COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN MEETING

Thursday, June 17, 2021

MOTION NO. 201

MOTION: Councillor William Joseph Carey, Councillor Derren Ó Brádaigh

Page 100 CE draft plan Policy NCBH 25 To retain existing buildings that, while not listed as Protected Structures, are considered to contribute to historic character, local character, visual setting, rural amenity or streetscape value within the County. Replace with - To retain existing buildings that, while not listed as Protected Structures, are considered to contribute to historic character, local character, visual setting, rural amenity or streetscape value within the County and endeavour to appropriate such buildings that are otherwise endangered by neglect.

REPORT:

It is noted that this motion refers to NCBH 25 Objective 1 and to add the words in bold at the end:

To retain existing buildings that, while not listed as Protected Structures, are considered to contribute to historic character, local character, visual setting, rural amenity or streetscape value within the County and endeavour to appropriate such buildings that are otherwise endangered by neglect.

This motion suggests that the Council would purchase or use Compulsory Purchase powers to obtain control over buildings/structures that are endangered by neglect if not appropriated. The proposed addition of the new wording, which brings in significant levels of subjectivity, would put a huge burden on the Council which is not considered reasonable or appropriate.

The purpose of the objective is to ensure that, where development is occurring, buildings which ‘contribute to historic character, local character, visual setting, rural amenity or streetscape value’ are retained.  There are a range of objectives within the Draft Plan which support, encourage and promote the retention, rehabilitation, renovation and reuse of older buildings, as a means of providing for them to take on new and viable  uses to help prevent their neglect:

NCBH 25 objective 2 – “To ensure the redevelopment of older buildings, including extensions and renovation works do not compromise or erode the architectural interest, character or visual setting of such buildings including surrounding housing estates or streetscapes”.

NCBH 25 objective 3 – “To encourage the retention, rehabilitation, renovation and re-use of older buildings and their original features where such buildings and features contribute to the visual setting, collective interest or character of the surrounding area”.

NCBH 25 objective 5 – “To encourage retention and /or reinstatement of original fabric of our vernacular and historic building stock such as windows, doors, roof coverings, shop and public house fronts and other special features”.

The insertion of the objective as it appears in the Draft Plan is a positive proactive objective for owners and occupiers of structures insofar as the Council will support and encourage the rehabilitation, renovation and reuse of these older buildings.

The wording of the motion would put an inappropriate and unreasonable burden on the Council without recognising the options available in the draft Plan policy to proactively encourage their re-use by the market.

Recommendation

It is recommended that this motion is not adopted.