Westmeath County Development Plan 2021–2027

1. Page 501

   Cite this pagePDF p. 501 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT STANDARDS 16 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 482 Development Management Standards Policy Objectives – Retail It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 16.38 Large-Scale Retail Applications for large scale retail developments are assessed in accordance with the Westmeath County Retail Strategy 2019-2026. CPO 16.39 Service Stations In assessing planning applications for service stations, the following considerations will be taken into account:  Forecourt Store/Retail unit associated with a petrol filling station should generally not exceed 100sqm net floor area. Where an increase in this standard is sought, the Sequential Approach to retail development shall apply i.e. the retail element shall be assessed similar to an application for a standalone retail development in the same location.  Forecourt shops should be designed and sited to facilitate safe pedestrian and bicycle access, with unimpeded access for delivery vehicles. The safety aspects of circulation and parking within the station forecourt should be demonstrated fully.  Design and layout of service stations and forecourts should be of high-quality and integrate with the surrounding built environment. In urban centres, where the development would be likely to have a significant impact on the historic or architectural character of the area, the use of standard corporate designs and signage may not be acceptable.  Forecourt lighting, including canopy lighting, should be contained within the site and should not interfere with the amenities of the area.  Ancillary services such as car wash services should be sited so as not to result in queueing onto the public road network or negatively impact on neighbouring residential amenities.  Rapid EV charging point(s) should be provided and clearly demarcated with appropriate signage, in collaboration with ESB networks.  The development of Off-line Motorway Service Areas at national road junctions shall contain facilities of a type that avoids the attraction of short, local trips, a class of traffic that is inconsistent with the primary intended role for motorways and other national roads and associated junctions in catering for strategic long-distance inter-urban and inter-regional traffic.  It is Council policy to restrict the development of new service area facilities along rural sections of national roads and/or associated junctions, where the maximum speed limit applies, as such developments would create significant

2. Page 502

   Cite this pagePDF p. 502 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT STANDARDS 16 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 483 safety risks and affect the level of service available to road users, as well as impact on the viability and vitality of existing urban settlements.  The provision of off-line motorway service areas at national road junction and road side service facilities on non-motorway national roads and junctions shall have regard to Section 2.8 of the DoECLG Spatial Planning and National Road Guidelines and TII Policy on Service Areas. CPO 16.40 Fast Food/Take-away Outlet In assessing planning applications for fast food outlets, the following considerations will be taken into account:  Proposals should generally be confined to core retail areas or areas of mixed commercial development.  Proximity to Schools.  The envisaged cumulative effect of the proposed development on the existing mix of land uses and activities within an area/proximity of site. (The Council considers it inappropriate to provide for an excessive concentration of takeaways within a given area in order to maintain an appropriate mix of uses and protect night-time amenities in particular areas).  Proposed Hours of Operation.  Location of vents and other external services and their potential impact on adjoining amenities in terms of noise/odour/visual impact.  Potential impacts on the residential amenities of properties within the vicinity  Potential impacts on the character and amenities of an area. (Such uses are generally incongruous with mid-terrace locations or other locations where neighbouring properties or upper floors unconnected with the business are in residential use).  The scale of the development proposed in keeping with the scale of the building and the pattern of development in the area. CPO 16.41 Secondary Retail Type Outlets (Including Betting Office/Amusement Arcades/Casino/Tattoo Parlour/Vaping Shops) In assessing planning applications for Secondary Retail Type Outlets (Including Betting Office/Amusement Arcades/Casino/Tattoo Parlour/Vaping Shops), the following considerations will be taken into account:  The need to safeguard the vitality and viability of the defined retail area and to maintain a suitable mix of retail uses;  The number/frequency of such facilities in the area;  The effect on the amenities in the area arising from noise, hours of operation and litter.  The treatment of shop front advertising and window display.

3. Page 503

   Cite this pagePDF p. 503 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT STANDARDS 16 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 484 CPO 16.42 In assessing planning applications for markets/casual trading, the following considerations will be taken into account:  Arrangements for customers’/traders’ parking, servicing, storage, disposal and recycling of refuse and storage of stalls.  The Casual Trading Act of 1995 and specifically any Byelaws made by Westmeath County Council under Section 6 of the Act.  The likely impact on town centre vitality and viability, residential amenity, conservation area(s), the general environment or existing shops.  The capacity of the road network and parking requirements. 16.6 Community Infrastructure and Facilities Social and community infrastructure plays an important role in developing strong and inclusive communities. Social infrastructure should be easily accessible by walking, cycling and public transport. Shared use and co-location of facilities are encouraged, in order to align service provision, use land more efficiently and facilitate opportunities for further inclusion and community participation. Development Management Standards Policy Objectives - Community Infrastructure and Facilities It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council, in assessing planning applications for the provision of community facilities and social infrastructure to consider the following: CPO 16.43 Childcare Facilities should:  Demonstrate compliance with the ‘Guidelines on Childcare Facilities, Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2001) and Circular Letter PL3 2016 or any superseding guidelines.  Provide justification for proposed site location.  Provide details on accessibility, including pedestrian, cycle and public transport provisions and linkages to the proposed development.  Identify adequate and safe set-down and collection areas to facilitate peak traffic movements.  Identify adequate on-site car parking for staff.  Identify adequate play area(s) for pupils.  New or expanded premises should have regard to traffic impact associated with the number of children and staff to be accommodated and should provide adequate set-down areas and car parking areas to prevent traffic congestion.  Large scale proposals may be required to present a Mobility Management Plan to mitigate against traffic volumes by proposing staggered opening hours and drop off times to avoid congestion at peak times.

4. Page 504

   Cite this pagePDF p. 504 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT STANDARDS 16 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 485 The following locations are considered appropriate for the provision of childcare facilities:  In communities/larger new housing estates.  The vicinity of concentrations of work places, such as industrial estates, business parks and any other locations where there are significant numbers working.  Near schools.  Neighbourhood and town centres.  Adjacent to public transport corridors, park-and-ride facilities, pedestrian routes and dedicated cycle ways. CPO 16.44 Education Facilities: The location and provision of schools and other educational facilities are an integral part of the evolution of compact sustainable urban development and the development of sustainable communities, both in an urban and rural context. In this regard, the Council seeks to undertake planned approach to education provision and the location of new school facilities within settlements and with access to public transport and active travel modes, where feasible. In assessing planning applications for educational facilities, the following considerations will be taken into account:  Compliance with the ‘Guidelines on The Provision of Schools and the Planning System – A Code of Practice’ (2008).  The need for school accommodation.  Justification for proposed site location.  Details on accessibility, including pedestrian, cycle and public transport provisions and linkages to the proposed development. In this regard, schools should be located in such a manner as to maximise the number of pupils who will live within walking and cycling distance, connected by a safe and continuous network serving these modes. The design of school facilities should prioritise accessibility by non-car modes and encourage reduced use of the private car.  Adequate and safe set-down and collection areas to facilitate peak traffic movements and adequate car parking for staff.  Mobility Management Plan for the proposal having regard to the National Transport Authority publication "Workplace Travel Plans: A Guide for Implementers and the Toolkit for School Travel “  Adequate play area(s) for pupils. CPO 16.45 The Council shall prioritise road safety and traffic calming measures near or at all schools within County Westmeath. CPO 16.46 Health Care Services

5. Page 505

   Cite this pagePDF p. 505 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT STANDARDS 16 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 486 In assessing planning applications for Health Care Services, the following considerations will be taken into account:  Structures proposed should generally comprise a simple form and function and be located on suitably zoned lands within urban areas  Justification for proposal provided by reference to anticipated demand.  Adequate capacity in the local road network and car parking provisions.  Intended hours of operation.  Appropriate signage  Appropriate landscaping. CPO 16.47 Places of Worship In assessing planning applications for places of worship, the following considerations will be taken into account:  Location on appropriately zoned lands.  Details of the capacity of the facility (e.g. seating capacity), traffic assessment and intended hours of operation. New or extended places of worship should not create unacceptable traffic congestion; comply with car parking standards; and not impact on amenities of neighbouring residents or businesses (arising from traffic, noise or other disturbance). CPO 16.48 Community infrastructure and facilities In assessing planning applications for community infrastructure, the following considerations will be taken into account:  Overall need in terms of necessity, deficiency, and opportunity to enhance or develop local or County facilities.  Practicalities of site in terms of site location relating to uses, impact on local amenities, desirability, and accessibility.  Conformity with the requirements of appropriate legislative guidelines.  Conformity with land use zoning objectives. 16.7 Enterprise and Employment The Planning Authority requires high quality energy efficient design, materials, finishes and good quality landscaping for all development proposals on Enterprise and Employment type developments.

6. Page 506

   Cite this pagePDF p. 506 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT STANDARDS 16 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 487 Development Management Standards Policy Objectives - Enterprise and Employment It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council, in assessing planning applications for the provision of enterprise and development proposals to consider the following: CPO 16.49 Employment and Enterprise development (General)  The principle of development proposed, intensity and nature of the proposed use relative to the receiving environment and the likely impact on amenities of the surrounding area.  Achievement of an appropriate density and scale of development.  Proposals to achieve a positive modal shift towards sustainable transport alternatives.  Potential impact of traffic movement and parking provision. Parking allocation should visually integrate with the overall site and not present as large swathes of forecourt parking.  Quality of design and the treatment of ancillary utility equipment including roof top infrastructure such as vents, elevator shafts, cooling systems etc.  Sustainable waste management measures including location and screening of waste facilities. CPO 16.50 Seveso Sites:  Technical advice provided by The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) in respect of planning applications within a certain distance of the perimeter of the Seveso site (this distance varies depending on the nature of the activity at the site).  The siting of new establishments which are designated as a Seveso site.  Modifications to existing establishments which are designated as a Seveso site,  Development in the vicinity of an establishment (Seveso site) which, by virtue of its type or siting, is likely to increase the risk or consequences of a major accident.  Compliance with ‘Policy & Approach of the Health & Safety Authority to COMAH Risk-based Land-use Planning’ document which sets out the policy of the Authority on the landuse planning requirements of the European ‘Seveso’ Directive on the control of major accident hazards. CPO 16.51 Business Parks and Industrial Areas

7. Page 507

   Cite this pagePDF p. 507 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT STANDARDS 16 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 488  Individual buildings should exhibit a high-quality contemporary design and finish and the manner in which they conform with the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP).  Car parking should be provided in a discreet, landscaped and well-screened environment with a view to minimising its visual impact, particularly when viewed from approach roads.  Proposals should incorporate Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) and other measures that address adaptation to climate change including rainwater harvesting, the creation of integrated wetlands, the construction of green/living roofs whereby opportunities for existing solar energy and wind energy are taken.  The building line on all principal road frontages should generally not be less than 15 metres from the road and there should be a minimum planted strip of a width of 5 metres on all principal road frontages, in order to ensure an attractive open parkland setting. 16.8 Tourism The Council promotes and encourages a tourism industry that is economically, socially and environmentally sustainable including recreation in the countryside, where appropriate. Development Management Standards Policy Objectives - Tourism It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to assess planning applications for tourism and recreational amenities having regard to: CPO 16.52 Structures proposed should generally comprise a high-quality design with sensitive siting and design so as not to interfere with the visual setting of sensitive visual attractions. Justification for proposal provided by reference to anticipated demand. Adequate signage, and interpretation panels, to inform and enhance the visitor experience and assist in proper site management. In terms of sustainable tourism and recreation, facilities should be located within existing structures, or in buildings of character requiring renovation or in traditional farm houses, where possible and if appropriate. Where new buildings are proposed, they should be modest in scale, sensitively located and designed having regard to existing buildings, topography and landscaped and be adequately serviced and suitably managed.

8. Page 508

   Cite this pagePDF p. 508 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT STANDARDS 16 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 489 16.9 Agricultural Buildings and Structures Agricultural buildings, structures and associated works (walls, fences, gates, entrances, yards etc.) should relate to the landscape and be sympathetic to their surroundings in scale, materials and finishes. Traditionally this was achieved by having the roof darker than the walls. The grouping of agricultural buildings is encouraged in order to reduce their overall impact in the interests of amenity. Development Management Standards Policy Objectives - Agricultural Buildings and Structures It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 16.53 Agricultural buildings and structures and associated works  The design, scale, siting and layout of agricultural buildings should respect, and where possible, enhance the rural environment.  Buildings should generally be located a minimum of 100metres from the nearest dwelling other than the applicants dwelling.  The Council will generally seek to cluster agricultural buildings and structures together and siting to assimilate effectively into the landscape.  The use of harmonious external materials should be used to minimise obtrusion on the landscape. The use of dark coloured cladding, notably dark browns, greys, greens and reds are most suitable for farm buildings, and roof areas should be darker than walls. CPO 16.54 Reuse of redundant farm buildings The re-use of redundant farm buildings for small-scale rural enterprise will be considered where;  the building was previously in agricultural use for a reasonable period.  it is no longer required for agricultural purposes.  the use proposed can be largely contained within the existing building. 16.10 Extractive Industry (Quarries/Sand and Gravel Pits) Planning applications for any extractive industry should have regard to the Quarrying and Ancillary Activities (DEHLG 2004), Guidelines for Environmental Management in the Extractive Sector (EPA, 2006), Guidance on Biodiversity in the Extractive Industry (NPWS), GSI’s Geological Heritage Guidelines for the Extractive Industry, the Archaeological Code of Practice and the Irish Concrete Federation Environmental Code (2005) and any other relevant superseding policy guidance.

9. Page 509

   Cite this pagePDF p. 509 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT STANDARDS 16 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 490 Development Management Standards Policy Objectives - Extractive Industry It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 16.55 Details which should be submitted by the applicant as part of a development proposal as follows:  Map detailing total site area, area of excavation, any ancillary proposed development and nearest dwelling and/or any other development within 1km of the application site.  Description of the aggregate to be extracted, method of extraction, any ancillary processes (crushing etc), equipment to be used, stockpiles, storage of soil and overburden and storage of waste materials.  Total and annual tonnage of extracted aggregates, expected life time of the extraction, maximum extent and depth of working and a phasing programme.  Details of water courses, water table depth and hydrological impacts, natural and cultural heritage impacts, traffic impact and waste management.  Assessment of cumulative impact when taken with any other extractive operations in the vicinity.  Likely environmental effects, proposed mitigation measures and restoration.  Detailed Rehabilitation and after-care proposals. These should include a report with plans and section drawings, detailing the following: 1. Anticipated finished landform and surface/landscape treatments (both of each phase proposed (where applicable) and the excavation as a whole), 2. Quality and condition of topsoil and overburden, 3. Rehabilitation works proposed, 4. Type and location of any vegetation proposed, 5. Proposed method of funding and delivery of restoration/reinstatement works etc. Current Legal Planning Status of the Existing Development (Quarry/Sand and Gravel Pit). Justification on need for the development proposed, the extent of existing authorised quarry supplies available and the impact of the development on the local environment. Limited duration on permissions may be provided to allow for the re-evaluation of the development in light of unforeseen environmental implications and in light of changes in environmental standards and technology.

10. Page 510

    Cite this pagePDF p. 510 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
    DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT STANDARDS 16 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 491 CPO 16.56 Require by way of planning condition that the developer lodge a financial bond to ensure the satisfactory reinstatement of the site following the completion of extraction. This bond shall be index linked. CPO 16.57 Require that a special contribution levy may be required from the developer towards the cost of upgrading or repairing the local roads serving the quarry and to minimise the adverse impacts of associated quarry operations on the road network. 16.11 Telecommunications An efficient telecommunications system is vital in the development of the economy, however all applications in respect of its justification and appropriate siting are assessed on planning merit also. Development Management Standards Policy Objectives – Telecommunications It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to assess planning applications for telecommunications, having regard to the following: CPO 16.58 • Department of the Environment and Local Government’s “Planning Guidelines for Telecommunications Antennae and Supports Structures” (1996) and Departmental Circular PSSP 07/12. • Co-location agreements to be provided where possible. Where new facilities are proposed applicants will be required to satisfy the Council that they have made a reasonable effort to share facilities or to locate facilities in clusters. • Visual impacts arising from proposal. 16.12 Architectural Conservation and Archaeology 16.12.1 Architectural Heritage – Protected Structures When making a planning application for permission to restore, refurbish, demolish, develop or change of use of protected structures and other buildings of significant heritage interest, the Council normally requires that the following information should be submitted with each application: • An Architectural Assessment Report as per the Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines 2011; • A comprehensive schedule of proposed work as per the above guidelines.

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.