elphin local area plan 2009 - 2015 - Roscommon County Council

Chapter 10: Development Management Guidelines and Standards
10.4 RETAIL DEVELOPMENT (To be read in conjunction with Chapters 5)
Having regard to the recommendations of documents such as the Retail Planning Guidelines for Planning
Authorities published by the Department of Environment and Local Government (2000) and the Retail
Strategy for County Roscommon which forms part of the RCDP 2008 - 2014, it is generally the objective
of the Planning Authority to encourage central locations for new retailing activity and consider the needs
of residential neighbourhoods in catering for local shopping needs.
The criteria to be determined in the assessment of significant planning applications for retail development
are as follows:
• All applications for retail developments should be subject to the sequential test and alternative
locations must be considered. Where an application for a retail development outside of the town
centre is lodged to the planning authority, the applicant should demonstrate that all town centre
options have been assessed and evaluated and that flexibility has been adopted by the retailer in
regard to the retail format;
• Impact on the town centre, including cumulative impact;
• The baseline information and capacity/impact assessment is accurate and transparent;
• There is a demonstrable need for the development;
• Its contribution to town centre improvement;
• Its contribution to site / area improvement;
• The quality of access by all modes of transport;
• Its role in improving the competitiveness of the County;
• Its role in sustaining urban and rural communities;
• Any other CDP or LAP considerations.
In considering retail developments the Council will require:
• Adequate provision of parking for people with disabilities in addition to parking for parents with
young children
• Provision of recycling bring centres to be located in accessible locations
• Provision of covered bicycle parking
It is also recommended that the applicant should address the following criteria:
• Support the long term strategy for town centres as established in the development plan and not
materially diminish the prospect of attracting private sector investment into one or more town
centres.
• Cause an adverse impact on one of more town centres, either singly or cumulatively with recent
development or other outstanding planning permissions, sufficient to undermine the quality of the
centre or its role in the economic and social life of the community.
• Diminish the range of activities and services that a town centre can support.
• Cause an increase in the number of vacant properties in the primary retail area that is likely to
persist in the long term.
• Ensure a high standard of access both by public transport, foot, and private car so that the proposal
is easily accessible by all sections of society.
• Link effectively with an existing town centre so that there is likely to be commercial synergy.
The overall design strategy will normally reflect variety (by the use of differing shop fronts, set back,
signs, etc.) within a unified design. The design and layout of buildings, including materials, should
discourage graffiti and other forms of vandalism. Service areas etc. should be out of sight of surrounding
Elphin Local Area Plan 2009-2015 Page 128