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Bennettsbridge Local Area Plan

• Bennettsbridge Draft Local Area Plan - Proposed Amendments

• 1.Introduction
• 2.The Village of Bennettsbridge
• 3.Policy Context
• 4.Local Area Plan Strategy
• 5.Strategic Opportunities for the Village
• 6.Development Parameters and Indicative Framework Plan for New Residential Area
• 7.Development Management Guidelines and Standards
• Appendix 1 Zoning Map

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Section One

Introduction

1.1 Purpose of the Local Area Plan

The purpose of the Local Area Plan (LAP) is to set out a strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of Bennettsbridge. In this regard, the Plan contains policies and objectives on a wide range of issues for the future planning of the village. The LAP is a legal document and is a public statement of planning policies. It is prepared in consultation with the local community and members of the public.

The Plan seeks to provide a framework for how the village of Bennettsbridge can develop. It provides some ideas as to how this development can be achieved, what new developments are needed, where public and private resource inputs are required, and also sets out some of the standards that will guide development in the district.

This Draft LAP was prepared by KSA on behalf of Kilkenny County Council. The preparation was guided by the policies and objectives set out in the Kilkenny County Development Plan (CDP) 2008-2014. Under section 3.1 of the CDP ‘Development Plan Strategy’ it is stated that the Council seeks to develop and expand existing towns and villages in the county. This is to be achieved though a programme of preparation of Local Area Plans. The preparation of an LAP for Bennettsbridge is part of this initiative.

Under the settlement hierarchy for County Kilkenny, the current County Development Plan identifies Bennettsbridge as a ‘smaller town or village’. It recommends that smaller towns and villages need to be developed in a way that strengthens their role as local service centre whilst respecting their existing character.

Policies PS10 to PS14 of the CDP pertain to such small town and villages

PS10 To strengthen the service centre role of smaller towns and villages.

PS11 To ensure that new residential development in smaller towns and villages is of a design, layout, character and scale which fits well with the town or village involved and presents a high quality living environment.

PS12 To revitalise existing villages through the promotion of development within them (particularly on infill sites, vacant sites and on backlands), in preference to continued ribbon development on the approach roads. This will promote the efficient use of available public infrastructure and services.

PS 13 In partnership with relevant stakeholders and local communities, to facilitate and support the preparation and implementation of appropriate planning framework documents for appropriate villages in the country, as the need arises and resources allow.

This LAP has been prepared with regard to these policies.

1.2 Legal Basis of the Local Area Plan

The legal basis for the preparation of an LAP is set out under sections 18 and 19 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended). The preparation of an LAP for Bennettsbridge falls under section 18(1) of the Act which states:

A Planning Authority may at any time, and for any particular area within its functional area, prepare a local area plan in respect of that area.

However an LAP must be consistent with the policies and objectives of the County Development Plan, and relevant national legislation.

This Draft Local Area Plan will take a long-term approach to seek to direct future development in an orderly, economic, sustainable and coherent manner. It will also define a development boundary for the village to maintain a clear physical break between the edges of the settlement and the surrounding open countryside. Policies and objectives which encourage the sustainable development of the area to which it applies as well as a long-term vision for the village are contained in the Plan. The Local Area Plan, once adopted, will remain in force for a period of six years, but may be amended by the Planning Authority.

1.3 Stages of preparation of an LAP

Under the Planning and Development Act 2000 the Planning Authority shall take whatever steps it considers necessary to consult the public in the preparation of a Draft Local Area Plan. The pre-draft stage of the LAP usually involves public consultation and detailed surveys, research and analysis.

Once the Draft LAP is put on public display, a statutory timeframe applies. The public is invited to make submissions on the Plan for a period of six weeks. After that a period of six weeks is set aside for the preparation of a Manager’s Report on the submissions which is then presented to the Elected

Members. The Elected Members then have 6 weeks to consider the Manager’s report after which time they can vote to adopt the Draft LAP, to amend it or to revoke it.

If the members decide to make material amendments to the Draft LAP, these amendments have to be put on public display and submissions from the public on these amendments are again invited and a Manager’s Report prepared. After the consultation exercise, the Members are again asked to vote on the Plan taking into account the Manager’s report on amendments. The Members may make the plan in accordance with the recommendations in the Manager’s report or may amend the proposed amendments by resolution.

Figure 1.1: Stages in the Preparation of a Local Area Plan

1.4 Consultation

Under the Planning & Development Act 2000 the Planning Authority shall take whatever steps it considers necessary to consult the public.

1.4.1 Public Consultation

The intention to prepare a Local Area Plan for Bennettsbridge was advertised in a local newspaper “The Kilkenny People” on 23rd May 2008. A public consultation meeting was held at 7pm on May 28th 2008, in Bennettsbridge Community Centre in which a presentation was given by KSA. Following this, members of the local community voiced their opinions on what they felt were the critical issues concerning the future development of the village.

As part of the public consultation a schools competition was also run in which pupils from the local Bennettsbridge National School, made models on how they presently viewed the village and ‘A vision for the future’ as to how they would like the village to develop.

Written submissions on the pre-Draft consultation phase were invited from members of the public to be made to Kilkenny County Council between the12th May to 20th June 2008. A total of seventeen submissions were received. The opinions expressed in these submissions were taken account of in the making of the Draft Plan. In essence, the wishes and views of the local community can be thus summarised;

• The need for sustainable growth which will enhance but not overburden the existing village and thereby to retain the village character of Bennettsbridge.
• The need for traffic calming and other physical improvements to the village make up and associated enhancement of streetscapes.
• The desire for development that will emphasise the strong civic pride and in particular the local importance of the GAA and Soccer Clubs.
• The need for a pedestrian river crossing and closer integration between the two parts of the village either side of the river.
• The provision of improved community facilities including the need for a Doctor/Health facility.
• The provision of appropriate leisure and amenity facilities for locals including making best use of the natural amenities provided by the River Nore.
• The need for development which strengthens the Local Crafts Industry and the local pride therein.
• The desire for amenity walks in and around the town.
• Improvements to the village in terms of its attractiveness to visitors.
• The protection of the natural and built heritage.
• The need for a strengthening of the local employment base.
• The provision of adequate infrastructure including the upgrade of the sewerage facilities.

All issues raised were taken into consideration in the preparation of the Draft LAP.

1.4.2 Stakeholder Consultation

The preparation of the LAP has been directed by the comments and issues raised at a number of stakeholder meetings held with local stakeholders with an interest in this area. Meetings were held with representatives from the GAA, Soccer club, the local parish priest and various business owners.

A wide range of issues were raised including a number of recurring issues as outlined above. The following issues were also raised which have been taken into consideration and included

• Improve and extend facilities for the GAA and soccer club
• The sustainable development of the village through the development of opportunity sites
• The zoning of land for residential development to provide for the growth of the village into the future
• An extension to/or additional land to accommodate the pressure on the graveyard

1.5 Screening

A screening exercise was carried out in relation to whether a Strategic Environmental Assessment is required for the Local Area Plan (Directive 2001/42/EC). In addition, a screening for the necessity of an Appropriate Assessment regarding the potential impact of the Plan on the candidate Area of Special Conservation (cSAC), a Natura 2000 site, was carried out (required under the EU Habitats Directive). These were sent to the relevant government departments and the Environmental Protection Agency. The screening exercises for both the SEA and AA concluded that no such exercise was required and agreement was obtained from the relevant statutory agencies.

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Section One

Edit

Introduction

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1.1 Purpose of the Local Area Plan

The purpose of the Local Area Plan (LAP) is to set out a strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of Bennettsbridge. In this regard, the Plan contains policies and objectives on a wide range of issues for the future planning of the village. The LAP is a legal document and is a public statement of planning policies. It is prepared in consultation with the local community and members of the public.

The Plan seeks to provide a framework for how the village of Bennettsbridge can develop. It provides some ideas as to how this development can be achieved, what new developments are needed, where public and private resource inputs are required, and also sets out some of the standards that will guide development in the district.

This Draft LAP was prepared by KSA on behalf of Kilkenny County Council. The preparation was guided by the policies and objectives set out in the Kilkenny County Development Plan (CDP) 2008-2014. Under section 3.1 of the CDP ‘Development Plan Strategy’ it is stated that the Council seeks to develop and expand existing towns and villages in the county. This is to be achieved though a programme of preparation of Local Area Plans. The preparation of an LAP for Bennettsbridge is part of this initiative.

Under the settlement hierarchy for County Kilkenny, the current County Development Plan identifies Bennettsbridge as a ‘smaller town or village’. It recommends that smaller towns and villages need to be developed in a way that strengthens their role as local service centre whilst respecting their existing character.

Policies PS10 to PS14 of the CDP pertain to such small town and villages

PS10 To strengthen the service centre role of smaller towns and villages.

PS11 To ensure that new residential development in smaller towns and villages is of a design, layout, character and scale which fits well with the town or village involved and presents a high quality living environment.

PS12 To revitalise existing villages through the promotion of development within them (particularly on infill sites, vacant sites and on backlands), in preference to continued ribbon development on the approach roads. This will promote the efficient use of available public infrastructure and services.

PS 13 In partnership with relevant stakeholders and local communities, to facilitate and support the preparation and implementation of appropriate planning framework documents for appropriate villages in the country, as the need arises and resources allow.

This LAP has been prepared with regard to these policies.

Edit

1.2 Legal Basis of the Local Area Plan

The legal basis for the preparation of an LAP is set out under sections 18 and 19 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended). The preparation of an LAP for Bennettsbridge falls under section 18(1) of the Act which states:

A Planning Authority may at any time, and for any particular area within its functional area, prepare a local area plan in respect of that area.

However an LAP must be consistent with the policies and objectives of the County Development Plan, and relevant national legislation.

This Draft Local Area Plan will take a long-term approach to seek to direct future development in an orderly, economic, sustainable and coherent manner. It will also define a development boundary for the village to maintain a clear physical break between the edges of the settlement and the surrounding open countryside. Policies and objectives which encourage the sustainable development of the area to which it applies as well as a long-term vision for the village are contained in the Plan. The Local Area Plan, once adopted, will remain in force for a period of six years, but may be amended by the Planning Authority.

Edit

1.3 Stages of preparation of an LAP

Under the Planning and Development Act 2000 the Planning Authority shall take whatever steps it considers necessary to consult the public in the preparation of a Draft Local Area Plan. The pre-draft stage of the LAP usually involves public consultation and detailed surveys, research and analysis.

Once the Draft LAP is put on public display, a statutory timeframe applies. The public is invited to make submissions on the Plan for a period of six weeks. After that a period of six weeks is set aside for the preparation of a Manager’s Report on the submissions which is then presented to the Elected

Members. The Elected Members then have 6 weeks to consider the Manager’s report after which time they can vote to adopt the Draft LAP, to amend it or to revoke it.

If the members decide to make material amendments to the Draft LAP, these amendments have to be put on public display and submissions from the public on these amendments are again invited and a Manager’s Report prepared. After the consultation exercise, the Members are again asked to vote on the Plan taking into account the Manager’s report on amendments. The Members may make the plan in accordance with the recommendations in the Manager’s report or may amend the proposed amendments by resolution.

Figure 1.1: Stages in the Preparation of a Local Area Plan

Edit

1.4 Consultation

Under the Planning & Development Act 2000 the Planning Authority shall take whatever steps it considers necessary to consult the public.

1.4.1 Public Consultation

The intention to prepare a Local Area Plan for Bennettsbridge was advertised in a local newspaper “The Kilkenny People” on 23rd May 2008. A public consultation meeting was held at 7pm on May 28th 2008, in Bennettsbridge Community Centre in which a presentation was given by KSA. Following this, members of the local community voiced their opinions on what they felt were the critical issues concerning the future development of the village.

As part of the public consultation a schools competition was also run in which pupils from the local Bennettsbridge National School, made models on how they presently viewed the village and ‘A vision for the future’ as to how they would like the village to develop.

Written submissions on the pre-Draft consultation phase were invited from members of the public to be made to Kilkenny County Council between the12th May to 20th June 2008. A total of seventeen submissions were received. The opinions expressed in these submissions were taken account of in the making of the Draft Plan. In essence, the wishes and views of the local community can be thus summarised;

• The need for sustainable growth which will enhance but not overburden the existing village and thereby to retain the village character of Bennettsbridge.
• The need for traffic calming and other physical improvements to the village make up and associated enhancement of streetscapes.
• The desire for development that will emphasise the strong civic pride and in particular the local importance of the GAA and Soccer Clubs.
• The need for a pedestrian river crossing and closer integration between the two parts of the village either side of the river.
• The provision of improved community facilities including the need for a Doctor/Health facility.
• The provision of appropriate leisure and amenity facilities for locals including making best use of the natural amenities provided by the River Nore.
• The need for development which strengthens the Local Crafts Industry and the local pride therein.
• The desire for amenity walks in and around the town.
• Improvements to the village in terms of its attractiveness to visitors.
• The protection of the natural and built heritage.
• The need for a strengthening of the local employment base.
• The provision of adequate infrastructure including the upgrade of the sewerage facilities.

All issues raised were taken into consideration in the preparation of the Draft LAP.

1.4.2 Stakeholder Consultation

The preparation of the LAP has been directed by the comments and issues raised at a number of stakeholder meetings held with local stakeholders with an interest in this area. Meetings were held with representatives from the GAA, Soccer club, the local parish priest and various business owners.

A wide range of issues were raised including a number of recurring issues as outlined above. The following issues were also raised which have been taken into consideration and included

• Improve and extend facilities for the GAA and soccer club
• The sustainable development of the village through the development of opportunity sites
• The zoning of land for residential development to provide for the growth of the village into the future
• An extension to/or additional land to accommodate the pressure on the graveyard

Edit

1.5 Screening

A screening exercise was carried out in relation to whether a Strategic Environmental Assessment is required for the Local Area Plan (Directive 2001/42/EC). In addition, a screening for the necessity of an Appropriate Assessment regarding the potential impact of the Plan on the candidate Area of Special Conservation (cSAC), a Natura 2000 site, was carried out (required under the EU Habitats Directive). These were sent to the relevant government departments and the Environmental Protection Agency. The screening exercises for both the SEA and AA concluded that no such exercise was required and agreement was obtained from the relevant statutory agencies.