COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SDZ, LAPS AND PLANNING PROJECTS

Friday, January 26, 2018

MOTION NO. 217

MOTION: Councillor P. Gogarty

That a maximum permissable height of 7-storeys be permitted if required in the zones immediately adjacent to the train stations to facilitate increased densities in urban areas arising from the change of use for lower density housing land to open space/amenity elsewhere in the plan and the need to transfer additional units into these areas.

Cllrs G. O'Connell, L. O'Toole and F. Timmons

REPORT:

The building height strategy for the SDZ lands (Fig. 2.8.10 of Planning Scheme) provides for general building heights of 2 to 6 storeys, with building at the higher end of the scale in the Kishoge and Clonburris Urban Centres. The proposed motion would increase the general building heights in the Kishoge and Clonburris Urban Centres to 7 storeys.

Amending the building heights strategy to accommodate higher densities, In general, would require further analysis and would impact on the overall masterplan. Building heights have been prescribed in the Draft Planning Scheme to recognise the importance of place making and also to reflect other aspects of the Draft Scheme including street hierarchy, density and urban structure requirements i.e. designation of streets types and widths on the basis of function and speed etc.

It is considered that any changes to the building height and densities would have implications for all these components and as such, it is considered that alternative heights and densities are not justified in the absence of an evidence based approach.

Furthermore, the proposed motion would further undermine the building height strategy in terms of the provision of landmark (6-8 + storeys) and local landmark (+1-2 storeys) buildings at key locations, 3 of which are designated under the Draft Planning Scheme adjacent to both railway stations.

Recommendation

It is recommended that this motion is not adopted.

 

Strategic Environmental Assessment of Chief Executive’s Recommendation

No interaction with Strategic Environmental Objectives.

Strategic Environmental Assessment of Motion

As stated above, this would potentially interact with other scheme elements and cumulative effects relating to landscape and material assets SEOS. Not recommended for adoption.

 

Appropriate Assessment Screening of Chief Executive’s Recommendation

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