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 9: Urban Development<br />
positive approach to urban consolidation through the housing strategy process. In particular, such<br />
strategies should consider<br />
• realistic targets for the location of housing within existing built up <strong>area</strong>s of villages, towns and<br />
cities<br />
• policies to support the achievement of such targets, including interventions designed to ensure<br />
the availability of under-utilised or derelict land in urban <strong>area</strong>s through the use of the various<br />
<strong>local</strong> authority powers referred to in Table 7 above<br />
• evaluation of progress to inform review of future strategies.<br />
Socially diverse <strong>local</strong> communities located in well-<strong>plan</strong>ned development can foster a sense of place, pride,<br />
security and neighbourliness. It is important that new housing development secures a good social mix. Part<br />
V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 provides mechanisms to assist the achievement of this<br />
objective.<br />
Housing strategies are the prime vehicle for better integration at <strong>local</strong> level and in particular for<br />
• assessing the range of housing needs<br />
• matching housing needs with supply and identifying necessary measures such as aids to<br />
affordability where <strong>local</strong> circumstances require this<br />
• meeting particular housing needs such as those of smaller households, vulnerable sections of<br />
society and the Travelling community.<br />
Within the above considerations, it will be vital to ensure the highest standards of design and layout by<br />
availing of professional design advice and supervision to create a high quality living environment.<br />
Regional Planning Guidelines for the West, 2004 - 2016<br />
In terms of development within urban <strong>area</strong>s the RPG’s highlight the following;<br />
In South <strong>Roscommon</strong>:<br />
Key towns: <strong>Roscommon</strong>, Ballinasloe, Mountbellew, Ballyhaunis, Monksland (Athlone)<br />
Potential:<br />
• Decentralisation will greatly benefit a number of towns in this zone; this gives them potential to<br />
achieve a higher level of critical mass for many developments.<br />
Needs (or Requirements for Change/Development):<br />
• The orderly growth of all settlements in this zone should be facilitated<br />
• Greater levels of industrial and services employment need to be generated in the key towns<br />
• Increased provision must be made for commercial activity and the provision of increased numbers<br />
of services in the smaller settlements in this zone.<br />
Retail Planning Guidelines for Local Authorities, 2005<br />
The Retail Planning Guidelines (RPGs) seek to provide the policy framework to enable future retail<br />
development demand to be provided in a way that is “efficient, equitable, and sustainable”. The guidelines<br />
emphasise the need to protect and enhance the vitality and viability of town and district centres. The RPGs<br />
recognise that the detail and complexity required to address retail <strong>plan</strong>ning issues varies depending on the<br />
extent of urbanisation, population density, and number of centres. The guidelines acknowledge that the<br />
town centre is the focus of a range of commercial and community activities, resulting in a mix of, often<br />
interdependent, land uses which contribute to a sense of place and identity. It also has a high level of<br />
accessibility to employment, services, and facilities for all the community.<br />
Elphin Local Area Plan <strong>2009</strong>-<strong>2015</strong> Page 83