THE LOCAL AREA PLAN
Local Area Plans ...... may be
prepared ...... for those areas which
require economic, physical and social
renewal and for areas
likely to be subject to large scale
development over the lifetime of the
plan.
Planning and Development Act, 2000
DEFINING THE URBAN AREA
A Local Area Plan is concerned with the
planned sustainable development of the
urban area of a town or settlement and
the protection of its environs. In
establishing the limits of the urban area,
this Plan is cognisant of existing
development, projects approved for
development but not yet built, and of
development in progress.
The following sets the urban boundary in
context:
The urban area of Carlingford centres on
the medieval core around Market Street,
and has extended southwards along the
old Dundalk Road to the Abbey and
further again to include a civic area around
the school and church. The urban
definition southwards thus extends out this
road to include planned development.
DEFINING THE URBAN AREA - OBJECTIVES
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DEFINING THE URBAN AREA - POLICIES
1.
2.
3.
4.
Westwards into the foothills of Slieve Foye,
the topography rises steeply uphill, which
has given the town a natural, well-defined
edge. The Local Area Plan considers this
edge worthy of protection and it is thus
included in the urban limits.
Northwards, recent development has seen
the town extended past the railway bridge
and accordingly the urban limit is
extended. Finally, eastwards, the sea-side
of the Greenore Road is encompassed
reflecting development both existing and
planned, and current pressures on
Carlingford for expansion, which will
relieve pressure on the medieval town if
allowed here. Inclusion of this area also
provides for better integration of the
harbour and coastline into Carlingford
proper. (see Map overleaf)
Consolidate the urban area of Carlingford
Respect the scenic setting in which Carlingford lies
Ensure a clear demarcation between urban and rural land use to prevent urban sprawl
and help maintain the rural landscape
Eliminate housing and other sprawl in the town’s environs to ensure the surrounding
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is preserved
Carlingford Urban Area is defined as falling within the limits of the urban boundary on
the Land Use Strategy Map and the Map overleaf, largely respecting its historic and
current built environment
All service, residential, retail, commercial and industrial development proposed for
Carlingford is to be located within the urban area.
Outside the defined urban area of Carlingford, housing development is limited to rural
housing typologies reflecting existing development. Policies as per the Louth County
Development Plan thus apply.
To allow for growth of Carlingford, and to ease development pressure on the medieval
heart of the town, the Liberties area to the east of the Greenore Road is included in
the urban area as an extension to the town.
5.1
5.2
THE LOCALAREA PLAN BOUNDARY
CONCEPT FOR DEVELOPMENT – STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• The overall urban sustainable development objective for Carlingford is to strengthen the
urban centre of the town by focusing on its inherent development potential.
• To allow for the development and growth of Carlingford within its natural boundaries
• To protect the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Area of High Scenic Quality, Coastline
of Special Scenic Quality and Scenic Route (as designated in the Louth County
Development Plan) around Carlingford from inappropriate development
• To integrate the coastline and harbour into Carlingford proper
• To maintain and consolidate the role of Carlingford as a local retail, services and
commercial centre serving the surrounding rural hinterland
• To reinforce its historic town centre
• To create an attractive urban environment throughout the urban area
• To improve accessibility and connectivity throughout the town
• To provide affordable dwellings for the existing population in the town
• To provide a range of dwelling types to cater for a rapidly changing demography
• To realise the development potential of infill development, backland sites and
‘brownfield’ sites in Carlingford town centre
• To reflect Carlingford’s historical compact urban form by promoting higher densities in
designated areas
• To develop the infrastructural population capacity of Carlingford to accommodate growth
of the town
• To ensure sufficient developable land to meet the housing, services, educational,
employment, and leisure requirements necessary for the organic growth of Carlingford
• To ensure that there are sufficient and appropriate educational and community facilities
available to meet the needs of residents of the town
• To secure the development of vacant and / or derelict sites within the town centre
• To protect and enhance the streetscape of Carlingford
CONCEPT FOR DEVELOPMENT - STRATEGIC POLICIES
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16.
Having regard to the aforementioned Strategic Objectives, it shall be the policy of the
Planning Authority:
To include the Liberties east of the Greenore Road into the growth and development of
Carlingford, to ease development pressure on the medieval town centre.
To extend the town centre to the civic area centering on the Church and school
To implement three distinct Development Area Policies
Medieval Town Centre – designated an Urban Conservation Area
Town Centre Extension – extending to the civic area around the Catholic Church and
school
Town Extension – incorporating the Liberties east of the Greenore Road
To restrict development as designated on the Phasing Strategy Map and the Land Use
Strategy Map, to land use categories ‘R3’ (Residential Development at Rural Densities)
and ‘Green Belt’
To restrict development outside of the designated urban area of Carlingford to
guidelines as per Louth County Development Plan for rural development and / or
development in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty as applicable
To permit the provision of new, and the expansion of existing, retail and commercial
outlets in Carlingford
To co-operate with and assist statutory and voluntary bodies in the provision of new
educational and community facilities in the area as the need arises
To allow sufficient adjacent lands for the expansion of the schools in Carlingford
To enhance Carlingford’s harbour front and sea front amenity
To pursue as a matter of urgency the regeneration of the buildings on the Harbour Front
To seek a range of housing typologies in Carlingford which complements the existing
residential nature of the town while accommodating the change in demographics and
household formation occurring, and retaining an urban ‘feel’ to the Town
To implement the development guidelines and standards set out in “Guidelines for
Development”.
The Planning Authority will make use, where considered appropriate, of the statutory
powers available under the Planning Acts, the Derelict Sites Act, the Litter Act and
Compulsory Purchase procedures to assist in the removal of eye-sores and derelict
structures and facilitate the redevelopment of the sites involved.
To require developers to pay the full cost of all infrastructure which facilitates
development, including roads, piped services, footpaths and other utilities, whether
within or outside the site.
To implement a policy for phased expansion of the town
To achieve a co-ordinated and uniform design of street furniture, by further examining
the streetscape study carried out by the National Building Agency.
5.3
5.4
CONCEPT FOR DEVELOPMENT
The concept for development for Carlingford
reflects the ‘Principles Guiding the Local Area
Plan’ in the Introduction to this document.
The limits to the urban area previously
described recognise that within this
established urban area, there is sufficient
developable land to accommodate growth in
terms of population, services and
employment for the short to medium term
future of Carlingford.
In facilitating the growth of Carlingford, the
Local Area Plan strives to allow for a planned
growth that the town can contain and
manage. The Plan aims for infill and
backland development to take place before
the development of greenfield sites on the
outer edges of the town.
However, Carlingford could grow at a faster
pace if the town’s development in terms of
services required could sustain the growth
and if it grows according to the Guidelines
for Development set out in this Plan so that
critical thresholds for development are
reached. Reflecting these guidelines, it is
proposed that convenience shopping
facilities may be provided in the Greenore
Road area, and phased in as the population
here grows.
•
Having regard to the above Strategic Objectives, it shall be the policy of the Planning
Authority:
As outlined on page 4.4, the capacity of the
sewage treatment works in Carlingford is
limited to a population of approximately
1,500. Any development which exceeds this
current capacity will only be permitted if the
developer covers the costs of upgrading this
infrastructure.
2.
An exemplary sustainable neighbourhood or
settlement has been described as one in
which it should take no more than fifteen
minutes to walk from end to end, where
everywhere is accessible on foot, thus
meeting most of the daily needs of a
community without the need to use a car.
This description has been used for
neighbourhoods and settlements of up to
five thousand people in more dense urban
environments than Carlingford. However, this
indicates how Carlingford’s small population,
and even its potential growth population,
can be absorbed within the urban area
delineated.
To achieve an organic form of growth and development in Carlingford over the life of
the Local Area Plan
To consolidate the urban area of Carlingford around defined nodes of activity
PHASING POLICY
1.
Phasing
The structure of Carlingford means that this
new population will be principally absorbed
outside of the medieval core of Carlingford,
as outlined on the Phasing Strategy Map.
Such an increase in population, however,
needs to be phased over a period of time,
and it is recommended here that this occur
over a ten-year period to allow services,
employment and facilities to evolve with
increased population demands.
•
Infrastructure Capacity
Population Growth
A significant future growth in the population
of Carlingford can be accommodated within
the boundaries defined for the Local Area
Plan. From an approximate current
population of 700 (1996 census) Carlingford
could grow within its urban boundary to a
population potential of over 1600,
representing an increase of over 130%.
PHASING OBJECTIVES
(see Phasing Strategy Map)
3.
4.
5.
6.
To consolidate the growth of Carlingford simultaneously around three key centres – the
medieval town centre, the town extension area, and the Catholic Church.
To implement policies of higher densities in these first two centres – as per "General
Guidelines for Development"
To reinforce the commercial / retail services around the Church / school area to serve
the existing community and the future potential community allowed to develop at
lower density as indicated in "General Guidelines for Development"
To apply the guidelines outlined in the section "General Guidelines for Development"
in relation to density and plot ratio to the areas designated as ‘Inner Density’ and
‘Outer Density’ on the Phasing Strategy Map
To restrict development as designated on the Phasing Strategy Map and the Land Use
Strategy Map, to land use categories ‘R3’ (Residential Development at Rural Densities)
and ‘Green Belt’
To restrict development outside of the designated urban area of Carlingford to
guidelines as per Louth County Development Plan for rural development and / or
development in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty as applicable.
See Section on "General Guidelines for Development" for specific guidelines relating to
density designations in Carlingford.
5.5
5.6
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
Traffic
Centred on key principles of accessibility,
mobility and a quality living environment,
basic objectives regarding traffic movement
around Carlingford’s streets have been
formulated.
Speed limits of 30 mph should be
enforced. Repaving of the road surface
along the harbour front will reinforce this
speed limit. The paving will indicate the
“removal” of this stretch from the
Greenore-Newry Road and give it to
Carlingford Town as a public open space
area, connecting the town
centre to the harbour area.
Carlingford’s medieval street pattern does
not cope easily with car traffic, and the
town experiences major congestion at peak
times, particularly at weekends in summer.
To help relieve congestion, and to enhance
the urban environment of Carlingford, a
one-way traffic system is proposed along
Newry Street, Back lane, Dundalk Street
and back around by the Holy Trinity
Heritage Centre.
To relieve the town centre of through
traffic as far as possible, a potential link
road is proposed for investigation,
connecting the Greenore Road with Grove
Road. This would serve to divert traffic to
Dundalk Street and Dundalk Road.
Car Parking Facilities
With the aid of landscaping and paving,
car parking facilities along the harbour
front, and in front of the Holy Trinity
Heritage Centre, are proposed (see detailed
sketch) to absorb tourism and town centre
parking.
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES
• To secure safe routes for car transport, pedestrians and cyclists.
• To provide adequate parking in the town centre to facilitate access to services and
tourism
• To create a safe, accessible urban environment for all.
• To protect the medieval street pattern from undue congestion
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT POLICIES
1. To implement a one-way traffic system in Carlingford’s medieval town centre according
to the Environmental Objectives Strategy Map
2. To enforce speed limits of 30mph as indicated on the Environmental Objectives
Strategy Map
3. To repave the stretch of the Greenore-Newry Road at the Harbour Front area in the
town centre to reclaim this for the town and for pedestrians
4. To investigate the possibility of linking the Grove Road with the Greenore Road to
reduce through traffic in the town centre
5. To delineate public parking in front of the Heritage Centre and at the Harbour Front as
indicated on the Environmental Objectives Strategy Map
6. To implement new paving at Market Square to reflect the new "shared-surface" nature
of the Square
7. Limit car parking in Market Square at weekends
8. Investigate the possibility of closing Market Square to traffic at weekends
9. To secure a network of safe, well-lit and well-defined cycle-paths throughout the urban
area linking key working, educational, leisure and residential areas, as indicated on the
Environmental Objectives Strategy Map.
10. To develop cycle routes along the waterfront, including linkage to Greenore and
Omeath / Newry, as indicated on the Environmental Objectives Strategy Map
11. To secure quality pedestrian and cycle networks through new developments in
Carlingford
12. To examine the potential of utilizing the defunct Greenore-Newry rail-line as a
cycle-way
13. To create pedestrian walks along the harbour and waterfront
14. To provide quality, well-lit and ‘universal access’ footpaths on the main Newry-Greenore
Road extending to the limits of the urban area.
15. To provide bicycle parking facilities at key sites in the town centre and at the seafront
16. To apply the appropriate car parking standards for town centre development as per
“Guidelines for Development”.
17. It is recognised that in town centre locations, it may not be possible to accommodate
off-street car parking facilities on site due to restrictions of plot width, access problems
etc. In such circumstances a development contribution will be required to the Council
towards the Council’s cost of acquisition and development of land for the provision of
public car parking facilities.
5.7
Pedestrian Environment
As a result of traffic calming measures,
pedestrian movement around the town will
be significantly enhanced. Additionally,
Market Street is proposed as a shared
surface, whereby cars, pedestrians and
cyclists have equal status. Simple indicative
paving of the square would reflect this
parity. A simultaneous reduction in car
parking spaces would create a more
vibrant public space in the heart of the
town.
5.8
Outside the town’s core centre, pedestrian
linkages through new developments play a
key role in relating outlying areas back to
the heart of the town. This is especially
true for the harbour area and the scenic
walks along the waterfront proposed. It
will also play a role in connecting the
marina development further north, back to
the town centre.
Cycling in Carlingford
In tandem with traffic calming measures
and enhanced pedestrian movement, a
series of cycle paths are proposed for
Carlingford town centre. These paths will
also extend beyond the town to facilitate a
safe cycling environment to Greenore, the
Greenore Road, and north to Omeath. The
old railway line still exists at some places
along the coast. The potential of adapting
it for a cycle / pedestrian walk should be
explored. This would contribute
significantly to the development of tourism
the length of Carlingford Lough.
Street Furniture
Design proposals put forward in
Carlingford’s streetscape study by the
National Building Agency should be further
examined, and appropriate and uniform
paving, lighting and furniture adopted and
implemented throughout the urban area.
PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE OBJECTIVES
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To continue to provide or assist in the provision of adequate sanitary services in
Carlingford to accommodate the development of the town
To provide an efficient waste management service in Carlingford
PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE POLICIES
Having regard to the above Strategic Objectives, it shall be the policy of the Planning
Authority:
1. To systematically review the water and sewerage capacities in Carlingford to initiate
up-grades when needed
2. To introduce a waste management programme in Carlingford capable of handling the
extra waste disposal requirements of the tourist season
Green Belt
Carlingford is experiencing development
pressures, that if uncontrolled, could very
quickly see the town surrounded by
housing developments covering a total
area many times greater than the town
itself. This strategy ensures that certain
areas remain free from development of any
kind in order to preserve the important
reading of the town as one sitting within a
landscape. It will also ensure that
important views of the town remain intact
as one approaches it from the Greenore
Road and as it is seen from across the fjord
at Warrenpoint.
5.9
RECREATION AND AMENITY OBJECTIVES
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To further maximise the potential of Carlingford’s natural assets
To retain existing sports facilities in recreational and amenity use
To secure an increase in recreational facilities in line with population growth
To evolve a safe and permeable urban landscape in Carlingford
To secure the provision of public open spaces and play areas
To protect views of Carlingford Lough and the Mourne and Cooley Mountains which
are of special amenity value.
To protect established public rights of access to the shore and other amenities and
where necessary to create new rights of access for the public to such amenities.
To secure the provision of a hierarchy of quality public open spaces through the urban
area of Carlingford
RECREATION AND AMENITY POLICIES
1.
2.
5.10
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To protect views of Carlingford Lough, and the Mourne and Cooley Mountains which
are designated as being of special amenity value
To protect established public rights of access to the shore and other amenities and
where necessary to create new rights of access for the public to such amenities
To develop an "urban square" design for the area in front of Taaffe’s Castle as
indicated on the detailed sketch adjacent
To create a planned and co-ordinated multi-functional urban space at the Harbour
Front, as depicted on the adjacent detailed sketch
To create a linear park along the shoreline adjoining the boat club (see Environmental
Objectives Strategy Map)
To ensure the preservation of a "Green Lung" between the new town extension area
at the Greenore Road and the town area along the Dundalk Road (Environmental
Objectives Strategy Map)
To permit amenity / leisure facilities development only, at the site designated on the
Greenore Road – see Land Use Strategy Map. Residential or commercial development
will not be permitted. Development on this site should be set back from the road to
ensure the view into the Carlingford along the Greenore Road is preserved
To support and promote community efforts to expand the range of community and
amenity facilities in Carlingford
To improve the quality and capacity of existing sporting and recreational facilities
through initiatives in both the public and private sector.
To impose a charge on developments in Carlingford, where considered appropriate, as
a contribution towards the cost of the provision of community, amenity and
recreational facilities for the benefit of the town.
To ensure that new developments do not negatively impact on either existing or
proposed amenity and recreational facilities and designations.
To require developers, as part of their proposed developments, to retain and protect
from damage during construction, existing trees, shrubs and hedges. Where it is
necessary to remove trees and hedges in order to carry out the development, these
shall be replaced within the site with similar species at a rate of two new trees / shrubs
for each one removed.
To protect and preserve Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Areas of High
Scenic Quality (AHSQ), scenic routes, and views and prospects as identified in the Louth
County Development Plan.
URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
Harbour Front
This area forms the interface between the
physical mass of the medieval town and
the harbour area. It is the area where the
tourist facilities of car parking and public
toilets are located and where some
recreational amenity uses are provided in a
playground and tennis courts. At present
this area is badly planned and is generally
unsightly. This strategy proposes that its
design is revised in an integrated fashion to
make a large public open space stretching
from Gahn House to Taaffe’s Castle. Rather
than prescribing specific functions to
specific areas, uses should be flexible and
transferable and what is parking during the
weekend and during the summer, might be
a play area or outdoor event space at other
times.
A number of buildings adjoining this area
are in a state of disrepair and it is
imperative that these be renovated and
inhabited with a contemporary use as a
matter of urgency, certainly before
development elsewhere is promoted.
Taaffe’s Castle could be the focus of this
space providing a function that uses both
the building volume itself and the adjoining
open space.
5.11
Mill and Abbey
The area around the Mill and the Abbey
provide Carlingford with one of its best
amenities of rich historical and heritage
value. As is the case with the Abbey,
careful restoration could transform the
Mill from an abandoned ruin into a
valuable community artefact. It is
important that the various elements of
this area be preserved as a unit in an
appropriate context. This means that any
development of immediately adjacent
land should be reserved for purposes with
heritage value.
5.12
The right-of-way currently used as a
scenic walk by local people should be
improved with appropriate ground
surfacing and lighting and the Mill Pond
cleaned of rubbish and overgrowth and
established as a water feature in this area.
This amenity area is along a popular route
to the Tholsel Street and harbour area
from Dundalk Street. It should now also
link directly to the proposed sports area
and community centre adjoining the
school, and to the cross roads at the
Catholic Church. (see detailed sketch
adjacent)
THE ABBEY
Greenore Road
Most of the hereto unbuilt land between
the coast and the Greenore Road is either
in receipt of, or seeking, planning
permission for mostly residential
development of very low density
encompassing an area greater than that
contained by the existing town of
Carlingford. To date these developments
have been prepared without efforts to
integrate with neighbouring developments
or into the wider context. This strategy
proposes some measures, which if
complied with, will go some way towards
making this area an extension of the town
rather than a set of isolated suburban-type
enclaves.
A system of pedestrian and cycle ways
should criss-cross the new developments
linking into surrounding areas especially to
the shoreline adjoining the boat club
where a linear park is proposed. It is
important that the overall developed form
of this area has as wide a functional base
as possible rather than exist as a
mono-functional zone.
5.13
PRESERVATION AND CONSERVATION OBJECTIVES
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To secure for posterity the preservation and conservation of buildings and structures of
historic, architectural or aesthetic significance
To protect from damage archaeological sites and monuments identified in the Plan and
those that may be identified in the future, in consultation with Dúchas
To designate the medieval heart of Carlingford an Urban Conservation Area
To respect the distinct medieval urban fabric of Carlingford centre
PRESERVATION AND CONSERVATION POLICIES
1.
5.14
Having regard to the above Strategic Objectives, it shall be the policy of the Planning
Authority:
To protect and enhance the character of the designated Urban Conservation Area:
a) New development should retain and protect the historic town silhouette
b) Proposed new development in the Urban Conservation Area should respect existing
building lines
c) Proposed new development should retain the existing scales of building heights
d) New development should respect the existing plot size and plot pattern of Carlingford
centre. New development on accumulated sites which break with the plot pattern will
not be permitted.
e) Development must respect the street pattern of the Urban Conservation Area, in that
the network of lane-ways through the town centre should be preserved and given
due respect with new buildings addressing them.
f) Any works, which are undertaken to the exterior of buildings, should respect the
historic character of the building in regards to the use of material and the design. If
works are carried out to any building in the Urban Conservation Area the opportunity
should be used to enhance the overall presentation of the building by the use of
appropriate materials and designs. The use of traditional building materials and
techniques will be encouraged.
g) Materials and finishes should compliment those existing. Inappropriate materials such
as windows constructed in aluminium, PVC etc. should be avoided.
h) All original features which are important to the character of buildings such as
entrances, chimney stacks, doors and windows should be retained. Repairs to, rather
than replacements of, historic building details such as windows, doors etc. should be
emphasised. Where replacements are necessary, these should be designed and
finished to match the original pattern or design.
i) New infill buildings should preferably be modern expressions and interpretation of the
historic rather than cautious pastiche.
j) Introduce modern expressions of high quality architecture in new buildings
k) The monuments and protected structures should be protected and enhanced as
individual buildings, but also in their context and setting within the city
l) A co-ordinated street furniture and signage scheme to reduce visual clutter should be
introduced
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
m) The implementation of the traffic management policy outlined in the Traffic
Management Section is a priority
n) The general maintenance and use of buildings in the medieval heart of the town is
to be encouraged as a matter of priority.
o) New shop fronts should be of high quality in terms of design and craftsmanship and
should compliment their context and those already existing. Pastiche shopfronts and
pubfronts should be avoided.
p) Where existing shopfronts are distinctive and make a positive contribution to the
streetscape, they should be adequately maintained and the alterations and repairs
should be in keeping with the existing character and materials used.
To sensitively restore the Mill and Mill Pond as part of the Abbey complex in an
appropriate context of heritage-related developments
To improve and enhance the public right-of-way by the Abbey and Mill with appropriate
ground surfacing and lighting
To prohibit any development, alterations or modifications to the buildings and other
features listed in the Plan, that would detract from or destroy the essential character of
the building or features listed
To refer all planning applications for development that would impinge upon any known
or recorded structures, monument or archaeological sites to Dúchas, and, where
considered necessary on the advice of Dúchas, to prohibit any development that would
irreparably damage any such structure, monument or site.
To require that all planning applications for development that would impinge upon any
building, structure, monument or archaeological site listed in the Plan to be
accompanied by an Historical, Architectural or Archaeological Report, together with
details of the mitigation measures proposed to protect the items so listed.
To implement the Conservation Guidelines issued by the Department of the Environment
with regard to building conservation.
The pursuance of the following three environmental aims is deemed critical to the
sustainable development of Carlingford. It is therefore the policy of the Council to seek:
I. to preserve and reinforce Shilties Lough as a Natural Heritage Area
II. to improve connections with the Marina development to the north of the town
III. to develop an integrated management system for Carlingford Lough
ARCHAEOLOGICAL STRUCTURES AND
FEATURES TO BE PRESERVED
TREES AND HEDGEROWS
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The Council recognises the importance of
trees where they form a significant feature
in the landscape of the town or where
their removal would seriously detract from
the character of the town.
The Tholsel
Taaffe’s Castle
Dominican Friary
King John’s Castle
The Mint
It is the policy of the Planning Authority to:
BUILDING STRUCTURES AND FEATURES
TO BE PRESERVED
• Carlingford House – five bay, two storey
early 19th century house set back in it’s
garden
• Thatched house presently in derelict
state ( Re. The Louth County
Development Plan )
• H. O’Hare – shop front and facade,
raised lettering and balustrade
• Church of Ireland Church – medieval
tower with later nave
• Ghan House – early 19th century
rebuilding of earlier mid-18th centur y
house with white rendering and wide
eaves. Gallery with mid-18th century
decorative plaster.
• Five bay, two-storey white washed
house (east of the Tholsel)
• Holy Trinity Church and Graveyard
• Street pattern and burgage plots
• Elements of Town Wall
• The Mill and Mill Pond – in use from
1200’s – 1800’s. A large granite
millstone embedded in ground at the
new Dundalk St. entrance
• The Market Square – facades and
fabrics of surrounding buildings contain
many medieval elements/fragments
• The site of the Spout Gate – former
location of the western gate into the
town, intact until aproximately1818.
•
Ensure that, where appropriate,
existing trees within the Local Area
Plan boundary are retained and to pay
particular attention to trees within
proposed development sites with the
aim of ensuring that such trees are
protected during development works
and retained thereafter.
In certain circumstances the use of Tree
Preservation Orders may be considered
where there is a risk of removal or damage
to trees of special amenity value.
The trees identified below, are considered
by the Planning Authority to be of special
amenity value (identified on the
Environmental Objectives Strategy Map).
Trees and Hedgerows to be Protected
(identified on the Environmental Objectives
Strategy Map)
•
•
Above the City Wall, to the south of
River Lane
Two locations to the west of Back Lane
5.15
LAND USE CATEGORIES
(see Land Use Strategy Map)
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
To ensure that there is sufficient land
available to meet the development needs
of the town, and that such development is
carried out in an orderly, consistent and
sustainable fashion in accordance with the
proper planning and development of the
area.
STRATEGIC POLICIES
Having regard to the above strategic
objective, it is the policy of the Planning
Authority to implement the following land
use categories:
5.16
1. Town Centre Residential and Commercial Zone (R1)
The primary permitted land uses in this category will be town centre residential
development and town centre related commercial and retail uses consistent with the
existing land use patterns. These shall include shops, office developments, cultural activities,
pubs, personal services, restaurants, guest-houses, hotels, places of entertainment, clinics,
doctors surgeries and any other similar type use.
2. Residential and Commercial Zone (R2)
The principal permitted land use in this category is residential development and compatible
appropriate commercial and services development. This shall include educational facilities,
neighbourhood shops and services, offices of a smaller dimension than those located in the
town centre, nursing homes, doctors’ surgeries, health centres, community halls and
recreational facilities and public open space.
3. Residential Development at Rural Densities (R3)
Residential development is permitted within this category at densities of 1 dwelling to 0.2
hectares reflecting Louth County Development Plan policies for development in rural areas.
These areas are not considered suitable for extensive residential development.
4. Recreation, Amenity and Civic Zone
The principal permitted land use in this category is recreation, amenity and civic facilities,
including public educational and public institutional uses, cultural uses, places of worship,
hospitals and health centres, ancillary buildings for sports fields, and outdoor and indoor
active recreational facilities.
5. Development with Civic / Heritage Use
The principal permitted land use in this category is for civic and heritage facilities, including
cultural uses, public educational facilities, civic centres and heritage centres.
6. Green Belt
The only permitted land use in this category is agriculture, associated agricultural uses and
development according to guidelines for development in Areas of Outstanding Natural
Beauty, as delineated in the 1997 Louth County Development Plan.
7. Tourist-related facilities in Green Belt
The only permitted land use in this category is tourist-related facilities for tourism
development. This strictly excludes the development of holiday homes.
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