COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SDZ, LAPS AND PLANNING PROJECTS

 

 

Friday, January 26, 2018

MOTION NO. 81

MOTION: Councillor P. Gogarty

Amend Section 2.2.1 Introduction paragraph reading "This Planning Scheme aims to create a permeable and connected urban structure that overcomes and integrates with barriers to movement, through the development of a framework of routes and spaces that promote place-making and movement by different

modes of transport while connecting the SDZ lands with existing communities" to read:
 
This Planning Scheme aims to create a permeable and connected urban structure that overcomes and integrates with barriers to movement, through the development of a framework of routes and spaces that promote place-making and movement by different modes of transport while connecting the SDZ lands with existing communities in areas where both communities can access shared community, amenity and public transport infrastructure, the nature of such openings to be subject to agreement by residents in each existing housing estate.
 
Cllrs G. O'Connell, L. O'Toole and F. Timmons

REPORT:

Response

Further to the aspect of the motion that seeks agreement in relation to the opening of pedestrian and cycle links, it is advised that these proposed links are indicative only. Further to the provisions of the Permeability Best Practice Guide (2013), it is accepted that the Draft Planning Scheme should be amended to clarify that these will be subject to further assessment and approval (planning application or Part 8 approval) including further public consultation.

In the interest of promoting a shift to more sustainable modes of transport, the Draft Planning Scheme seeks to create a linked network of pedestrian and cyclist routes that maximises route choice.

Research (Permeability Best Practice Guide, 2013) has shown that local permeability improvements can reduce walking and cycling distances to schools, shops, public transport and other community facilities by delivering new links and opening barriers to movement. These can have many local economic, public transport, health and community development benefits. With the context the Draft Planning Scheme seeks to provide both existing and new communities with direct or indirect access to existing and planned facilities and infrastructure within the SDZ lands via the planned pedestrian and cyclist route network. It should be noted that only one of the links is proposed for vehicles (Ashwood) while the remaining links are proposed for pedestrians and cyclists only.

Locating such pedestrian and cyclist links to serve existing and planned communities only would, however, undermine the approach of the SDZ Planning Scheme to balance the needs of the car with more sustainable modes of transport and reducing the demand for travel by car.

Recommendation

It is recommended that this motion is adopted with amendment as follows:

Include the following text under Section 2.2.3 (Pedestrian and Cycle Movement):

Proposed Local and Pedestrian and Cycling Links with existing communities are indicative only and, in accordance with the recommendations of the Permeability Best Practice Guide (2013), shall be subject to further planning approval.

Strategic Environmental Assessment of Chief Executive’s Recommendation

No interaction with Strategic Environmental Objectives.

Appropriate Assessment Screening of Chief Executive’s Recommendation

No likely significant effects on European sites within the SDZ’s zone of influence are predicted.