COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN MEETING

Thursday, February 04, 2016

MOTION NO. 208

MOTION: Councillor F.N. Duffy

On page 148  Include additional Objective: Preserve, maintain, safeguard and protect the amenity value, visual integrity and rural character of open/unfenced landscape of the uplands, areas of rough grazing and commonage and secure access thereto. Discourage inappropriate development in open countryside and prohibit developments which are likely to have significant adverse visual impacts, either individually or cumulatively, on the character of the uplands, unless there is no overriding need for the development to be in that particular location. Where an overriding need is demonstrated ensure that it is appropriate in bulk and scale and is sited, designed and landscaped in a manner which minimises potential adverse impacts on the landscape. Ensure that development will not significantly interfere or detract from scenic uplands and that particular regard is had to potential impacts of new developments and require that proposed developments demonstrate that every effort has been made to reduce visual impacts (including site selection and design) and that visually prominent sites have been avoided to minimise visibility from scenic routes, walking trails, public amenities, settlements and roads. Have particular regard to the potential impacts of development on sensitive upland areas and materially consider the difficulty of establishing and maintaining screening vegetation.

REPORT:

Wording of Motion

The Chief Executive agrees with the sentiment of the motion, however, the proposed wording is unstructured and complex and is not consistent with policy contained with ‘Taking Steps to be a Literacy Friendly Local Authority’ (SDCC and National Adult Literacy Agency, 2012) in relation to the use of simple, plain and clear language that is literacy friendly.

Landscape Character Assessment

Further to the Landscape Character Assessment of South Dublin County (2015), HCL Policy 7 relates to the preservation and enhancement the character of the County’s landscapes particularly areas that have been deemed to have a medium to high Landscape Value or medium to high Landscape Sensitivity. This is followed by HCL 7 Objective 1 and 2, which seeks to protect and enhance the landscape character of the County.

The policy and objectives are further supported by Section 11.5.5, which requires proposals in high amenity zones and sensitive landscapes to be accompanied by Landscape Impact Assessment that demonstrates visual impact and outlines mitigation measures that ensure that existing features such as geological features are retained. It is also a requirement for proposals on sites with steep or varying topography to be accompanied by a comprehensive site analysis, concept proposal, design statement and sections that demonstrate how proposals incorporate the natural slope of sites.

The aforementioned negates the need to reiterate the need protect upland areas, discourage inappropriate development, and ensure that development will not detract from visual amenity. The proposed motion would therefore result in repetition and needlessly ad to the volume and complexity of the Draft Plan.

Recommendation

It is recommended that this motion is not adopted.