Planning and Development
The overall objective of the planning department is to promote the development of the County in a manner which facilitates sustainable economic and social progress. The day-to-day operation of the planning department covers a number of separate areas namely development management, forward planning, planning enforcement, unfinished Estates and taking in charge of residential developments.
DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT
Carlow County Council received a total of 387 planning applications during 2016. The following is a breakdown of decisions made during 2016 by Carlow County Council:
Pre-planning Consultations:
During 2016 revised procedures for pre-planning consultations were introduced to provide a transparent and consistent approach to pre-planning consultations and to ensure that the process would be productive for the applicant. The revised procedures now result in the submission of a certain minimum level of documentation in advance of the pre-planning consultation.
The procedure for dealing with pre-planning consultations is as follows:
ENFORCEMENT
The planning department in accordance with the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) seeks to ensure that planning permissions are complied with. The planning department investigates all written complaints of unauthorised development where they appear to be well founded. The Council at all times protects the identity of the complainant. Following an investigation of a bone fide complaint the commencement of the enforcement steps is initiated by the issue of a Warning Letter followed by the issue of an Enforcement Notice should the matter not be satisfactorily resolved following the issue of a Warning Letter. In the event of non-compliance with the Enforcement Notice legal proceedings are initiated.
TAKING OF ESTATES IN CHARGE
Under the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) requests to take estates in charge can be made by the Developer or the majority of the owners involved in the development. The Planning and Development Act 2010 allows the Local Authority to take part of an estate in charge.
The following Housing Developments were taken in charge during 2016:
UNFINISHED ESTATES
Following a review of the unfinished developments for the National Survey which took place in consultation with the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the number of unfinished housing developments in County Carlow identified in 2016 survey is 28.
The following courses of action are being pursued to assist in resolving unfinished housing developments throughout the County:
Funding was made available in 2016 by the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government to carry out works to residential developments under the National Taking In Charge Initiative for Residential Estates. The National Taking In Charge Initiative is a pilot scheme with funding allocated of €10m intended to accelerate the taking in charge process of housing estates including estates with developer provided water services infrastructure.
An application for funding under the National Taking in Charge Initiative was submitted by Carlow County Council and funding was approved for works to be carried out in eight developments as follows: Academy Court, Ballydarton Mews, Loch Abhainn, Moyacomb Meadows, Phelim Wood, Rathfelim, Rathsillan and The Meadows. Where bond funding is available in respect of a development approved for funding under this initiative it must make up the balance to cover the cost of the works to the development. Works to the eight developments will be completed during 2017.
DERELICT SITES AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURES
In accordance with the Derelict Sites Act 1990 a total of 45 Derelict Sites Notices were issued during 2016. At 31st December, 2016 a total of 34 properties were listed on the Derelict Sites Register.
In accordance with the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act 1964 a total of 39 Notices were issued during 2016 requesting the owner of the property to carryout out works to their properties.
FORWARD PLANNING
Forward Planning plays a pivotal role in the physical, economic and social development of County Carlow. Its primary objective is to promote and support sustainable development within the county. It seeks to create vibrant communities, where cultural differences are valued and encouraged, where everyone can be actively involved in economic, social and cultural life, with adequate services and infrastructure to serve the community. The statutory planning functions have regard to national policy, ministerial guidelines and various statutory land use plans adopted at a local level.
Local Area Plans
Muine Bheag /Royal Oak Local Area Plan 2017 - 2023
During 2016, work commenced and progressed on the Muine Bheag / Royal Oak Local Area Plan 2017 - 2023. Throughout the process various workshops and public consultation meetings were held including a graphic facilitation workshop in April, 2016 where attendance was by special invitation to varying local groups through the Public Participation Network (PPN) as well as a broad spectrum of local businesses, schools, church groups etc. The public display periods for the varying stages of the plan, pre-draft, draft local area plan and material amendments to the draft local area plan were held on the following dates respectively;
Tullow Local Area Plan 2017 - 2023
During 2016, work commenced and progressed on the Tullow Local Area Plan 2017 - 2023. Throughout the process various workshops and public consultation meetings were held including a graphic facilitation workshop in May, 2016 where attendance was by special invitation to varying local groups through the Public Participation Network (PPN) as well as a broad spectrum of local businesses, schools, church groups etc. The public display periods for the varying stages of the plan, pre-draft, draft local area plan and material amendments to the draft local area plan were held on the following dates respectively;
Other Small Towns / Villages
Preliminary work commenced in the last quarter of 2016 on a variation of the Carlow County Development Plan 2015-2021 to incorporate 6 no. small towns, namely, Ballon, Borris, Hacketstown, Leighlinbridge, Tinnahinch and Carrickduff into the County Development Plan. Policies and objectives and a land use zoning map for each of these towns and villages will inform the future development of these areas and will be further progressed during 2017.
The proposed addition of the Lime Kiln on the former Sugar Factory Site at Strawhall, Athy Road, Carlow
At a Meeting of Carlow County Council in November 2016, a resolution was passed to commence the statutory procedure under Section 54 and 55 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, (as amended) to add the Lime Kiln on the former Sugar Factory Site at Strawhall, Athy Road, Carlow to the Record of Protected Structures contained within the Carlow County Development Plan 2015-2021 as referenced in the Joint Spatial Plan for the Greater Carlow Griaguecullen Urban Area 2012-2018 (comprising of the Carlow Town Environs Local Area Plan).
This proposal was placed on public display from Friday 25th November, 2016 until 20th January 2017. Procedures in relation to this matter will continue in 2017.
Southern Regional Assembly
The planning authority will continue to contribute to the work of the Sothern Regional Assembly to ensure the interests of Carlow are represented at a regional level.
Development Contribution Scheme 2017 - 2021
In accordance with Section 48 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) a draft Development Contribution Scheme was prepared in 2016. The particulars of the proposed Draft Development Contribution Scheme 2016 - 2021 were placed on public display from Friday 25th November, 2016 to Friday 20th January, 2017. The particulars were available to view at various locations throughout the County and also on Carlow County Councils' website. Following the public consultation period, a Chief Executive's Report will be prepared for the consideration of the Elected Members at the February Council meeting to be held in February, 2017.
VACANT SITE LEVY
The commencement of the Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015 on 1st September 2015 introduced a number of new statutory provisions aimed to encourage developers and landowners to develop land zoned for residential use and / or urban land identified by local authorities in need of regeneration. The primary mechanisms to achieve the above is the (i) Introduction of a vacant site levy and (ii) revision to Part V - Social and Affordable Housing and Development Contribution requirements.
During 2016 the Planning Authority identified potential areas within the Muine Bheag / Royal Oak Local Area Plan 2017-2023 and the Tullow Local Area Plan 2017-2023 where consideration of the application of the levy may apply. In order to comply with the provisions of the Act a variation of the Carlow County Development Plan 2015-2021 will commence in 2017.
DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT
Carlow County Council received a total of 387 planning applications during 2016. The following is a breakdown of decisions made during 2016 by Carlow County Council:
| Number of valid applications received | 302 |
| Number of invalid applications received | 85 |
| Number of applications granted | 257 |
| Number of applications refused | 17 |
During 2016 revised procedures for pre-planning consultations were introduced to provide a transparent and consistent approach to pre-planning consultations and to ensure that the process would be productive for the applicant. The revised procedures now result in the submission of a certain minimum level of documentation in advance of the pre-planning consultation.
The procedure for dealing with pre-planning consultations is as follows:
- The applicant submits a completed pre-planning application form along with relevant documentation
- This application is referred to the relevant Planner who advises if there is any requirement for staff from other directorates to be involved in the pre-planning process
- The Planner advises of a suitable date and time for the meeting and the applicant is written to with their appointment details. It is possible to hold a pre-planning consultation by telephone or e-mail if the applicant is unable to attend a formal meeting.
ENFORCEMENT
The planning department in accordance with the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) seeks to ensure that planning permissions are complied with. The planning department investigates all written complaints of unauthorised development where they appear to be well founded. The Council at all times protects the identity of the complainant. Following an investigation of a bone fide complaint the commencement of the enforcement steps is initiated by the issue of a Warning Letter followed by the issue of an Enforcement Notice should the matter not be satisfactorily resolved following the issue of a Warning Letter. In the event of non-compliance with the Enforcement Notice legal proceedings are initiated.
| 2016 | Carlow County Council |
|---|---|
| Complaints Received | 83 |
| Warning letters issued | 55 |
| Enforcement notices served | 14 |
| Legal proceedings initiated | 1 |
Under the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) requests to take estates in charge can be made by the Developer or the majority of the owners involved in the development. The Planning and Development Act 2010 allows the Local Authority to take part of an estate in charge.
The following Housing Developments were taken in charge during 2016:
| Name of Development | Address of Development |
|---|---|
| Oakley Wood | Tullow, Co. Carlow |
| Ballyknockan Manor (phase 1) | Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow |
| Feltham Hall | Blackbog Road, Carlow Town |
| The Millstream | Blackbog Road, Carlow Town |
Following a review of the unfinished developments for the National Survey which took place in consultation with the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the number of unfinished housing developments in County Carlow identified in 2016 survey is 28.
The following courses of action are being pursued to assist in resolving unfinished housing developments throughout the County:
- Continuous consultation with the various stakeholders involved
- The use of a range of existing legislative provisions available to the Local Authority
- Financial resources that maybe available to the Local Authority through the claiming of security bonds and/or any grants received from the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government
Funding was made available in 2016 by the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government to carry out works to residential developments under the National Taking In Charge Initiative for Residential Estates. The National Taking In Charge Initiative is a pilot scheme with funding allocated of €10m intended to accelerate the taking in charge process of housing estates including estates with developer provided water services infrastructure.
An application for funding under the National Taking in Charge Initiative was submitted by Carlow County Council and funding was approved for works to be carried out in eight developments as follows: Academy Court, Ballydarton Mews, Loch Abhainn, Moyacomb Meadows, Phelim Wood, Rathfelim, Rathsillan and The Meadows. Where bond funding is available in respect of a development approved for funding under this initiative it must make up the balance to cover the cost of the works to the development. Works to the eight developments will be completed during 2017.
DERELICT SITES AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURES
In accordance with the Derelict Sites Act 1990 a total of 45 Derelict Sites Notices were issued during 2016. At 31st December, 2016 a total of 34 properties were listed on the Derelict Sites Register.
In accordance with the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act 1964 a total of 39 Notices were issued during 2016 requesting the owner of the property to carryout out works to their properties.
FORWARD PLANNING
Forward Planning plays a pivotal role in the physical, economic and social development of County Carlow. Its primary objective is to promote and support sustainable development within the county. It seeks to create vibrant communities, where cultural differences are valued and encouraged, where everyone can be actively involved in economic, social and cultural life, with adequate services and infrastructure to serve the community. The statutory planning functions have regard to national policy, ministerial guidelines and various statutory land use plans adopted at a local level.
Local Area Plans
Muine Bheag /Royal Oak Local Area Plan 2017 - 2023
During 2016, work commenced and progressed on the Muine Bheag / Royal Oak Local Area Plan 2017 - 2023. Throughout the process various workshops and public consultation meetings were held including a graphic facilitation workshop in April, 2016 where attendance was by special invitation to varying local groups through the Public Participation Network (PPN) as well as a broad spectrum of local businesses, schools, church groups etc. The public display periods for the varying stages of the plan, pre-draft, draft local area plan and material amendments to the draft local area plan were held on the following dates respectively;
- Tuesday 9th February to Tuesday 1st March, 2016
- Wednesday 15th June to Wednesday 27th July, 2016
- Friday 21st October to Friday 18th November, 2016
Tullow Local Area Plan 2017 - 2023
During 2016, work commenced and progressed on the Tullow Local Area Plan 2017 - 2023. Throughout the process various workshops and public consultation meetings were held including a graphic facilitation workshop in May, 2016 where attendance was by special invitation to varying local groups through the Public Participation Network (PPN) as well as a broad spectrum of local businesses, schools, church groups etc. The public display periods for the varying stages of the plan, pre-draft, draft local area plan and material amendments to the draft local area plan were held on the following dates respectively;
- Tuesday 9th February to Tuesday 1st March, 2016
- Wednesday 27th July to Wednesday 7th September, 2016
- Friday 25th November to Friday 23rd December, 2016
Other Small Towns / Villages
Preliminary work commenced in the last quarter of 2016 on a variation of the Carlow County Development Plan 2015-2021 to incorporate 6 no. small towns, namely, Ballon, Borris, Hacketstown, Leighlinbridge, Tinnahinch and Carrickduff into the County Development Plan. Policies and objectives and a land use zoning map for each of these towns and villages will inform the future development of these areas and will be further progressed during 2017.
The proposed addition of the Lime Kiln on the former Sugar Factory Site at Strawhall, Athy Road, Carlow
At a Meeting of Carlow County Council in November 2016, a resolution was passed to commence the statutory procedure under Section 54 and 55 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, (as amended) to add the Lime Kiln on the former Sugar Factory Site at Strawhall, Athy Road, Carlow to the Record of Protected Structures contained within the Carlow County Development Plan 2015-2021 as referenced in the Joint Spatial Plan for the Greater Carlow Griaguecullen Urban Area 2012-2018 (comprising of the Carlow Town Environs Local Area Plan).
This proposal was placed on public display from Friday 25th November, 2016 until 20th January 2017. Procedures in relation to this matter will continue in 2017.
Southern Regional Assembly
The planning authority will continue to contribute to the work of the Sothern Regional Assembly to ensure the interests of Carlow are represented at a regional level.
Development Contribution Scheme 2017 - 2021
In accordance with Section 48 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) a draft Development Contribution Scheme was prepared in 2016. The particulars of the proposed Draft Development Contribution Scheme 2016 - 2021 were placed on public display from Friday 25th November, 2016 to Friday 20th January, 2017. The particulars were available to view at various locations throughout the County and also on Carlow County Councils' website. Following the public consultation period, a Chief Executive's Report will be prepared for the consideration of the Elected Members at the February Council meeting to be held in February, 2017.
VACANT SITE LEVY
The commencement of the Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015 on 1st September 2015 introduced a number of new statutory provisions aimed to encourage developers and landowners to develop land zoned for residential use and / or urban land identified by local authorities in need of regeneration. The primary mechanisms to achieve the above is the (i) Introduction of a vacant site levy and (ii) revision to Part V - Social and Affordable Housing and Development Contribution requirements.
During 2016 the Planning Authority identified potential areas within the Muine Bheag / Royal Oak Local Area Plan 2017-2023 and the Tullow Local Area Plan 2017-2023 where consideration of the application of the levy may apply. In order to comply with the provisions of the Act a variation of the Carlow County Development Plan 2015-2021 will commence in 2017.
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Carlow County Council, Athy Road, Carlow. R93 E7R7 Tel. +353 59 9170300. |