elphin local area plan 2009 - 2015 - Roscommon County Council
elphin local area plan 2009 - 2015 - Roscommon County Council
elphin local area plan 2009 - 2015 - Roscommon County Council
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Chapter 10: Development Management Guidelines and Standards<br />
revitalisation of urban <strong>area</strong>s. The <strong>Council</strong> shall also promote new mixed use developments such as “upper<br />
floor residential” over “ground floor retail”.<br />
10.3.9 Change of Use of Existing Houses in Existing Residential Schemes<br />
Conversions of houses and apartments to other uses will not normally be permitted, except where<br />
specified in zoning matrix. The conversion of houses to apartments in predominantly single family<br />
dwellings will not normally be permitted as such conversions would lead to deterioration in the residential<br />
amenities of these <strong>area</strong>s. However, the subdivision of large houses and houses on primary traffic routes in<br />
the town centre may be permitted under certain circumstances; where such factors as the extent of open<br />
space within the site boundaries, tree <strong>plan</strong>ting, car parking spaces, etc. would permit satisfactory<br />
conversions. Individual units should be self contained with their own bathroom facilities, refuse bin<br />
storage <strong>area</strong>s and washing/drying facilities which are accessible to the occupants of that unit.<br />
10.3.10 Derelict Sites<br />
The council will continue to take appropriate action in accordance with the provisions of the Derelict Sites<br />
Act 1990, and amendments, to ensure the elimination of dereliction as it occurs. The council will<br />
encourage re-development of these sites in both rural and urban <strong>area</strong>s and facilitate well designed new<br />
development which utilises backlands, close to the town centre.<br />
10.3.11 Residential Care Schemes<br />
The <strong>Council</strong> recognises the need to provide for a range of accommodation for those who require<br />
supervised care. In considering applications for care homes the <strong>Council</strong> will have regard to the following;-<br />
• The existing social facilities and demand within the <strong>area</strong>. In locations where there is a grouping of<br />
a particular user, group applications should include an assessment of the impact on <strong>local</strong> services.<br />
• The impact on the physical character of the <strong>area</strong> such as car parking levels, private amenity space.<br />
• The impact on noise and disturbance from additional traffic.<br />
• The standard of accommodation and facilities offered. In large developments or developments<br />
which are not located adjacent to <strong>local</strong> facilities the provision of prayer rooms /chapels, shops etc.<br />
will be required.<br />
10.3.12 Parking in Front Gardens<br />
The cumulative effect of removal of front garden walls and railings damages the appearance of suburban<br />
streets and roads. Consequently, proposals for off-street parking needs to be balanced against loss of<br />
amenity. Where permitted, driveways should:<br />
• Not have outward opening gates.<br />
• Have a vehicular entrance not wider than 3 metres.<br />
• Have an <strong>area</strong> of hard standing (per parking space = 2.5 m x 5 m).<br />
• Retain the balance as garden.<br />
• In most cases have gates, walls and railings made good.<br />
Where adjoining householders intend to construct driveways, a more efficient use of garden space can be<br />
achieved by the use of a shared vehicular entrance to serve both houses. Alterations necessary to the<br />
footpath will be carried out by the <strong>County</strong> <strong>Council</strong> at the applicant’s expense, or by the applicant at the<br />
applicant’s own expense, under the supervision of the <strong>County</strong> <strong>Council</strong>.<br />
Elphin Local Area Plan <strong>2009</strong>-<strong>2015</strong> Page 127