COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN MEETING

Thursday, June 17, 2021

MOTION NO.

MOTION: Councillor D. Richardson

In view of the governments and this Councils commitment to a more neutral carbon footprint that every effort will be made through planning and other conscious quality enhancing measures to eliminate materials and design in new and existing housing and other developments in order to eleminate the need for the most basic repairs, maintenance or even replacement within a short time span of being built.

REPORT:

In respect to the proposed motion, the following existing provisions of the CE Draft Plan in relation to materials, colours and textures as set out in Chapter 5, Section 5.2.9 Materials, Colours and Textures are considered to be particularly pertinent:

The careful selection of appropriate materials in buildings, streets and spaces is a key factor to achieving the qualities of successful places. Building finishes should be durable and of a high quality and should adhere to the principles of sustainability and energy efficiency. Durable materials such as stone, brick, timber, metal and glass will be promoted which provide either a traditional or contemporary aesthetic depending on design and application.

Each development proposal will be considered on its merits and the context of both the immediate and wider area are crucial when developing ideas about material choices, colours and detailing. In all types of development, it is important to consider whether the proposed materials, their colour and detailing contribute to the immediate context and reinforce a neighbourhood’s ‘sense of place’. Due to the unprecedented range and availability of standard building and cladding materials, choices have to be made using many criteria including:

QDP Policy 11 Materials, Colours and Textures:

Promote high-quality building finishes that are appropriate to context, durable and adhere to the principles of sustainability and energy efficiency.

QDP11 Objective 1:

Require the use of high quality and durable materials and finishes that make a positive contribution to placemaking.

QDP11 Objective 2:

Promote the use of structural materials that have low to zero embodied energy and CO2 emissions.

QDP11 Objective 3:

Promote the reuse and recycling of materials to promote the circular economy and reduce construction and demolition waste.

Further provisions are set out in Chapter 10, Section 10.2.2 Energy Performance in New Buildings which are relevant to the proposed motion including the following objectives:

E3 Objective 3:

To require all new development be designed to take account of the impacts of climate change, and that energy efficiency, energy provision and renewable energy measures are incorporated in accordance with national building regulations and relevant policy and guidelines.

E2 Objective 4:

To support and facilitate the actions and targets of the National and South Dublin Climate Action Plans where they relate to private and public buildings in the County.

Such provisions recognise, acknowledge and support the overarching aim of the proposed motion.

Recommendations

It is recommended that this motion is adopted with amendment to reflect that the policies, objectives and provisions set out under Chapter 5, Section 5.2.9 Materials, Colours and Textures and Chapter 10, Section 10.2.2 Energy Performance in New Buildings are sufficient to provide for the intent of the motion.