Wicklow County Development Plan 2022–2028 – Volume 1 Written Statement

1. Page 91

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   Wicklow County Development Plan 2022 - 2028 Chapter 4 | Settlement Strategy The town is located on the Wicklow / Kildare county boundary. It shall be a priority to ensure that any plans prepared for the town are undertaken in consultation with Kildare County Council to provide a strategy for the sustainable development of the town and its hinterland as a whole, irrespective of County borders. Housing Occupancy Controls As a ‘Self-Sustaining Growth Town’, the settlement should provide housing for people from across the County and region.83

2. Page 92

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   Wicklow County Development Plan 2022 - 2028 Chapter 4 | Settlement Strategy Level 4: Self-Sustaining Towns Settlements: Baltinglass, Enniskerry, Kilcoole, Newtownmountkennedy and Rathdrum. Population and Growth Targets These towns have an approximate population range from c. 1,500 to 5,000. Settlement Population 2016 Population Target Q2 2028 Baltinglass 2,251 2,607 Enniskerry 1,877 2,106 Kilcoole 4,244 4,778 Newtownmountkennedy 3,552 5,179 Rathdrum 1,716 2,339 Role and Function Self-Sustaining Towns are towns that require contained growth, focusing on driving investment in services, employment growth and infrastructure whilst balancing housing delivery. There is a strong emphasis on aligning population growth with employment growth to make these towns more self-sustaining and capable of accommodating additional growth in the future. Some of these settlements have experienced significant housing growth in recent years and are now in need of catch-up facilities and employment growth. There is potential to pursue further placemaking improvements within the town centres to create a stronger urban structure, deliver improved community and recreation facilities, strengthen the towns’ identities and sense of place and provide for a high quality of life. Delivering compact growth, regeneration and revitalisation of the town centres is a key priority. Sustainable mobility should be facilitated and promoted as part of any new development within these settlements. Proposals for regeneration and renewal should be heritage led where possible and informed by healthy placemaking. The towns will aim to become more self-sustaining by concentrating on local enterprise and employment growth and catch-up facilities. This will include attracting investment in a mixture of ‘people’ and ‘product’ intensive industries that will generate new employment opportunities and improve the jobs ratio. Baltinglass and Rathdrum in particular serve wide rural catchments and provide a range of services and facilities to these rural areas in addition to their own residents. It is important that this role is protected and strengthened to ensure their viability as service centres and to sustain rural areas. It is important that the investment in social infrastructure in these towns is at a higher level, equivalent to larger size centres in recognition of their role as key centres for a very large rural hinterland and for surrounding smaller villages and towns. Housing Occupancy Controls As ‘Self-Sustaining Towns’, these settlements should provide housing for people from across the County and region.84

3. Page 93

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   Wicklow County Development Plan 2022 - 2028 Chapter 4 | Settlement Strategy Level 5: Small Towns – Type 1 Settlements: Ashford, Aughrim, Carnew, Dunlavin, Tinahely Population and Growth Targets These towns have a population range from approximately 800-1,500 people, with a combined 2016 Census population of 5,710 persons. The Core Strategy provides for an average growth rate of c. 20% between 2016 and 2031; an increase in population of approximately 1,500 across the 5 settlements in this tier. The growth rate between 2022 and 2031 will vary slightly between the settlements depending on the level of development which has already been developed or commenced since 2016, the availability of services and infrastructure and the capacity to absorb additional growth. Role and Function These settlements are relatively small towns, ideally serviced by good bus links and located approximately 5-25km from large towns. These settlements are not prioritised for major growth or investment. Instead these settlements are prioritised for local indigenous growth and investment. These settlements have strong identities and lots of character making them attractive places to live in and to visit. The focus of any new development should be on compact growth, regeneration and renewal. Regeneration should be heritage led and there should be strong focus on creating attractive animated streetscapes and high quality public realm. Any new development should be cognisant of the rural setting of these towns and this should be reflected in the design. It will be a priority to support these towns as economically active independent towns, with less dependence on commuting for population growth. Relatively small and locally financed businesses are expected to locate in these small towns. However other economic investment could be supported where it is sustainable and in keeping with the size and services of the particular town. These towns should target local investment in ‘product’ intensive industries with some ‘people’ emphasis. Retail is likely to be mainly in the convenience category with a small supermarket and possibly local centres serving only the town and its local catchment area. Craft and niche retail that makes these settlements attractive to tourists will also be facilitated. These towns are likely to contain facilities such as a primary and sometimes a secondary school, as well as a health clinic. Investment in community facilities and recreation amenities to serve existing communities will be supported. Housing Occupancy Controls As ‘Small Towns’, the settlements should provide housing for people from across the County and region.85

4. Page 94

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   Wicklow County Development Plan 2022 - 2028 Chapter 4 | Settlement Strategy Level 6: Small Towns – Type 2 Settlements: Avoca, Donard, Kilmacanogue, Newcastle, Roundwood, Shillelagh Population and Growth Targets These towns range in population from approximately 400 – 900 people with the exception of Donard which has a population of approximately 189 (2016), with a combined population in 2016 of 3,835 persons. The Core Strategy provides for an average growth rate of c. 15% between 2016 and 2031, an increase in population of c. 510 persons across the 6 settlements in this tier. The growth rate will vary slightly between the settlements depending on the level of development which has already been completed and commenced since 2016, the availability of services and infrastructure and the capacity to absorb additional growth. Role and Function These are strong rural towns, with a good range of infrastructural services. These towns are differentiated in this plan from ‘Small Towns – Type 1’ having regard to their more rural character, their level of services and the rural nature of their catchments. Such rural centres are considered to contain the potential to consolidate rural development needs and support the maintenance of essential rural social and community infrastructure such as schools, shops, public houses, post offices and local sporting organisations. These settlements should aim to attract local investment, mainly in ‘product’ intensive industries with some ‘people’ intensive industries particularly within centres. There may be scope for these settlements to capitalise on opportunities to provide tourism infrastructure and to tap into developments based on rural pursuits within the rural area. In these settlements it is essential that appropriate growth is supported while also strictly controlled so that development is undertaken in a manner that is respectful to the character of these towns, the capacity of infrastructure and the environmental sensitivities of the rural area. It is of utmost importance to ensure that the design of development is appropriate to the rural setting within which these towns are situated. Growth Controls The scale of new residential development should be in proportion to the scale, pattern and grain of the existing settlement. Expansion should be commensurate within the existing settlement structure and should proceed on the basis of a number of well integrated sites including infill sites within and around the settlement centre rather than focusing on one very large site. No one development should increase the existing housing stock by more than 10%. Housing Occupancy Controls The settlements in Level 6 shall be identified for modest growth and shall absorb demand for new housing from inside and outside the County.86

5. Page 95

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   Wicklow County Development Plan 2022 - 2028 Chapter 4 | Settlement Strategy Level 7: Villages (Type 1) Settlements: Wicklow MD – Glenealy, Laragh Arklow MD – Barndarrig, Ballinaclash, Redcross Baltinglass MD – Coolboy, Hollywood, Kiltegan, Knockananna, Manor Kilbride, Stratford-on-Slaney Greystones MD – Kilpedder / Willowgrove Village settlement boundaries are set out in the attached maps. Role and Function These are rural villages that have a moderate level of existing infrastructural services, both physical and social, and that are of such a size as to accommodate a moderate amount of new housing. These settlements generally have a population of less than 500, with many considerably smaller. These settlements provide a range of local community services and facilities including for example a church, primary school, shop, community hall, sports ground, pub and post office. These villages are an important focal point for rural communities. In order to safeguard their continued existence into the future, it is important that growth is managed in a sustainable manner. These settlements should aim to target local investment in generally small scale non intensive industry that is based on local rural resources. There may be some scope for these villages to provide small scale tourism facilities based on rural pursuits having regard to the location of many villages deep within the rural area of the County. Retail outlets should provide for the convenience needs of the local population. Social / recreational facilities should provide for the day to day needs of the local population. In these settlements it is essential that growth is supported while also strictly managed so that development is undertaken in a manner that is respectful to the character of these villages, their infrastructural capacity and the environmental sensitivities of the rural area. It is of utmost importance to ensure that the design of development is appropriate to the rural setting within which these villages are situated. The scale of new residential development should be in proportion to the scale, pattern and grain of the existing village. Expansion of the village should be commensurate within the existing village structure and should proceed on the basis of a number of well integrated sites including infill sites within and around the village centre rather than focusing on one very large site. In order to facilitate commensurate growth, any individual scheme for new housing should not be larger than 10 units. Housing Occupancy Controls Multi-house development Single house 50% no restriction 50% Applicant / purchaser of any new home must be either:  a resident for at least 3 years duration in County Wicklow or  in permanent employment for at least 3 years duration in County Wicklow, of within 30km of the Type 1 Village in question prior to making of application / purchase of new house. 100% Applicant / purchaser of any new home must be either:  a resident for at least 3 years duration in County Wicklow or  in permanent employment for at least 3 years duration in County Wicklow, of within 30km of the Type 1 Village in question prior to making of application / purchase of new house. Level 8: Villages (Type 2)87

6. Page 96

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   Wicklow County Development Plan 2022 - 2028 Chapter 4 | Settlement Strategy Settlements: Arklow MD – Annacurragh, Ballycoog, Connary, Greenane, Johnstown, Kirikee, Thomastown. Baltinglass MD – Askanagap, Ballyconnell, Ballyknockan, Coolafancy, Coolattin, Coolkenno, Crossbridge, Donaghmore, Grangecon, Kilquiggan, Knockanarrigan, Lackan, Rathdangan, Talbotstown, Valleymount. Wicklow MD – Annamoe, Ballynacarrig (Brittas Bay), Moneystown. Village settlement boundaries are set out on the attached maps. Role and Function These villages generally bear similar characteristics to the Level 7 villages, with the exception that they generally have more limited infrastructure and as such can accommodate lower levels of housing growth. Type 2 villages generally have a population of less than 100 and have few facilities other than possibly a public house, GAA grounds, primary school and/or church. They perform a similar role and function as Type 1 Villages, acting as a focal point for the rural community, a place where people can gather and support the identity of this population. Having regard to their status on a lower tier of the settlement hierarchy, it is particularly important to safeguard their continued existence into the future, and to ensure that growth is managed and facilitated in a sustainable manner. These settlements have limited capacity to absorb growth. As such, the scale of new residential development should be in proportion to the scale, pattern and grain of the existing village. Expansion of the village should be commensurate within the existing village structure and should proceed on the basis of a number of well integrated sites including infill sites within and around the village centre rather than focusing on one very large site. In order to facilitate commensurate growth, any multi-unit housing development should not be larger than 5 units. Housing Occupancy Controls Multi-house development Single house 50% Applicant / purchaser of any new home must be either:  a resident for at least 3 years duration in County Wicklow or  in permanent employment for at least 3 years duration in County Wicklow, of within 30km of the Type 2 Village in question prior to making of application / purchase of new house. 50% Applicant / purchaser of any new home must be either:  a resident for at least 5 years duration in County Wicklow or  in permanent employment for at least 5 years duration in County Wicklow, of within 15km of the Type 2 Village in question prior to making of application / purchase of new house. 100% Applicant / purchaser of any new home must be either:  a resident for at least 5 years duration in County Wicklow or  in permanent employment for at least 5 years duration in County Wicklow, of within 15km of the Type 2 Village in question prior to making of application / purchase of new house. Level 9: Rural Clusters88

7. Page 97

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   Wicklow County Development Plan 2022 - 2028 Chapter 4 | Settlement Strategy Settlements: Wicklow MD – Ballyduff, Boleynass, Killiskey, Kilmurray (NTMK), Tomriland. Arklow MD –Barranisky, Glenmalure, Kilcarra, Kingston, Macreddin. Baltinglass MD – Ballinglen, Ballyfolan, Ballynulltagh, Baltyboys, Carrigacurra, Crab Lane, Croneyhorn, Davidstown, Goldenhill, Gorteen, Kilamoat, Moyne, Mullinacluff, Oldcourt, Park Bridge, Rathmoon, Redwells, Stranakelly, Tomacork. The boundaries for Rural Clusters are set out on the attached maps. Role and Function Rural clusters are generally ‘unstructured’ and / or historic settlements with very limited facilities and therefore considered suitable for very limited new rural development, with the main purpose of the designation being to direct rural generated housing into rural clusters rather than the open countryside. Housing Occupancy Controls Multi-house development Single house Not permitted Applicant / purchaser of any new home must (a) be a resident for at least 10 years duration in County Wicklow of a settlement / area designated as Level 4 -10 in the County settlement hierarchy that is within 10km of the rural cluster in question prior to making of application / purchase of new house. (b) demonstrate a proven need for housing, for example:  first time home owners;  someone that previously owned a home and is no longer in possession of that home as it had to be disposed following legal separation / divorce, the transfer of a home attached to a farm to a family member or the past sale of a home following emigration.89

8. Page 98

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   Wicklow County Development Plan 2022 - 2028 Chapter 4 | Settlement Strategy Level 10: The rural area (open countryside) Location: All the rural area outside of the designated settlements. Population and Growth Targets The Core Strategy provides for a growth in rural population (including villages and the open countryside) of approximately 9% between 2016 and Q2 2028. However, this does not infer that bona fide applications for single houses in the open countryside will be refused on the basis on this target being reached. Role and Function This is the ‘rural area’ of County Wicklow. Put simply, it forms the ‘open countryside’ and includes all lands outside of the designated settlement boundaries. The rural area in Wicklow is an active and vibrant area that plays host to a range of activities including, for example, rural housing, rural recreational activities, agricultural, horticulture, forestry, aquaculture, fishing, rural tourism, rural enterprises, quarrying and extraction, landfill, renewable energy etc. The key development parameter in the rural area is to facilitate appropriate and necessary activities and development, but to protect the natural environment within which these activities are undertaken. Protecting the natural environment is essential for the maintenance and protection of ecological biodiversity and landscape quality, as well as meeting climate change and green infrastructure aspirations. In order to safeguard the future viability of rural activities and to ensure that the rural area flourishes, it is essential that the development of the rural area is managed in a sustainable manner into the future. It is necessary to support and protect the rural area and ensure the appropriate management of rural uses including rural housing, key rural services, agricultural activities, use of aggregate resources, green and alternative businesses, rural transport, rural tourism and rural entrepreneurship. Development within the rural area should be strictly limited to proposals where it is proven that there is a social or economic need to locate in the area. Protection of the environmental and ecological quality of the rural area is of paramount important and as such particular attention should be focused on ensuring that the scenic value, heritage value and/or environmental / ecological / conservation quality of the area is protected. Housing Occupancy Controls Rural housing policy applies (see Chapter 6).90

9. Page 99

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   Wicklow County Development Plan 2022 - 2028 Chapter 4 | Settlement Strategy 4.3 Settlement Strategy Objectives CPO 4.1 To implement the County Wicklow Core Strategy and Settlement Strategy, having regard to the availability of services and infrastructure and in particular, to direct growth into key towns, selfsustaining growth towns, self-sustaining towns and small towns. CPO 4.2 To secure compact growth through the delivery of at least 30% of all new homes within the built-up footprint of existing settlements by prioritising development on infill, brownfield and regeneration sites and redeveloping underutilised land in preference to greenfield sites. CPO 4.3 Increase the density in existing settlements through a range of measures including bringing vacant properties back into use, reusing existing buildings, infill development schemes, brownfield regeneration, increased building height where appropriate, encouraging living over the shop and securing higher densities for new development. CPO 4.4 Support investment in infrastructure and services which aligns with the Core Strategy and Settlement Strategy. CPO 4.5 To ensure that all settlements, as far as is practicable, develop in a self sufficient manner with population growth occurring in tandem with physical and social infrastructure and economic development. Development should support a compact urban form and the integration of land use and transport. CPO 4.6 To require new housing development to locate on designated housing land within the boundaries of settlements, in accordance with the development policies for the settlement. CPO 4.7 To implement the Core Strategy and Settlement Strategy, to monitor development and the delivery of services on an ongoing basis and to review population targets where service delivery is impeded. CPO 4.8 To prepare new local plans for the following areas during the lifetime of this development plan: Bray Municipal District, Wicklow-Rathnew, Arklow, Greystones-Delgany and Kilcoole, Blessington. CPO 4.9 To target the reversal of town and village centre decline through sustainable compact growth and targeted measures that address vacancy, dereliction and underutilised lands and deliver sustainable renewal and regeneration outcomes. CPO 4.10 To support the sustainable development of rural areas by encouraging growth while managing the growth of areas that are under strong urban influence to avoid over-development. CPO 4.11 To strengthen the established structure of villages and smaller settlements both to support local economies and to accommodate additional population in a way that supports the viability of local infrastructure, businesses and services, such as schools and water services. CPO 4.12 To support the development of a ‘New Homes in Small Towns and Villages’ initiative between the Local Authority, Irish Water, communities, and other stakeholders to provide serviced sites with appropriate infrastructure to meet rural housing requirements in small towns and villages. CPO 4.13 To require that the design, scale and layout of all new residential development is proportionate to the existing settlement, respects the character, strengthens identity and creates a strong sense of place.  For Level 6 towns no one development should increase the existing housing stock by more than 10%.91

10. Page 100

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    Wicklow County Development Plan 2022 - 2028 Chapter 4 | Settlement Strategy  For Level 7 Villages, any multi-unit housing development should not be larger than 10 units  For the Level 8 Villages, any multi-unit housing development should not be larger than 5 units. CPO 4.14 To ensure that key assets in rural areas such as water quality and natural and cultural heritage are protected to support quality of life and economic vitality. CPO 4.15 To protect and promote the quality, character and distinctiveness of the rural landscape.92

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.