 15.2 Land Use Zoning The land use zoning emphasis of this plan is that of compact growth and urban consolidation which supports the re-using of ‘brownfield’ land, infill sites and underutilised lands in towns and villages across the settlement hierarchy. The settlement plans for each of the towns aim to promote continued sustainable growth, providing for increased employment and supporting social infrastructure to deliver a higher quality of life. The purpose of theses zoning objectives is to indicate the land use policy for all lands within the County. The zonings aspire to promote the orderly development of the County by eliminating potential conflicts between incompatible land uses and establishing an efficient basis for investment in public infrastructure and facilities. Associated zoning policy also has regard to the strategic policies underlying the Development Plan. These include the principles of climate action, sustainable development through consolidated growth, the integration of land use and transportation planning and the maintenance and improvement of the quality of life across the County as a whole. 15.3 Land Use Zoning Categories The following sections set out the objectives and requirements of the Planning Authority for the main categories of land use. In total there are eleven land-use zoning categories as follows: • Established Residential • Proposed Residential • Self-Sustaining Rural Consolidation • Mixed Use • Consolidation Site • Expanded Settlement Centre • Enterprise & Employment • Commercial • Sporting Recreational • Open Space • Community, Educational & Institutional Table 15.1 sets out the Land Use Zoning Matrix for the Plan. Each land use zoning type has an objective and an explanation which sets the context for the consideration of future development and indicates whether development would be permitted, open for consideration or not normally permitted on such zoned lands.
- LAND USE ZONING OBJECTIVES 15 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 449 P = ‘Permitted in Principle’: ‘Permitted in Principle’ means that the proposed use is generally acceptable subject to the normal planning process and compliance with the relevant policies, objectives, standards and requirements as set out in the County Development Plan, in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. If a proposal is indicated to be ‘Permitted in Principle’ in the zoning matrix, this does not imply that planning permission will automatically be granted as other factors must be considered and each proposal for development will be considered on its individual merits. O = ‘Open for Consideration’ The proposed use may be permitted where the local authority is satisfied that it is in compliance with the zoning objectives, standards and requirements as set out in the County Development Plan, and that the proposal would not conflict with the permitted, existing or adjoining land-uses by reason of its nature and scale, in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. X = ‘Not Normally Permitted’ The proposed use will not normally be favourably considered by the local authority, except in exceptional circumstances, and in such instances, the development may represent a material contravention of the Plan. Uses Not Listed in the Indicative Zoning Matrix Proposed land-uses which are not listed in the indicative land-use zoning matrix will be considered on their merits having regard to the most appropriate use of a similar nature indicated in the matrix, the proper planning and sustainable development of the area and compliance with the relevant policies and objectives, standards set out in both this Plan and relevant Section 28 Guidelines. Non-conforming Uses ‘Non-conforming uses’ are established uses that do not conform to the primary zoning objectives of the Plan. These include instances where such uses; were in existence on 1st October 1964 (i.e. prior to planning legislation); have valid permission; are unauthorised but have exceeded the time limit for enforcement proceedings; have no permission and may or may not be the subject of enforcement proceedings. Development proposals that relate to the intensification of non-conforming uses, will be permitted only where the proposed development would not be detrimental to the amenities of the surrounding area and is consistent with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. 15.4 Established Residential This ‘Established Residential’ zoning is intended to reflect existing established residential areas. In such area’s sustainable intensification of gap infill, unused or derelict land can be achieved through infill development, the subdivision of larger houses, backland development and the development of corner sites. The sensitive intensification of housing development in established residential areas is supported by the Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas, DEHLG (2009), which recognises that the provision of additional dwellings in towns can revitalise such areas.
- LAND USE ZONING OBJECTIVES 15 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 450 Proposals for development involving the intensification of residential uses within established residential areas will be required to clearly demonstrate that the proposal respects the existing character of the area and would not harm the amenity value of adjacent properties. Land Zoning Policy Objective – Established Residential It is a policy of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 15.1 Support high quality residential consolidation and sustainable intensification at appropriate locations in a manner that does not impact negatively on the amenities or character of an area. 15.5 Proposed Residential This ‘Proposed Residential’ zoning provides principally for residential development. Other uses open for consideration include local shops, education, nursing homes, creches, health centres, community and recreational facilities and guesthouses where they are appropriate in scale and do not unduly interfere with the predominant residential land use. In keeping with the ethos of the plan, the aim is to create vibrant sustainable communities supported by social and community infrastructure. Where development proposals do not relate to the overall development of the lands in question, the applicant will be required to demonstrate by way of an overall plan for the development of the lands, that the proposed development would not adversely affect the comprehensive development of the lands in the future. Land Zoning Policy Objective – Proposed Residential It is a policy of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 15.2 Provide for high quality residential development and associated services in line with the provision of the necessary social and physical infrastructure. 15.6 Self-Sustaining Rural Consolidation This ‘Self-Sustaining Rural Consolidation’ zoning provides for a mix of development types that supports the sustainable growth of the rural area and community as part of existing established village settlements. Development on these lands can include a range of uses that are considered to have the potential to improve the rural fabric of the settlement and its surrounding area. Development may include, but is not limited to, small scale residential, community facilities, neighbourhood shops, local business and enterprise, sports, recreation and amenity facilities. Proposals for development will need to clearly demonstrate that the proposal respects the existing character of the area, is compatible, where appropriate, with existing development in the settlement and would not negatively impact on the sustainability of the settlement. Within this zoning category, sustaining vibrant rural communities, reversing rural decline, regeneration and renewal will be the
- LAND USE ZONING OBJECTIVES 15 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 451 Council’s priority in accordance with the National Planning Framework. Potential developers are advised to consult with the Planning Authority regarding any proposed ‘Self-Sustaining Rural Consolidation’ developments at the pre-planning stage. Land Zoning Policy Objective – Rural Consolidation It is a policy of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 15.3 Provide for self-sustaining development which seeks to support and improve the rural fabric of the settlement and its surrounding area. 15.7 Community, Educational & Institutional This ‘Community, Educational & Institutional’ zoning provides for the safeguarding and provision of facilities that serve and contribute to the creation of viable and stable communities. Such facilities include schools, churches, community centres, creches and childcare facilities, nursing homes, libraries, museums, health centres, fire stations, graveyards, arts/entertainment facilities and infrastructure as well as sporting, recreational and cultural facilities. In certain instances, the regeneration of institutional lands may be considered in terms of the provision of enterprise and employment, hotel, state services and tourism use subject to the protection of the character of the lands. Such development proposals associated with institutional complexes will be required to respect the architectural and cultural heritage value of the complex. Land Zoning Policy Objective – Community, Educational & Institutional It is a policy of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 15.4 Protect, provide and improve community, civic and educational facilities and to preserve the open character of institutional lands and the setting of heritage buildings contained within such lands. 15.8 Consolidation Site This ‘Consolidation Site’ zoning supports compact consolidated development of towns, at an appropriate scale in line with their position in the Settlement Hierarchy. The zoning seeks to promote the sustainable consolidation of town centres with a focus on the regeneration of infill and brownfield sites through the establishment of a mix of uses, including residential to encourage greater vibrancy outside of business hours. The zoning provides for a range of uses, making provision where appropriate for commercial, retail, residential, community, amenity and public realm development. Any development proposals on these lands must have regard to the Core Strategy, Retail Strategy and associated development management policies.
- LAND USE ZONING OBJECTIVES 15 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 452 Land Zoning Policy Objective – Consolidation Site It is a policy of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 15.5 Strengthen and consolidate existing settlements by encouraging the development of infill and brownfield lands through providing for a range of uses including residential development, retail, commercial and community uses. 15.9 Mixed Use This ‘Mixed Use’ zoning reflects the mixture of uses which have always co-existed in town/village centres and which offers the variety required to make them attractive and important places for community interaction. The zoning provides for a range of uses to sustain and enhance the vitality and viability of town centres, making provision where appropriate, for primary and secondary uses e.g. commercial/retail/service development as the primary use with residential development as a secondary use. Secondary uses will be considered by the local authority having regard to the particular character of the area and its role in the Settlement Hierarchy. On lands that have been zoned ‘mixed-use’ in or near town or village centres, a diverse range of day and evening uses is encouraged and an over-concentration of any one use in the area will not normally be permitted. These areas require high levels of accessibility, including pedestrian, cyclists and public transport (where feasible). Land Zoning Policy Objective – Mixed Use It is a policy of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 15.6 Provide for, protect and strengthen the vitality and viability of town centres, through consolidating development, encouraging a mix of uses and maximising the use of land. 15.10 Enterprise & Employment This ‘Enterprise and Employment’ zoning provides for the creation of enterprise and employment uses save for traditional commercial functions that should locate within a town core area. Lands zoned for ‘enterprise and employment’ include the use and development of land for high-end research and development, business, science and technology-based industry, financial services, call centres/telemarketing, software development, enterprise and incubator units, small/medium manufacturing, warehousing and corporate offices in high quality campus/park type development. This zoning also provides for ‘walk to’ support facilities such as canteen, restaurant or crèche services which are integrated into employment units and are of a nature and scale to serve the needs of employees on the campus.
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.