Chapter 11: Land Use Zoning Objectives and Development Standards and Guidelines

11.1  Introduction

The Council is required to manage development to ensure that permissions granted under the Planning and Development Acts 2000 (as amended) are consistent with the policies and objectives of the Development Plan. This part of the Plan is concerned with the standards and guidelines, which will be applied to development proposals. Provision is made for a flexible application of standards and guidelines, in particular circumstances where the proposed development is otherwise consistent with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area and achieves high architectural urban design quality. The achievement of the policies and the objectives of the Plan and the encouragement of good design, rather than the mechanistic application of development standards, will be the aim of development management.

Matters other than the specific provisions of the Development Plan may be considered in dealing with applications for permission to carry out development, or in enforcement against unauthorised development. While the provisions of the Plan are the main basis of assessment of development proposals, compliance with the standards and guidelines of the Plan does not in itself ensure that a development proposal will be considered acceptable in its entirety.

Many legally established uses exist in locations where they do not conform to the designated land use zoning objective set out in the Plan. Extensions to or improvements of premises accommodating these non conforming uses may be granted, where the proposed development would not be injurious to the amenities of the area, and would not prejudice the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

Many areas of open space within residential areas are not specifically zoned as public open space and may be zoned R for residential use. Irrespective of zoning, there will be a presumption against development on all open space in residential estates unless otherwise specifically referenced in the planning permission for development. Such lands shall be protected for recreation, open space and amenity purposes.

Part A - Land Use Zoning Policies and Objectives

Part B - Development Standards