Development plan · Wicklow County Council
Wicklow County Development Plan 2022–2028 – Volume 1 Written Statement
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards.
Wicklow County Council · 2022–2028 · 465 pages
Ask this document
Answers come only from the text of Wicklow County Development Plan 2022–2028 – Volume 1 Written Statement, each claim linked to its page. They are not advice; check the page itself.
Free, with a daily limit.
- Wicklow County Development Plan 2022 - 2028 Chapter 7 | Community Development Health and Care CPO 7.19 To facilitate the development of healthcare uses at suitable locations, in liaison with the appropriate health authorities. Health facilities will be considered at all locations and in all zones provided that: the location is readily accessible to those availing of the service, with a particular presumption for facilities in towns and villages and in areas of significant residential development. Isolated rural locations will not generally be considered except where it can be shown that the nature of the facility is such that demands such a location; the location is generally accessible by means other than private car, in particular by public transport services, or by walking/cycling; and the location is accessible to those with disabilities. CPO 7.20 To facilitate the establishment of new or expansion of existing hospitals, nursing homes, centres of medical excellence, hospices, wellness/holistic health centres, respite care facilities or facilities for those with long term illness. CPO 7.21 To allow for a change of use of all or part of an existing dwelling in a residential zone to health care usage, subject to normal planning considerations, paying particular regard to car parking availability, impacts on traffic flow and obstruction and impacts on residential amenities. Residential & Day Care CPO 7.22 To facilitate the development and improvement of new and existing residential and daycare facilities throughout the County. CPO 7.23 To facilitate the development and improvement of new and existing supported living facilities throughout the County. CPO 7.24 Residential and daycare facilities shall, in general, be required to locate in existing towns or villages where sustainable mobility is easily achieved, shall be located close to shops and other community facilities required by the occupants and shall be easily accessible to visitors, staff and servicing traffic. Locations outside of delineated settlement boundaries shall only be considered where: The site is located in close proximity to a settlement and would not comprise an isolated development; An alternative site within the settlement boundary is not available; There are excellent existing or potential to provide new vehicular and pedestrian linkages to settlement services; and The design and scale of the facility is reflective of the semi-rural location. CPO 7.25 ‘Retirement villages’, made up of a number of independent housing units, with limited / no on-site care facilities will be required to locate on residentially zoned land in settlements (or where no local area plan exists, within the defined boundary of the settlement). CPO 7.26 Clinically managed/supervised dwelling units, such as ‘step down’ (i.e. post-acute care) accommodation or semi-independent housing provided as part of a medical facility, nursing home or other care-related facilities, will be considered strictly only on the following basis: The units are associated with an already developed and established medical facility, nursing home or other care-related facilities; the units are held in single ownership with the overall medical / nursing home / care facility; no provision is made for future sale or subdivision; and a strict management agreement is put into place limiting the use of such structures to those deemed in need of medical supervision or care;173
- Wicklow County Development Plan 2022 - 2028 Chapter 7 | Community Development The number of such units on any such site shall be limited to 10% of the total number of hospital/ nursing/care home bedrooms unless a strong case, supported by evidence, can be made for additional units; Such units shall be modest in scale and limited to single bedroom units only and independent facilities such as car parking and gardens shall not be provided to each unit (in order to ensure such units are not rendered suitable for standalone use as private dwellings). CPO 7.27 To provide for a new nursing home / residential care facility for the elderly at Kilmullen, Newcastle (c. 2ha) as shown on Map 7.01. Childcare & Preschool CPO 7.28 To facilitate the provision of childcare in a manner, which is compatible with land-use and transportation policies and adheres to the principles of sustainable development. CPO 7.29 To facilitate the provision of a network of childcare facilities that reflects the distribution of the residential population in the County, in order to minimise travel distance and maximise opportunities for disadvantaged communities. CPO 7.30 Where considered necessary by the Planning Authority, to require the provision of childcare facilities in all residential developments comprising 75 houses or more (including local authority and social housing schemes). In accordance with Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government guidelines, childcare places shall be provided at a ratio of 20 places per 75 residential units, having regard to cumulative effects of permitted development, (unless it can be demonstrated that having regard to the existing geographic distribution of childcare facilities and the emerging demographic profile of the area that this level of childcare facilities is not required). Without substantial cause, it is the policy of the Planning Authority not to allow a change of use of these premises within five years. CPO 7.31 While the Planning Authority does not encourage the provision of childcare facilities in rural areas consideration may be given subject to the following strict criteria: Existing infrastructural services (water supply, wastewater disposal, entrance and car parking arrangements) are adequate or can be upgraded to a standard suitable to meet the needs of the facility; and The scale of the facility (i.e. the number of children attending) shall be modest and appropriate to the rural location and will be required to be justified on the basis of the catchment of the facility, the proximity to other childcare facilities and the proximity to an existing towns or village, where land is zoned or available for childcare development. Leisure & Recreation CPO 7.32 Support the objectives of public health policy including Healthy Ireland, National Sports Policy and the National Physical Activity Plan. CPO 7.33 To facilitate opportunities for play and support the implementation of the Wicklow County Council Play Policy and its objectives, including the collection of development levies. CPO 7.34 In all new residential development in excess of 50 units, where considered necessary by the Planning Authority, the developer shall provide, in the residential public open space area, a dedicated children’s play area, of a type and with such features to be determined following consultation with Community, Cultural & Social Development Office of Wicklow County Council. The location of any such proposal shall be situated within a centrally located area capable of being passively supervised by surrounding developments.174
- Wicklow County Development Plan 2022 - 2028 Chapter 7 | Community Development CPO 7.35 All new estates, streets, open spaces/parks and community facilities shall be designed with the needs and safety of children, the elderly and people with disabilities as a priority. CPO 7.36 Subject to safety considerations, natural features (trees, streams etc) shall be retained in new developments. CPO 7.37 In accordance with Objective CPO 7.5, where a deficiency in facilities for teenagers/young adults and/or indoor community space is identified in an area, the proposed development should include proposals to address this deficiency in consultation with young people and appropriate stakeholders. CPO 7.38 All-new neighbourhood parks or active open space zones shall include a ‘mixed-use games area’ (MUGA) of an appropriate size and nature to be determined in, pre-consultation with the Community, Cultural & Social Development Office of Wicklow County Council. CPO 7.39 New community buildings/facilities shall be designed to facilitate a wide range of uses including active uses (e.g. basketball, badminton, gymnastics/dance, martial arts etc), meeting/club use and the operation of youth clubs and youth services and such buildings / facilities shall be universally accessible. CPO 7.40 To provide for the development of facilities that will contribute to the improvement of the health and well-being of the inhabitants of County Wicklow and facilitate participation in sport and recreation. CPO 7.41 Facilities for sports shall normally be located on designated active open space, close to towns or villages where they are easily accessed by sustainable mobility options. All efforts shall be made to locate new sports facilities close to existing community facilities, schools or areas of dense residential development. The Council may consider providing sites for these purposes or may be prepared to make financial or other assistance available, subject to reasonable access being made available to the public and to reasonable safeguards for the continued use of the land as open space. CPO 7.42 The redevelopment for alternative uses of open space and recreational lands whether owned by private recreational clubs or publicly owned, will normally be resisted by the Planning Authority unless suitable and improved alternative recreational facilities can be provided in a convenient location. CPO 7.43 The development of new sports or active open space zones shall be accompanied by appropriate infrastructure including: - Fully accessible changing rooms and drinking water fountains; - Car parking with EV charge points; - Pedestrian / cycling access and facilities; linkages to public transport. CPO 7.44 To prioritise, facilitate and support the development of a community swimming pool facility and a sports complex within the western region of the County, so located to achieve maximum accessibility to the residents of West Wicklow. CPO 7.45 To facilitate and support the development of multipurpose covered outdoor areas for all year round outdoor activities such as yoga, Pilates, tai chi etc. Open Space CPO 7.46 Through the local plan process, to designate suitable open space & covered open space in all settlements, commensurate with its needs and existing facilities, in accordance with the provisions of the Wicklow County Council Play, Sport & Recreation and Active Open Space policies.175
- Wicklow County Development Plan 2022 - 2028 Chapter 7 | Community Development CPO 7.47 To require open space to be provided in tandem with new residential development (in accordance with the standards set out in the Development & Design Standards Appendix). CPO 7.48 In existing residential areas, the areas of open space permitted, designated or dedicated solely for the use of the residents will normally be zoned ‘RE’ as they form an intrinsic part of the overall residential development. Non-community uses on such lands will not normally be permitted. CPO 7.49 To support and facilitate the development of allotments and community gardens, of an appropriate scale, on lands which meet the following criteria: land situated within or immediately adjacent to the edge of towns/villages; land that is easily accessible to the residents of a particular town or village; where an adequate water supply can be provided; where adequate road infrastructure and access exists/can be provided; and where adequate parking facilities can be provided. CPO 7.50 To require proposals for open space to include in their layout and overall design that will enhance and create greater biodiversity, in accordance with the objectives of Chapter 17 and 18 of this plan and the standards set out in the Development & Design Appendix. CPO 7.51 To support the development of regional-scale Open Space and Recreational facilities particularly those close to large or growing population centres within the Region. CPO 7.52 All open spaces shall be provided with environmentally friendly lighting in order to ensure their safe usage after daylight hours, in accordance with Chapter 15 of this plan ‘Light Pollution’ and the standards set out in the Development & Design Appendix. Arts & Culture CPO 7.53 To facilitate opportunities for the provision and development of Arts projects. CPO 7.54 To facilitate the creation and display of works of art at appropriate public locations, including appropriate locations within the streetscape, provided no unacceptable environmental, amenity, traffic or other problems are created. CPO 7.55 To facilitate and support the development of the library service within the County. CPO 7.56 To facilitate the development of new, improved or expanded places of worship and burial grounds including natural burial grounds at appropriate locations in the County, where the demand for the facility has been demonstrated. CPO 7.57 To support and promote the development of a craft/design hub in Arklow, Co. Wicklow as a legacy to Arklow Pottery. Social Enterprise CPO 7.58 To encourage and facilitate the development of social enterprise hubs that foster and support social enterprise4, social entrepreneurship and social innovation in the community. 4 Social enterprises are businesses whose core objective is to achieve a social, societal or environmental impact. Like other businesses, social enterprises trade in goods or services on an ongoing basis. However, any surpluses generated by social enterprises are re-invested into achieving a social impact, rather than maximising profit for their owners (National Social Enterprise Policy for Ireland 2019 – 2022).176
- Druids Glen Hotel Druidical Altar Pond Pond Pond KILMULLIN Wicklow County Council Planning Department Community Development Objectives Map No. 07.01 Scale 1:3,000 @A4 Legend To provide for new nursing home / residential care facility for the elderly at Kilmullen, Newcastle (c. 2ha) © Ordnance Survey Ireland. All rights reserved Licence number 2022/35/CCMA/Wicklow County Council WICKLOW COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028177
- Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 Chapter 8 | Built Heritage CHAPTER 8 BUILT HERITAGE 8.0 Introduction The purpose of this chapter is to set out strategies and objectives with regard to the built heritage of the County. The maps and schedules associated with this chapter are presented at the end of the chapter. The built heritage of Wicklow refers to all man-made features, buildings or structures in the environment. This includes a rich and varied archaeological and architectural heritage to be found throughout the countryside and within the historic towns and villages of the County. Archaeological sites, features and objects both above and below ground, or underwater, are evidence of human settlement from our earliest ancestors down to more recent centuries and provide information on how people in the area lived, worked and died. The architectural heritage relates to visible structures or buildings above ground of special value locally, regionally, nationally or even internationally. It covers many different building types, such as domestic houses, churches and shop premises but also includes other built elements such as bridges, piers, roads, engine houses, railways, holy wells, boundary walls to large estates, millraces, sluices and street furniture. The architectural and archaeological heritage of a town, village or place contributes greatly to the distinctive character of each local area. The Council is committed to safeguarding this heritage so that future generations may also enjoy this inheritance. This can be achieved by sensitively managing changes that occur to this heritage and by ensuring that significant elements, features or sites are retained. Built Heritage Strategy To ensure that the protection and conservation of the built heritage of Wicklow is an integral part of the sustainable development of the County and safeguard this valuable, and in many instances, non-renewable resource through proper management, sensitive enhancement and appropriate development; To safeguard archaeological sites, monuments, objects and their settings above and below ground and water listed in the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP), and any additional newly discovered archaeological remains; To identify and protect archaeologically sensitive historic landscapes; To ensure the protection of the architectural heritage of Wicklow through the identification of Protected Structures, the designation of Architectural Conservation Areas, the safeguarding of designed landscapes and historic gardens, and the recognition of structures and elements that contribute positively to the vernacular and industrial heritage of the County; and To support the actions in the County Wicklow Heritage Plan, in order to enhance the understanding, appreciation and protection of Wicklow’s built heritage.178
- Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 Chapter 8 | Built Heritage 8.1 Context European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage The European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage1 relates to the protection of the setting and context of archaeological sites. The Framework and Principles for the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage (1999 DHGI) outlines guiding policies for the protection of the archaeological heritage of Ireland. The Convention for the Protection of the Architectural Heritage of Europe The Convention for the Protection of the Architectural Heritage of Europe (The Granada Convention), drawn up by the Council of Europe, was ratified by Ireland in 1997. The national legislative provision for the protection of architectural heritage was subsequently introduced and implemented in the form of the Planning & Development Act 2000. Part IV of the Act provides the legislative basis for the protection of architectural heritage. This is important, as it reiterates the legal obligations of Irish planning law into a broader European context. This convention also includes the setting and context of archaeological sites as part of the archaeological heritage that requires protection. Ireland is a signatory of this Convention, and as such is legally bound by it. Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) Local Authorities are obliged to include the conservation and protection of archaeological sites as an objective within Development Plans. It is stated in section 10, subsection 2 (c), that: “a development plan shall include objectives for the conservation and protection of the environment including, in particular, the archaeological and natural heritage and the conservation and protection of European sites and any other sites which may be prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph” Thus, it is mandatory for Local Authorities to include the conservation and protection of the archaeological heritage as an objective in all Development Plans. In addition to this, the First Schedule, Part IV, Section 6 of the Act states that objectives which may be indicated in the Development Plan include: “Protecting and preserving (either in situ or by record) places, caves, sites, features and other objects of archaeological, geological, historical, scientific or ecological interest” The Act also confers a number of responsibilities on Local Authorities with regard to built heritage: Every development plan is required to include a record of protected structures which form part of our architectural heritage and which are of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest; The preservation of the character of architectural conservation areas; The control of development works on protected structures or the site of a protected structure; and The power to issue notices requiring certain works to be carried out to protect or restore an endangered protected structure and the power to acquire a protected structure. 1 Valetta, 1992 - ratified by Ireland in 1997179
- Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 Chapter 8 | Built Heritage Local Government Act, 2001 Section 69 (1) of the Local Government Act, 2001 requires Local Authorities to have regard to certain matters when exercising its functions under any enactment (e.g. their planning functions including adopting Development Plans and deciding on planning applications), and those matters include: “policies and objectives of the Government or any Minister of the Government in so far as they may affect or relate to its functions” The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (now the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage) set out policies in the 1999 publication ‘Framework and Principles for the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage’, and part of that policy is that archaeological considerations need to be taken full account of in the development process. National Monument Acts The National Monuments Acts 1930-2004 are the primary legislative framework for the protection of archaeological heritage in Ireland. Through the definition of monuments, historic monuments, and national monuments a wide range of structures and features fall under the remit of these Acts. The Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) was established under Section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994 and structures, features, objects or sites listed in this Record are known as Recorded Monuments. The term Monument refers to any artificial or partly artificial building or structure, that has been carved, sculptured or worked upon or which appears to have been purposely put or arranged in position. It also includes any, or part of any, prehistoric or ancient tomb, grave or burial deposit, or ritual, industrial or habitation site. Monuments that predate 1700 AD are automatically accorded the title Historic Monument. A ‘National Monument’ is defined in the National Monuments Acts (1930-2004) as a monument or the remains of a monument, the preservation of which is of national importance by reason of the historical, archaeological, traditional, artistic or architectural interest. As well as extending protection to all known sites, now identified as Recorded Monuments, the National Monuments Acts 1930 – 2004 extends protection to all previously unknown archaeological items and sites that are uncovered through ground disturbance or the accidental discovery of sites located underwater. Where necessary, the Minister with responsibility for Heritage will issue preservation orders to ensure protection is afforded to sites believed to be under threat. 8.2 Archaeology Our archaeological heritage includes structures, constructions, groups of buildings, developed sites, underwater sites, moveable objects and monuments of other kinds, as well as their context, whether situated on land or under water. This Archaeological Heritage is comprised of: Recorded sites and features of historical and archaeological importance included in the Record of Monuments and Places as established under Section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act, 1994; Major sites of archaeological importance in State Ownership or Guardianship; National Monuments which are the subject of preservation orders; All previously unknown archaeology that becomes known (e.g. through ground disturbance, fieldwork, or the discovery of sites underwater).180
- Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 Chapter 8 | Built Heritage Under the National Monuments Acts 1930-1994 all shipwrecks over one hundred years old, underwater archaeological structures, features and objects are protected. The quantification of the underwater archaeological resource is at a preliminary stage with the National Shipwreck Inventory currently being compiled. This source indicates areas of high archaeological potential within marine environments. The Record of Monuments and Places does not include all underwater archaeological sites. As a result the potential exists for development to impact negatively on our underwater cultural resource. Many historic burial grounds in County Wicklow are included on the RMP; these are generally graveyards that are not in active use but which may retain considerable archaeological and historical significance. Wicklow has a significant archaeological heritage, which provides a valuable cultural, educational and tourism resource. The Baltinglass hillfort complex in west Wicklow and Rathgall hillfort in south Wicklow are notable monuments of national importance, while Glendalough Monastic Settlement has been proposed for the tentative list as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its international significance. Wicklow County Council recognises the importance of preserving, protecting and fostering a greater public appreciation of the County’s archaeological heritage. 8.3 Architectural Heritage Wicklow has a wealth of architectural heritage, encompassing a wide spectrum from the grandeur of our well known estate houses, many of which, such as Powerscourt, Russborough and Killruddery, are now tourist attractions, to modest vernacular houses which evolved in the landscape over centuries and reflect locally available materials and skills. Architectural heritage makes a huge contribution to the distinctiveness of our towns and villages, examples being the characteristic Victorian seafront and terraces of Bray, the Arts and Craft style houses at Greystones, the fine Georgian Merchant houses of Arklow, the picturesque village of Enniskerry, the stonecutting tradition of Ballyknockan or the estate villages such as Shillelagh and Coolattin. Wicklow also has a rich industrial heritage which is reflected in surviving buildings and structures associated with mining, shipbuilding, milling, weaving and railway transportation. The Military Road along with its associated purpose built barracks is a unique testament to County Wicklow’s rebel history. Taken as a whole, this architectural heritage contributes to the special character of the County and is a unique resource which, once lost or damaged, cannot be replaced. 8.3.1 Record of Protected Structures (RPS) A ‘protected structure’ is any structure or specified part of a structure, which is included in the RPS. The purpose of the RPS is to protect structures, or parts of structures, which form part of the architectural heritage and which are of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest. Every development plan shall include a record of protected structures, and shall include in that record every structure which is, in the opinion of the Planning Authority, of such interest within its functional area. The placing of a structure on the RPS seeks to ensure that the character and interest of the structure is maintained and any changes or alterations to it are carried out in such a way as to retain and enhance that character and interest. The inclusion of a structure in the RPS confers certain responsibilities upon the owner of the structure and requires that planning permission be sought for any changes or alterations to the structure. The definition of a ‘structure’ or ‘a specified part of a structure’ for the purpose of the RPS includes “the interior of the structure; the land lying within the curtilage of the structure; any other structures lying within the curtilage of that structure and their interiors; and all fixtures and features which form part of the interior or exterior of the structure”. From the date of notification of an intention to include a structure in the RPS, the owner has a duty to protect that structure from endangerment. The Council may, on receipt of a written request from the owner or occupier of a protected181
- Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 Chapter 8 | Built Heritage structure, issue a declaration under Section 57 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), outlining certain works it considers would not materially affect the character and interest of the protected structure and which are, therefore, exempted from the requirement for planning permission. Any works that would materially affect the character and interest of a structure require planning permission. In general works to a protected structure should comply with the guidelines as set out in the Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines from the Department. The key to protecting such structures (or groups of structures) is to find ways to protect their physical integrity and maintain their viability. In this regard, there will be presumption in favour of the active use of heritage buildings, even if this means some modern interventions, rather than preserving them forever in the past, which can ultimately result in the structure being unusable and falling into dereliction. The Record of Protected Structures for County Wicklow is set out in the Appendix to this plan. 8.3.2 Vernacular Heritage & Other Structures / Items of Heritage Value Scattered throughout the countryside and within the towns and villages of Wicklow is an extensive stock of historic buildings and structures dating mainly from the 18th, 19th and early 20th century. These modest cottages, houses, shops, farm complexes, outbuildings, mills, factories and forges were the homes and workplaces of the ordinary people built by local people using local materials and techniques. While not all are included on the RPS, they are nonetheless of merit, making a positive contribution to the character of the landscape and to the distinctive character of a particular area. Damage to the vernacular building stock occurs through the loss of whole structures but can also be as a result of the gradual erosion of architectural details such as the replacement of roof coverings and windows with modern materials, removal of external render, inappropriate repointing and the addition of unsuitable extensions. Alterations to individual buildings can have a significant and cumulative effect on streetscapes and landscapes. The Council seeks to safeguard vernacular heritage, and encourages the rehabilitation and appropriate reuse of the vernacular building stock in recognition of the vital role it plays in the sustainable development of the County. 8.3.3 Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs) In accordance with Section 81 of the Planning & Development Act, a development plan shall include an objective to preserve the character of a place, area, group of structures or townscape, taking account of building lines and heights, that a) is of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest or value, or b) contributes to the appreciation of protected structures, if the Planning Authority is of the opinion that its inclusion is necessary for the preservation of the character of the place, area, group of structures or townscape concerned and any such place, area, group of structures or townscape shall be known as an “Architectural Conservation Area”. ACAs contribute to the revitalisation of the fabric of towns, villages and rural areas by supporting their aesthetic value, giving them a distinctive identity, and thus make a positive contribution to local economies and tourist potential. The designation of an ACA does not prejudice innovative and contemporary design; on the contrary, in principle, design of a contemporary and minimalist style will be facilitated within ACAs provided it does not detract from the character of the area.182
Source Wicklow County Council: Wicklow County Development Plan 2022–2028 – Volume 1 Written Statement (2022–2028) · 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.