COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN MEETING

Thursday, June 17, 2021

MOTION NO.

MOTION: Councillor Peter Kavanagh, Councillor Liam Sinclair, Councillor L. Donaghy, Councillor S.McEneaney

Core Strategy and Settlement Strategy Motion: That any ambiguity is removed from land zoning objectives that may inhibit their implementation. Each land zoning objective needs to be reviewed for such ambiguity. For example Objective RES-N: To provide for new residential communities in accordance with approved area plans. There is no clarity around that approved area plans are those produced by the Council, and not private developers..

REPORT:

The motion is not explicit about what ‘ambiguity’ in land-use zoning objectives is being referred to.  An example is given, citing the term ‘approved area plan’ and as such, this will be addressed. 

The term ‘approved area plans’ is used advisedly in the RES-N zoning objective, to cover both statutory local area plans and other types of plans including non-statutory local area plans, framework plans and masterplans.  Statutory and non-statutory local area plans are prepared by the local authority.  Framework plans or masterplans may be prepared by the local authority or a developer or other party but would be subject to scrutiny by the local authority. 

The statutory local area plan process has a lengthy two-year time frame, prescribed in legislation.  In order to be responsive to development pressures, and in acknowledgement of varying demands on staff resources, the Council requires to have the option available to prepare a plan for an area without being constrained by this timeframe.  This may also be appropriate where a plan is required for an area of limited size.

In some cases, it may be more efficient for a developer to prepare a framework plan or masterplan for a smaller area or site.  This may be submitted with a planning application and would indicate how a proposed development would connect with and impact on adjacent sites and the wider area. Where this occurs, the framework is assessed as part of the planning application.

For the above reasons, it is considered that use of the term ‘approved area plans’ should be retained.       

RECOMMENDATION:  It is recommended that the motion is not adopted.