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.
- LAND USE ZONING OBJECTIVES 15 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 453 It is intended that such developments will have high quality architectural design and landscaping, associated transportation infrastructure such as car and bicycle parking and bus stop shelters may also be required as part of any development proposal. This zoning does not include general retail, retail park outlets and heavy industrial undertakings. ‘Enterprise and Employment’ lands in Tier 5 Towns and Villages of the Core Strategy should be taken to include small-scale business and enterprise development such as incubator units, craft centres/workshops, small-scale manufacturing, local digital/technology businesses etc. Retail uses on these sites will only be considered where it is ancillary to the main activity taking place. Land Zoning Policy Objective – Enterprise & Employment It is a policy of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 15.7 Provide for Enterprise & Employment and related uses including industrial and service uses including compatible uses such as office and distribution. 15.11 Commercial This ‘Commercial’ zoning provides for commercial and business uses such as offices, service industry, warehousing, hotel, car parking and the facilitation of enterprise/retail park/office type uses as appropriate. Retailing is open for consideration on this zoning, provided that a sequential test is carried out and the lands are demonstrably the optimum location for the nature and quantum of retail development proposed. Land Zoning Policy Objective – Commercial It is a policy of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 15.8 Provide for appropriately scaled commercial development that compliments the town centre. 15.12 Expanded Settlement Centre This “Expanded Settlement Centre” zoning primarily relates to lands adjacent to town and village core areas. It is the intention that these lands will facilitate expanded town/villages services including a range of uses such as commercial, health uses and retail development together with residential use. Development proposals associated with these lands must have regard to the Core Strategy and Retail Strategy and associated development management policies. A diverse range of day and evening uses is encouraged on such lands.
- LAND USE ZONING OBJECTIVES 15 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 454 Land Zoning Policy Objective – Expanded Settlement Centre It is a policy of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 15.9 Provide for, protect and strengthen the vitality and viability of town centres, through encouraging a mix of uses and maximising the use of land. 15.13 Sporting Recreational This ‘Sporting Recreational’ zoning provides for development that is incidental to or contributes to the enjoyment of recreation or leisure in addition to development that enhances the amenity value of such areas. This zoning provides for the use of land as sports grounds/playing pitches, golf courses, tennis courts, and other active indoor and outdoor recreational facilities as well as ancillary services that contribute to meeting the leisure, recreation and amenity needs of the immediate community and/or the wider area. Land Zoning Policy Objective – Sport Recreational It is a policy of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 15.10 Provide for, protect and improve the provision, attractiveness, accessibility and amenity value of sporting and recreational facilities. 15.14 Open Space This ‘Open Space’ zoning provides for the use of land for playgrounds, open spaces within housing estates, parks, amenity areas, riparian zones, environmental buffers and development incidental to the enjoyment of open space, such as the provision of shelters, changing rooms, caretaker accommodation and similar facilities. The protection of residential amenity in housing schemes is a key priority of the zoning, as is the protection of the natural environment. Consideration will be given to the provision of public utilities and associated enabling infrastructure on lands zoned for open space, provided that such development would not compromise the overall zoning objective. Land Zoning Policy Objective – Open Space It is a policy of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 15.11 Provide for, protect and enhance the provision, attractiveness, accessibility and amenity of public open space.
- LAND USE ZONING OBJECTIVES 15 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 455 Table 15.1 Land Use Zoning Matrix Type of Development Established Residential Proposed Residential Self-Sustaining Rural Consolidation Community, Educational & Institutional Consolidation Site Mixed Use Enterprise & Employment Commercial Expanded Settlement Centre Sporting Recreational Open Space Advertising Structures X X X O O O O O O O X Agri-business X X P X O O O O O X X Agricultural Building X X O X X X X X X X X Agri-tourism X X P X O O O O O X O Amusement Arcade X X X X O O X O O X X Bank/Financial Services X X O X P P X O P X X Betting Office X X X X O O X O O X X Boarding Kennels X X X X O X O O X X X Caravan Park Residential O O X O X X X X X X X Cemetery X X O O X X X X X X X Childcare Facilities P P P P P O O O P O X Church/Place of Worship O O O P O O O X P X X Cinema X X X O O P X O P X X Commercial Carpark X X X O O P P P P O X Community Hall P P P P P P X P P O O Cultural Use P P P P P P X O P O P Dance Hall/Discotheque X X X X O P X O P O X Doctor/Dentist P O P P P P X O P X X Education P P P P P P O O O O X Renewable Energy Production O O O O O O O O O O O End of Life Vehicles (ELVs) X X X X X X O X X X X Equipment Hire X X O X O O P O O X X Fire/Ambulance Station X X O P O P P O P X X Fuel Filling Station X X O X O O O O O X X Fuel Depot/Distributor X X X X O O P X X X X Funeral Home X X X O O O O O O X X Garden Centre X X X X O O O O X X X Golf Course X X X X X X X X X P O Guesthouse P P P O O O X O O X X Health Centre O P P P P P O O P O X Hostel X X X O O P O O P X X Industry Light X X X X O O O O O X X Hospital X X X P O O O O O X X Hotel O O O P O P O P P X X Motor Sales Outlet/Showroom X X O X O P O P P X X Multi-storey Carpark X X X X O P P P P O X Offices<100m2 X X O O P P O O P X X Offices100m2-1000m2 X X X O P P O O P X X Offices>1000m2 X X X X P P O P P X X Off Licence X X O X P P X O P X X Open Space P P P P P P P P P P P Park & Ride X X X O O O O P O O X Park/Playground P P P P O O O O O P P Playing Fields O O O P X X X X X P O Public House O O O X O P X O P O X Recycling Facilities O O O O O O P O O O X Recycling Waste Transfer Site X X X X X X O X X X X Residential Institution O O X O O O X O O X X Residential Multiple P P P X P P X X P X X Residential Single P P P P P P X X P X X
- LAND USE ZONING OBJECTIVES 15 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 456 Type of Development Established Residential Proposed Residential Self-Sustaining Rural Consolidation Community, Educational & Institutional Consolidation Site Mixed Use Enterprise & Employment Commercial Expanded Settlement Centre Sporting Recreational Open Space Restaurant/Café X O O O P P O P P O X Retail (Convenience) O O O O P P X O P X X Retail (Comparison) X X X X P P X O P X X Retail Warehouse X X X X O O P O O X X Retirement Home/Scheme or Nursing Home P P P P O O X O O X X Shops-local O O P O P P O O P O X Shops-neighbourhood X O O X P P X O P X X Shops-major X X X X O P X O P X X Workshop X X X X O O P O O X X Sports Facility O O O O O O O O O O O Take-away/Fast-food X X O O O O X O O X X Taxi Office X X O O O P X O P X X Telecommunications O O O O O O P P O O O Tourism-recreational Complex O O O O O O O O O O X Training Centre O O O P P P P O P O X Transport Depot X X X X X X O O X X X Urban-Nature Reserve O O O O O X X X X O P Vehicle Servicing & Repairs X X O X O O P O O X X Veterinary Surgery X X X O O O O O P X X Warehousing X X X X X X O P X X X Wholesale Outlet X X X O O O O O O X X
- CHAPTER 16 CHAPTER 16 Development Management Standards
- DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT STANDARDS 16 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 457 Table of Contents 16.1 Context and Overview............................................................................................................. 458 16.2 Design Standards for Urban Development ............................................................................. 461 16.3 Residential Development ........................................................................................................ 464 16.4 Roads and Transportation....................................................................................................... 476 16.5 Retail Development ................................................................................................................ 481 16.6 Community Infrastructure and Facilities ................................................................................ 484 16.7 Enterprise and Employment ................................................................................................... 486 16.8 Tourism ................................................................................................................................... 488 16.9 Agricultural Buildings and Structures...................................................................................... 489 16.10 Extractive Industry (Quarries/Sand and Gravel Pits) .............................................................. 489 16.11 Telecommunications ............................................................................................................... 491 16.12 Architectural Conservation and Archaeology ......................................................................... 491 16. 13 Climate ................................................................................................................................... 493 16.14 Implementation of Planning Permission ................................................................................. 495
- DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT STANDARDS 16 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 458 16.1 Context and Overview Development Management is the statutory process undertaken in the assessment of planning applications and is an essential tool utilised in implementing the Development Plan. This Chapter sets out the development management standards and criteria and is intended to provide a 'toolkit' towards achieving high standards of design, enhance the character of an area and facilitate sustainable development. All planning proposals should comply with the standards applicable to particular development types, be consistent with the policy objectives set out within preceding chapters and be compliant with legislative requirements. 16.1.1 Pre-Planning Consultation Pre-planning consultations are facilitated and encouraged by the Planning Authority prior to the making of a formal planning application in accordance with Section 247 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). Strategic Housing Developments pre-planning consultations are facilitated by the Planning Authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 5(2) of the Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act, 2016. Fig 16.1 – The Planning Process
- DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT STANDARDS 16 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 459 16.1.2 Compliance with Section 28 Ministerial Guidelines All development proposals (i.e. both urban and rural) should positively contribute to the receiving environment, having regard to sustainable, qualitative and quantitative standards outlined in this chapter and Ministerial Guidelines, where relevant. 16.1.3 Universal Access and Inclusive design The importance of universal equality of access and inclusive design within all aspects of the built environment is recognised by the Council. The Council encourages that all new development proposals be designed in accordance with the standards outlined in the 'National Disability Authority - Building for Everyone; A Universal Design Approach 2012' and Technical Guidance Document M - Access and Use of the Building Regulations 2010 or any subsequent update. 16.1.4 Sustainable Design Sustainable design elements should be considered at the initial design stage of the process as these elements will determine siting, orientation of building(s), height, form, materials, density and overall functionality and aesthetics of development proposed. Energy efficient buildings minimise the consumption of non-renewable resources and waste and create healthy and comfortable buildings and places. New development should employ considered and high-quality sustainable design measures that serve to mitigate and adapt to seasonal and climate change. Green infrastructure should also be identified at the initial design stage, with proposals incorporated into planning applications that allow for opportunities in delivering natural amenity areas, permeability and linkages with open spaces provided. This will assist in protecting and valuing our important and vulnerable habitats, landscapes, natural heritage and green spaces throughout Westmeath. 16.1.5 Assessments Required Specific assessments may be required to enable the Planning Authority to make a decision on a planning proposal having regard to legislative requirements and/or to ensure compliance with the Development Plan. 16.1.6 Environmental Assessments: Appropriate Assessment (AA) In accordance with Article 6(3) of the EU Habitats Directive (1992), there is a requirement placed on the competent authority (i.e. Planning Authority) to consider and determine the possible nature conservation implications of any plan or project (and also the in-combination impacts with other plans and projects) on the Natura 2000 site network before any decision is made to allow that plan or project to proceed. If the Screening for Appropriate Assessment process considers that Appropriate
- DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT STANDARDS 16 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 460 Assessment is required, the applicant will be required to prepare a Natural Impact Statement for the development proposed. A proposed development will only be approved where it can be determined by the competent authority that, based on best scientific evidence, the project or plan proposed will not give rise to significant adverse direct, indirect or secondary effects on the integrity of any European site(s) (Natura 2000 site), either individually or in combination with other plans or projects. (Note: The Habitats Directive provides for imperative reasons of overriding public interest where a plan or project must proceed notwithstanding that the proposal will have significant adverse effect on the integrity of the Natura 2000 network and there are no alternative solutions available). Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is the process of examining the potential effects of a proposed development on the receiving environment. The Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) lists the mandatory development thresholds where an Environmental Impact Assessment is required in respect of applications for specified classes. In the case of sub-threshold projects, the Council may request by notice in writing a discretionary EIAR, where it considers that the project proposed would be likely to have significant effects on the environment. 16.1.7 Other Assessments Other assessments that may be required as part of planning proposals, in certain instances, include but are not limited to the following: • Flood Risk Assessment • Traffic and Transport Assessment • Architectural Assessment • Archaeological Assessment • Landscape Appraisal and Visual Assessment • Ecological Assessment.
- DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT STANDARDS 16 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 461 16.2 Design Standards for Urban Development Positive urban placemaking and design is a central component in creating and sustaining vibrant towns and villages. The Design Standards on urban development seek to assist in achieving positive urban placemaking and enhance a sense of place with access to services and amenities with a high quality of life for all. It is recognised that the development of infill, brownfield and backland sites in urban areas presents greater design challenges in comparison to similar development proposals on greenfield sites. Having regard to this and to assist in enabling their development, the application of policies and development standards shall allow for a degree of flexibility, focusing on design led and performancebased outcomes, rather than applying absolute requirements in all cases. 16.2.1 Urban Design Principles All development proposals should present high quality and considered design solutions employing best practice standards. The Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas, Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2009) (DoECLG) and Best Practice Urban Design Manual (2009) (DoECLG) provide guidance on best practice urban design principles, with which the urban design criteria and principles applied by the Council are premised. All new urban development proposals will be assessed in accordance with these criteria which are summarised in the Figure 16.2 below. Figure 16.2 Urban Design Criteria Context Connections Efficiency Distinctiveness Urban Design Criteria Adaptability Public Realm Parking Detailed Design Variety Inclusivity Layout Urban Design Criteria
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.