boyle local area plan 2012 - 2018 - Roscommon County Council

PART I: INTRODUCTION & CONTEXT Chapter 2: Historic Context, Settlement Policy & Vision
The Boyle LAP has adopted a Land Use Strategy that provides a flexible and
facilitative approach that combines mixed use zoning and the designation of
development areas (specific objectives for development). The mixed use zoning
component of the Plan provides an overall framework designed to direct development
in an orderly and appropriate manner and to provide for a greater mix of
complementary uses in appropriate locations. The use of development areas provides
more detailed guidance regarding the mix of uses and the type, density and design of
development appropriate in the different areas.
This combined approach is considered necessary to allow the town to continue to
develop in a more integrated manner. It is also recommended that a sequential
approach of development be adopted, which encourages development in optimum
locations in the town core before proceeding to outer town centre areas. This
approach to land use development will require the coordination, co-operation and
collaboration of a range of different stakeholders to achieve the common vision
presented in the Plan. In particular, landowners may need to work together to prepare
group proposals for their lands that show how a suitable balance can be struck
between an appropriate level and design of development with sufficient community
gain to meet the needs of the local community.
Local residents and community groups will also be encouraged to be actively
involved in the process and provide their input into proposals. This will clearly
require additional input and effort from all stakeholders to move the process forward
and to resolve potential obstacles to the delivery of appropriate community facilities
and amenities in conjunction with high quality developments. The Planning
Authority will also consider the use of Master Plans for all large development
proposals to show the locations, nature and scale of development and the manner in
which appropriate types and locations of community facilities and amenities are to be
delivered.
The key development aims for Boyle are to:
‣ Facilitate future sustainable growth whilst ensuring that the natural environment is
not compromised
‣ Protect the historic core of the town
‣ Encourage and promote sustainable tourism activities
‣ Strengthen linkages to Boyle Harbour, Lough Key Forest & Activity Park and the
greater Shannon-Erne Waterway
‣ Support and strengthen a vibrant town centre living environment
‣ Ensure a mix of residential accommodation is provided with its own distinctive
character and easy access to the town core
‣ Encourage a diverse range of employment opportunities
‣ Promote a range of commercial/retail services in line with the Roscommon
County Retail Strategy and any recommended amendments to the Strategy.
This LAP focuses on consolidating the town centre by permitting appropriate in-fill
development, and the expansion of the town in accordance with Maps 14a & 14b –
Land Use Zoning. Other considerations include for example; appropriate scale, design
use, the availability of existing infrastructure, services, and environmental protection.
The Plan ultimately seeks to develop and improve, in a sustainable manner, the social,
cultural and environmental assets of the area.
Ensuring that developments are completed to design and construction standards that
result in a visually and functionally pleasing environment, is at the core of the
development strategy. It is imperative that development in Boyle is managed
appropriately, in particular the protection and enhancement of the built and natural
environment. In addition to the policies outlined in the RCDP 2008-2014, the
following policies and objectives apply:
Policies for development in Boyle
Policy 1
All development should be sustainable and take account of; the availability of public
transport infrastructure, the socio-economic profile of residents, and creation of
appropriate and sustainable levels of employment and commercial activities; which are
in proportion to residential development in Boyle, and protect the rural hinterland and
urban greenbelt.
Policy 2
Consolidation of the town, employment generation, appropriate tourism development;
the completion of ongoing development, and the provision of community and social
services (where feasible); will be the primary focus of development in Boyle over the
lifetime of this LAP.
Boyle Local Area Plan 2012-2018 Page 21