COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
MOTION NO. 5
MOTION: Councillor F. Timmons
"That this Committee asks for a report into the Conservation area of Clondalkin Village and that a detailed report outlines what is protected and how its protected? We share local groups and Residents particular concerns over the destruction of the old walls of Clondalkin and request that these are built into all future planning permissions. (In the current County Development Plan (2016-2022) the following policy seeks to retain and protect boundary treatments and features of interest; HCL4 Objective 1 - To avoid the removal of structures and distinctive features that positively contribute to the character of Architectural Conservation Areas including buildings, building features, shop fronts, boundary treatments, street furniture, landscaping and paving.)"
REPORT:
The purpose of an Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) designation is to define the boundaries of an area that merits protection and to use appropriate controls over development in order to protect and enhance the special character of the Architectural Conservation Area under the following objectives:
- Ensure that all proposed developments are carried out in a manner sympathetic to the special character of the area.
- Conserve, restore, and rehabilitate the existing building stock in the area.
Legislation pertaining to the designation and protection of Architectural Conservation Areas is set out under Part IV of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended). Each ACA boundary is outlined on the Development Plan maps that accompany the CDP written statement. There are policies and objectives in the South Dublin County Council County Development Plan (CDP) 2016-2022 which relate to Architectural Conservation Areas within the County.
Planning Applications that are submitted to the Planning Authority are assessed in accordance with the CDP and legislation pertaining to Architectural Conservation Areas and are also referred to the Councils Architectural Conservation Officer to formally assess to ensure that the proposed development does not materially affect the character of the ACA.
There is no mechanism to include specific boundary walls in addition to the existing ACA designation which is felt already provides for the retention of important features of interest including boundary walls. Policy under the existing CDP (2016-2022) includes to retain and incorporate features of interest/street furniture and boundary features and any such removal would be assessed against CDP policies.
In line with the current CDP policy original boundary stone walls which are considered to be an important element of the character of Clondalkin Village Architectural Conservation Area and therefore their retention would be sought and recommend by the Councils Architectural Conservation Officer as part of any proposed development. Boundary walls within the designated ACA would not be removed unless justified and revisions have only been allowed where new opening have been considered acceptable.
The new CDP will afford opportunities to amend policies and to continue to include policies relating to the preservation and enhancement of the historic character and visual setting of an ACA and to carefully consider any proposals for development that would affect the special value of such areas.