COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN MEETING

Thursday, June 18, 2015

MOTION NO. 69

MOTION: Councillor G. O'Connell

The following objective to be inserted in the 2016 - 2022 County Development Plan ref 2.2.1 (P 32) and 2.2.3 (P 34) H Policy 7 so as to ensure that any new development, or renovations to existing buildings will support, enhance, protect and promote the rich heritage of Palmerstown Village and community: OBJECTIVE that any future development of both residential and/or commercial developments in Palmerstown Village and the greater Palmerstown Area shall not be higher than or in excess of three stories in height.

Co signed by Cllr. P. Gogarty, Cllr. L. O'Toole, Cllr. F. Timmons and Cllr. D. O'Donovan.

REPORT:

Section 11.2.7 Building Height of the Chief Executives Draft contains set of criteria for determining the appropriate building height, namely: 

• The prevailing building height in the surrounding area.
• The proximity of existing housing - in residential areas new residential development that adjoins existing two storey housing (backs or sides onto or faces) shall be no more than two storeys in height, unless a separation distance of 35 metres or greater is achieved.
• The  formation of a cohesive streetscape pattern – including height and scale of the proposed development in relation to width of the street, or area of open space.
• The proximity of any Protected Structures, Architectural Conservation Areas      and / or other sensitive development.

This is an extensive set of criteria that ensures a rigorous assessment process is undertaken, in accordance with the requirements of the Planning and Development Act and various national guideline documents, such as theGuidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas (2009).

Appropriate building heights should be determined on a case-by-case basis, via a site analysis and urban design process, and assessed against the safeguards contained within Section 11.2.7 Building Height of the Draft Plan.  The imposition of a blanket three storey height limit on all lands within Palmerstown is contrary to proper planning and is unlikely to withstand a rigorous planning assessment.  See also item 45127.

Recommendation

It is recommended that this motion is not adopted.