elphin local area plan 2009 - 2015 - Roscommon County Council

Chapter 1: Introduction
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE
Roscommon County Council as Planning Authority for the County is required to make development plans,
manage development, and preserve and improve amenities. Objective 3 of the Roscommon County
Development Plan (RCDP) 2008-2014, sets out a priority list for the preparation of Local Area Plans and
Village Design Statements during the lifetime of the 2008-2014 Plan. A Local Area Plan for Elphin is
indicated on the priority list for Year 1.
What is a LAP?
A Local Area Plan (LAP) is made up of a written statement, maps, plans and drawings which set out
objectives for the proper planning and sustainable development of a specific area. These objectives must
be relevant to the local area and consistent with the provisions of the RCDP 2008 – 2014. The intended
timescale for the implementation of the plan must be stated, and information included on the likely
significant effects on the environment of implementing the Plan.
An LAP is a legal or statutory document prepared in accordance with Part II, Section 20 of the Planning
and Development Acts 2000 – 2006. When considering an application for planning permission within the
boundary of a LAP area, the Planning Authority and An Bord Pleanala must take account of the
provisions set out in the LAP. The provisions of any Draft LAP may also be considered.
Consultation meetings are held with members of the local community, stakeholders, service providers and
other interested bodies, and input is invited during the LAP preparation process. The making of the LAP is
the responsibility of the elected members of the County Council.
The LAP takes a detailed look at a specific area, identifying and analysing the various issues of relevance,
before establishing and setting out principles for the future development of the area. These issues include;
Infrastructure and Services
Economic Development and Employment
Built and Natural Heritage
Social and Community Facilities
Recreation, Leisure and Tourism
Urban Development
The Elphin LAP
The Elphin Local Area Plan (LAP) 2009-2015 comprises this written statement and accompanying maps.
It is necessary that both be referred to, in considering the proper planning and sustainable development of
the area. This plan has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Planning and
Development Act 2000 (as amended) and provides the statutory basis for the consideration, by the
Council, of planning applications submitted. The period of this plan will be six years from the date of its
adoption, subject to any review or alterations.
The main aim of this Local Area Plan for Elphin is to set out a framework for the physical development of
Elphin Town so that growth may take place in a co-ordinated, sensitive and orderly manner, while at the
same time conserving the towns’ built and natural heritage.
This plan strives to inform the general public, statutory authorities, developers and other interested bodies
of the policy framework, objectives and land use proposals for the Elphin area.
Elphin Local Area Plan 2009-2015 Page 1