COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN MEETING

Thursday, June 17, 2021

MOTION NO.

MOTION: Councillor Joanna Tuffy

Chapter 6 Add H7 objective 6 that for villages there be guidance provided for developments within villages and taken into account in relation to planning applications for developments in those villages the objective of which is to reflect local character of villages, such as that outlined in the Lucan Village Design Statement 2006.

REPORT:

QDP3 Objective 1:

To ensure new development contributes in a positive manner to the character and setting of the immediate area in which a proposed development is located taking into consideration the provisions set out in Chapters 3 and 4 of this Plan and having regard to the requirements set out in Chapter 13 Implementation and Monitoring in relation to design statements.

Chapter 13, following on from policy in Chapter 5, requires all applications for new development to be accompanied by a statement outlining how their approach has taken appropriate account of the areas context, public realm, density and height, connectedness etc. More detailed design statements are required for medium and larger developments.

QDP3 Objective 2:

To protect and conserve the special character of the historic core of the villages and ensure that a full understanding of the archaeological, architectural, urban design and landscape heritage of each village informs the design approach to new development and renewal, recognising the particular character context in Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs).

QDP3 Objective 3:

To promote design standards and densities in village centres that are informed by the surrounding village and historic context and enhance the specific characteristics of each town or village in terms of design, scale, form and external finishes.

The CE Draft Plan’s County policies, objectives and provisions, including South Dublin County’s BHDG (Appendix 10), align with national and regional objectives and have regard to and are informed by all relevant Ministerial Guidance documents (and any amendments thereof) and Specific Planning Policy Requirements contained therein. 

Provisions relating specifically to increased height in ‘historic environments’ are set out in the Urban Development and Building Heights Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2018) which state:

2.8 Historic environments can be sensitive to large scale and tall buildings. In that context, Planning Authorities must determine if increased height buildings are an appropriate typology or not in particular settings. An Initial assessment of the existing character and setting of a place will assist in a robust framework for decision-making that will facilitate increases in building height and involve an integrated understanding of place. With regards to large-scale and tall buildings in historic urban areas, an examination of the existing character of a place can assist planning authorities, and others to:

• establish the sensitivities of a place and its capacity for development or change and;
• define opportunities for new development and inform its design.

2.9 In order to consider proposals in an integrated and informed way, an urban design statement addressing aspects of impact on the historic built environment should be submitted along with a specific design statement on the individual insertion or proposal from an architectural perspective addressing those items outlined above.

2.10 Notwithstanding the above, the provisions contained within Part (IV) Planning and Development Acts 2000, as amended, regarding architectural heritage and associated character/setting remain in place. Planning Authorities are the primary consent authority in establishing if proposals align with best practice in this area and which design standards are to be used in certain circumstances. Planning Authorities can reference Architectural Heritage Protection – Guidelines for Planning Authorities (DEHLG) and Shaping the Future – Case Studies in Adaptation and Reuse in Historic Urban Environments (DAHG) 2012.

The Building Height Guidelines provisions in relation to ‘historic environments’ clearly set out how development proposals in such areas should be dealt with by the Planning Authority.  The Draft County Development Plan’s BHDG and its policies and objectives support the approach outlined in the Section 28 Ministerial Guidelines relating specifically to increased height in ‘historic environments’.

It is considered, therefore, that provisions, policies and objectives set out in Chapter 5, Section 5.2.2 of the CE Draft Plan, in conjunction with provisions set out under Chapters 3, 4 and 13 are sufficient to provide for the intent of the proposed motion.

Recommendation

It is recommended that this motion is adopted with amendment to reflect that provisions set out under Chapter 5, Section 5.2.2 Context, in conjunction with provisions set out under Chapters 3, 4 and 13 are sufficient to provide for the intent of the proposed motion.