elphin local area plan 2009 - 2015 - Roscommon County Council

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