COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SDZ, LAPS AND PLANNING PROJECTS

Friday, January 26, 2018

MOTION NO. 206

MOTION: Councillor E. Higgins

That Section 2.8.6 be amended to specify that new units being built on the boundary of existing communities and adjacent to existing estates be no more than 2 storey in height with a gradual change in building height as you move away from the immediate boundary, and no significant marked increase in height differentials in close proximity to low-rise housing.

Cllrs Emer Higgins, Vicki Casserly, William Lavelle, Kenneth Egan, Paula Donovan, Brian Lawlor and Conor McMahon

REPORT:

Response

Further to the response to Item 56614, new streets located adjacent to existing residential estates have been designated as Local Streets where lower building heights of between 2 – 4 stories are prescribed. These building heights will ensure compliance with the density requirements of the SDZ lands as well as DMURS requirements in relation to building height to street width ratios.

Furthermore, to ensure that building heights respect the surrounding context, Section 2.8.6 of the Draft Scheme requires new developments immediately adjoining existing one and two storey housing to incorporate a gradual change in building height. No significant marked increase in building height in close proximity to existing low-rise housing is permissible.

It is 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.

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.