COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SDZ, LAPS AND PLANNING PROJECTS

Friday, January 26, 2018

MOTION NO. 324

MOTION: Councillor E. Higgins

That table 4.3 be amended to replace the proposed phase 1B and 2 requirements regarding Griffeen Valley Park Extension or Barony Park with the following:

Phase 1A: “Planning and commencement of works at Griffeen Valley Park Extension, including required playing pitches, in accordance with the prepared and agreed strategic Parks and Landscape Strategy.”

Phase 1B: “Planning and commencement of works at Barony Park (North and South) in accordance with the prepared and agreed strategic Parks and Landscape Strategy.”

 

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

REPORT:

Section 4 of the Draft Planning Scheme details the Phasing Programme for the development of the lands. The Phasing Programme aims to provide a balanced delivery of infrastructure, urban centres and community services in tandem with population increase through a logical flexible schedule.

The subject motion is one of a number of motions proposing to amend Table 4.3 of the Scheme in relation to the timing of the strategic park provision in the Phasing Programme. In relation to the timing of the strategic park provision, the Chief Executive considers that a critical mass of residential development is required for passive surveillance and to provide activity in the parks. Additionally, it is noteworthy that some layout works have taken place at the Griffeen Valley Park Extension already. In this context, the provision of the two main strategic parks at Griffeen and Barony (North and South) are phased to be rolled out incrementally in Phase 1B, Phase 2 and Phase 3. It is noted that the Phasing Programme is based on the minimum delivery per phase, and any works may be brought forward and completed sooner than scheduled in the Phasing Programme. The strategic parks are in addition to the requirements to provide private amenity space, communal open space and other areas of open space outlined in the masterplan as part of planning applications. The Phasing Programme provides a balanced approach, proactively supporting sustainable development and integrating consideration of its economic, social and environmental aspects at the earliest stage to deliver development in an economically viable manner in accordance with Government Policy.

The front loading of the strategic parks adds to development costs and the proposed motion could adversely affect the viability and affordability of housing within the SDZ Lands.

The Chief Executive recommends that the timing of the strategic parks provision remains as per the Phasing Programme. It is noted that the Phasing Programme and Planning Scheme will be reviewed as part of Phase 2.

In relation to the inclusion of reference to the playing pitch, Section 2.10 the Draft Planning Scheme requires a Parks and Landscape Strategy for the entire lands to be submitted prior to the commencement of development on the lands. The PLS will be a comprehensive framework setting out the overarching design details for the the strategic open spaces, local parks and squares, urban spaces and squares, strategic routes and local links. One of the key elements to be included in the PLS will be details of active (which includes playing pitches) and passive recreation provision on the lands.

As such, the PLS is considered to be the primary mechanism by which playing pitches, outdoor activities and facilities for teenagers and other active recreation uses will be identified and proposed for the lands. In terms of the number, dimensions and type of playing pitches, these will be designated in the most suitable locations, having regard to environmental sensitivity issues and SUDs measures.

The Phasing Programme outlines that the strategic parks be planned and built in accordance with the Landscape and Parks Strategy.

It is considered that additional clauses to the description of the parks in the phasing is unnecessary as the intent of the motion is already covered in the Planning Scheme. Additionally, the Chief Executive recommends that the timing of Parks delivery remain as per the Phasing Programme. It is noted that the Phasing Programme and Planning Scheme will be reviewed as part of Phase 2.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the motion is not adopted.

Strategic Environmental Assessment of Chief Executive’s Recommendation

For reasons cited above, it is not recommended to adopt this motion.

Appropriate Assessment Screening of Chief Executive’s Recommendation

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