boyle local area plan 2012 - 2018 - Roscommon County Council

PART II: DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR 2012 – 2018 & BEYOND Chapter 8: Urban Development & Design
8.2.4 Urban Development within the LAP Area
Boyle has a rich blend of history and modern day
activity. The town and surrounding area has a
considerable wealth of historic and natural features. In
order to achieve sustainable development and foster
vital communities, neighbourhoods should be
encouraged to evolve and grow. Whilst the town has
attractive streetscapes with many fine vernacular
buildings and traditional fascia, it has a run-down
appearance in parts. The town has had little investment
in recent years and many retail premises are gradually
being replaced by service and office functions. As
outlined in Chapter 2 there are opportunities for
significant regeneration and redevelopment within the
town core and indeed throughout the Plan area.
In addition to the policies and objectives outlined in the
RCDP 2008-2014, policies and objectives for Urban
Development in Boyle are outlined below.
Policies for Urban development
Policy 70
Consider good urban design principles in the
development of the LAP area, and require new
development to enhance the existing urban areas and
improve pedestrian priority.
Policy 71
Development over the lifetime of this Plan shall be
focused on employment generation, the consolidation of
the town centre, the completion of ongoing
developments and the provision of community and
social services (where feasible).
Objective for Urban development
Objective 104
Prevent urban sprawl and ribbon development into the
countryside surrounding Boyle, with particular
emphasis on control of ribbon development along main
approaches to the town.
‣ Residential Development Design
It is the policy of the Council to ensure that all
residential developments comply with the requirements
of the RCDP 2008-2014; Chapter 12; Development
Management Guidelines and Standards and Chapter 8
of this LAP, and to ensure that all residential
developments have regard to the guidelines published
within the Urban Design Manual – A Best Practice,
(DEHLG, 2008). It is also the policy of the Council to
ensure that all residential proposals protect and improve
existing residential amenities and to provide for
appropriate residential/infill development, having
regard to the topography, scale, character and amenities
of the area.
A renewed emphasis is required on how quality urban
design, based on the principles of good urban spaces,
active streets, and a sustainable mix of uses will
contribute to the vision of a compact, green town with
an enduring economy and quality neighbourhoods.
The quality of design, layouts and architectural
treatments are essential considerations of the
development process. High quality design has a
considerable positive impact on the character and
vitality of areas where it is achieved. RCC aims to
ensure that developments are carried out to design and
construction standards which are aesthetically pleasing
and functionally and environmentally sustainable. Preplanning
discussions with the Planning Authority can
assist in achieving quality environments.
Policies for Residential Development
Policy 72
Facilitate the Housing Authority’s programme for
housing, including;
• the provision of new housing,
• renovation/refurbishment of existing buildings;
• the provision of suitable accommodation and
facilities for the Traveller Community;
• the provision of suitable accommodation for people
with disabilities;
• the provision of social and affordable housing; and,
• implementation of the provisions of Part V.
Policy 73
Require that new residential accommodation meets the
following;
• necessary standards of energy consumption,
sanitation and high standards of design;
• avoiding unnecessary development on floodplains;
• avoid traffic or environmental problems or damage
to visual amenity;
• encourage suitable infill development on
appropriate sites; and,
• prevent further ribbon development along roads
within the development envelope and immediately
contiguous thereto.
Policy 74
Ensure that a high standard of design is incorporated
into residential developments through careful
consideration of the layout to facilitate pedestrian safety
and restrict vehicular traffic speeds.
Boyle Local Area Plan 2012 – 2018 Page 111