COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
QUESTION NO. 7
QUESTION: Councillor F. Timmons
"To ask the Chief Executive for a report into how signage is allowed in the Conservation areas of Clondalkin? Some signage is not suitable for such an area. Will the Chief Executive consider reviewing this and detail signage allowed in the Conservation area? (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.)"
REPLY:
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.
With regard to regularising commercial/retail signage it is not the intention of the ACA to be prescriptive in this regard, however there are policies and objectives in the County Development Plan (CDP) 2016-2022 relating to shopfronts and signage. In particular there is policy relating to shopfront design and signage included in the CDP Section 11.2.8 and 11.2.9, which states that shopfronts and signage in Architectural Conservation Areas should be in keeping with the character of the building and adhere to best practice.
Unfortunately, there is no mechanism available to address existing signage that is considered inappropriate which may have been in place prior to the formal ACA designation. Unauthorised signage which has not been formally approved through planning is a planning enforcement issue. Planning Applications that are submitted to the Planning Authority are assessed in accordance with the CDP and legislation pertaining to Architectural Conservation Areas. Any planning application relating to proposed development in an ACA are also referred to the Councils Architectural Conservation Officer formally in assessing the overall visual impact, design etc in accordance with best practice and good design principles, ensuring that proposals do not materially affect the character of the ACA.