boyle local area plan 2012 - 2018 - Roscommon County Council

PART II: DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR 2012 – 2018 & BEYOND Chapter 8: Urban Development & Design
Objective 113
In exercising the development management function,
assist in the delivery of the pedestrian linkages, having
regard to the conservation value of the town and river.
Objective 114
Consider engaging with local property owners and
stakeholders in an attempt to encourage vacant premises
to be used for the display of works of art or
alternatively goods from trading stores.
Objective 115
Maintain and improve accessibility to and within the
town centre and develop a comprehensive approach to
the provision of car parking and pedestrian access.
8.2.5 Architecture & Urban Design
Good urban design is essential if we are to produce
attractive, high-quality places in which people will want
to live, work, socialise and visit. It can be achieved by
the way streets and spaces are arranged and how the
mass, scale and position of buildings within the
landscape is planned. Carefully considered and planned
neighbourhoods result in – a clear centre, a place that is
easy to walk around and also feels safe, high quality
buildings and attractive spaces between buildings. Good
design can provide a clear and distinct sense of place in
which people take pride.
Urban Design focuses on how urban areas best respond
to people’s needs and the manner in which they best
respond can be broken down into;
1. the character of the area – a place with its own
identity; ease of movement – a place that is easy to
get to and move through;
2. continuity and enclosure – a place where good
public and private spaces are clearly distinguished;
3. quality of public realm – an appealing place with
attractive and successful outdoor areas;
4. legibility – a place that has a clear image and is
easy to understand;
5. adaptability – a place that can change easily and
incrementally;
6. diversity and a mix of uses – a place with
diversity and choice;
7. sustainability / balance with nature – a place
where a balance has been achieved between the
natural and built environment;
8. value - a place where value can be created to
sustain the desired mix of uses and quality of
townscape; and,
9. inclusivity – a place which has something for
everyone and where a diverse range of user needs
are met.
This LAP therefore seeks to promote high standards of
development and quality design in Boyle. It is
imperative that development carried out during the
lifetime of this LAP contributes positively to the built
environment and the quality of life of the people of
Boyle. RCC will require a high standard of
development for each individual site and or planning
application. Specific Development Standards are set out
in Chapter 12 of the Roscommon County Development
Plan 2008-2014 and it will be a requirement of all new
development to comply with these.
Best practice in urban design and layout is encouraged
by RCC at all times and planning applications should
strive to demonstrate that the best principles have been
applied and full congnisance has been taken of all
relevant matters for the development of any site in the
Boyle area. Good urban design plays an essential role in
delivering a built environment which is sustainable and
creates social and environmental well being. It also has
a significant economic value to any area. Best practice
principles for urban design should be applied to all new
developments in the LAP area, particularly those
located with the town centre, for the following reasons:
• reinforcement of local identity and sense of place
• reduction in conflict between pedestrians and traffic
• creation of a high quality environment with a
clearly defined urban structure
• stimulation of commercial investment and
sustainable economic development through the
creation of an attractive and viable urban
environment
• unique distinctive town centre where locals desire
to stay and others to visit
‣ Opportunity Sites
The potential opportunity sites that have been identified
in this LAP present great opportunities for development
or re-development which would contribute significantly
to the renewal, enhancement and regeneration of the
town. There are various reasons such as dereliction,
under-utilization of land, amongst others, as to why
these areas have been identified. Not all of the
boundaries of these sites have been clearly defined.
They can be added to, where appropriate, in order to
provide for rational site boundaries or the amalgamation
of a number of sites. Where land parcels are considered
to be fragmented in terms of ownership a collaborative
approach by landowners will be encouraged in order for
a logical development strategy to advance. This
approach will be strongly encouraged by RCC,
particularly over a piecemeal approach to development
or re-development.
Boyle Local Area Plan 2012 – 2018 Page 115