COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SDZ, LAPS AND PLANNING PROJECTS

Friday, January 26, 2018

MOTION NO. 281

MOTION: Councillor F. Timmons

No development over 2 storey adjacent to the existing estates of Cappaghmore and Ashwood to prevent overlooking and that Existing trees along boundaries of existing estates should be preserved to enhance privacy, in particular at Ashwood and Cappaghmore. 

Cllrs G. O Connell, P. Gogarty and L. O'Toole 

REPORT:

The Draft Planning Scheme is cognisant of existing established residential area and requires new development to respect the surrounding context. Section 2.8.6 of the Draft Planning Scheme relates to Building Heights and Street Widths and states that to ensure that building heights respect the surrounding context, new developments immediately adjoining existing one and two storey housing shall incorporate a gradual change in building height with no significant marked increase in close proximity to existing low-rise housing.

The Chief Executives Report refers to Section 2.8.6 and clarifies that the building height in this area (Table 3.3.12) is 2-4 storey.

It is therefore accepted that the Planning Scheme could be amended to clarify that new residential development that adjoins (backs or sides onto) one or two storey housing shall be between 2 and 3 storeys in height.

In relation to the preservation of existing trees at Ashwood and Cappaghmore, it is a key principle of Section 2.3 Green and Blue Infrastructure, ‘To seek to retain hedgerows, aquatic habitats and established tree lines wherever possible’.

It is considered that the intent of this element of the proposed motion is provided for under Sections 2.8.6 and Section 2.3 of the Draft Planning Scheme. No amendment is therefore required.

Recommendation

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

Include the following text under Section 2.8.6 (general):

To ensure that building heights respect the surrounding context, new developments immediately adjoining (backs onto or sides onto) existing one and two storey housing shall be between 2 and 3 storeys in height and shall incorporate a gradual change in building height with no significant marked increase in close proximity to existing low-rise housing.

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.