Development Objectives

2.9       Development Objectives

2.9.1     Introduction

This section of the Draft Plan sets out specific objectives for the development of Piltown.  Some of the objectives can be carried out directly by the County Council, but for other objectives, for which the Council is not directly responsible, it will have a facilitative role.

Achievement of the objectives for which the Council is directly responsible, will, in many cases be dependent upon adequate finance being made available to the Council from the Department of the Environment and Local Government and other sources.   For many of the other objectives, a co-ordinated approach is needed by both the Council and local community.  The Council, through its Planning Department and Community and Enterprise Department, intend to facilitate and build the capacity in the community to follow these objectives through.

2.9.2     Land Use Zoning

The purpose of zoning is to indicate to property owners and the public the types of development which the Council considers most appropriate in each land use category.  The land use zoning objectives are detailed below and are shown on the Land Use zoning and specific objectives map.  It is the intention of the Planning Authority that the zoning of particular areas for a particular use shall not in itself exclude other uses in that area provided they are compatible with the dominant use.  Zoning is designed to reduce conflicting uses within areas, to protect resources and to ensure that land suitable for development is used to the best advantage of the community as a whole.

In the following paragraphs:

• Permissible uses mean uses which are acceptable in principle in the relevant zone.  However, it is still subject to the normal planning process.

• Open for consideration means a use which may be permitted where the Council is satisfied that the individual proposal or development will be compatible with the policies and objectives for the zone, and will not conflict with the permitted uses and also conforms with the proper planning and development of the area.

Existing and General Development

Objective:  To provide for a mix of uses and to support, strengthen and expand the service base, allowing for sustainable development appropriate to the scale and character of Piltown, whilst protecting its natural and built heritage.

• § Any development proposal in this area will be assessed against this objective.

Residential

Objective: To protect, provide and improve residential amenities appropriate to the scale and character of Piltown, and facilitate single or multiple housing units, or appropriately designed serviced sites.

• § Permissible Uses: Dwellings, open spaces, nursing home.
• § Open for Consideration: Bed and breakfast establishments and guesthouses.

Phase 2 Residential

Objective: This land will not be released for development during the lifetime of this plan.  The situation will be monitored on an ongoing basis.

Ecology & Open Space

Objective:  To provide and enhance recreational open space, and protect the ecological integrity of the area in accordance with the heritage objectives of this plan.

• § Permissible uses:  Open space, river walks.
• § Open for Consideration: Recreational buildings, stands, pavilions, agricultural uses, public service installations.

Industrial

Objective: To provide for industrial and related uses to provide for the employment needs of the local community.

• § Permissible uses: Industrial premises and ancillary offices, open spaces.
• § Open for Consideration: Warehouses, car and heavy vehicles park, Petrol filling stations, service stations, car showrooms, wholesale premises, advertisement structures, public service installations, play school/crèche.

Transitional Areas

While the zoning objectives indicate the different uses permitted in each zone, it is important to avoid abrupt transitions in scale and use at the boundary of adjoining land uses zones.  In these areas, it is necessary to avoid developments, which would be detrimental to the amenities of the more environmentally sensitive zone.  For instance, in zones abutting residential areas particular attention must be paid to the uses, scale and density and appearance of development proposals and to landscaping and screening proposals in order to protect the amenities of these residential areas.

Non-conforming uses

Within the plan area there may be uses which do not conform to the zoning objectives for the area.  Extensions to and improvement of existing premises accommodating these uses may be permitted where the proposed development would not seriously injure the amenities of the area or prejudice the proper planning and development of the area.

2.9.3 Implementation of Objectives

The realisation of objectives listed within the plan, will be of significant benefit to the village, ensuring its orderly development and improvement.  The achievement of the objectives will be dependent on the availability of finance and the inclusion of the objectives in the work programmes of the County Council and the responsible agencies.

There are a number of objectives in the plan which members of the community will have an interest in or may contribute to through the development management process, and which will be the responsibility of the local authority, developers, landowners and other agencies to implement.  However there are objectives which the local community, through local organisations, can play a huge role in contributing to the achievement of the objectives.  Kilkenny County Council’s policy will be to facilitate and aid local organisations in this capacity.  Listed in Table 2 are the objectives resulting from the discussion under each of the headings of in section 2 of the plan, together with the lead partners to achieve their implementation.

This is intended to be an integrated plan, and the progression of formulating objectives from issues identified in the public consultation is the first step in enabling an integrated approach to implementation.  Kilkenny County Council intends to fully co-operate with other development and community agencies, such as the County Development Board and Kilkenny Leader Partnership to secure the implementation of this plan.

Kilkenny Leader Partnership (KLP) operates the EU LEADER+ programme and the National Rural Development Programme (NRDP).  Under these programmes grant-aid is available to small enterprises, individuals with a business project and to community groups with either a business or a community beneficial project, if they meet the programmes’ rural development criteria.  Both programmes provide part-funding so applicants are expected to fund a percentage of any project themselves.

Table 4 – Objectives for the plan area

Ref.	Objective	Lead Partners
IN3	To provide water in sufficient quantity and quality to serve the needs of the existing and future population and commercial development, for all lands zoned for development in this plan, as resources and finances permit.	Water Services Section
IN6	To maintain and improve wastewater treatment services and to upgrade the treatment system to cater for the future growth of the town as resources and finance permit.	Water Services Section
IN11	To investigate in conjunction with the OPW the causes of flooding in Piltown and to seek the necessary funding the remedial defence works required to prevent its reoccurrence in the future.	OPW, Environment Section, Area Engineer.
IN12	To remove the obsolete watermain under the bridge to improve river flow at this location.	Water Services Section
T4	To investigate the feasibility of providing a safe pedestrian and cycleway linkage between Piltown and Piltown, subject to financial and human resources.	Area Engineer
T5	To carry out a review of public lighting needs in Piltown with a view of identifying priority areas in need of improvement and to seek to install new lighting subject to the availability of financial and human resources.	Area Engineer
T6	To investigate the possibility of bus shelters being erected in the village and a bus stop being provided at the Fiddown end of town.	Planning Section, Bus Eireann.
H3	To protect and enhance the habitat of the Pil River, and its associated ecological corridors and habitats, as identified as PL1, PL2 & PL3 on Map 2. An ecological impact assessment will be required in order to assess the impact of any development which could potentially affect this area; this should include a survey of protected species where appropriate. Where a proposal is deemed likely to have a significant effect on the Pil River it shall be subject to an appropriate assessment.	NPWS, Planning, Community Groups, Hertiage Officer.
H4	To require details for the retention and integration of hedgerows of high value as identified on Map 2, in all development proposals to ensure that the ecological integrity and connectivity of the hedgerow is protected during and after construction.	Planning Section, Developers.
H6	To seek the conservation of the buildings listed in the Record of Protected Structures & listed in the NIAH; and to respond to the Ministerial recommendation to include in the Record of Protected Structures, structures identified in the NIAH, as recommended in Appendix 1.	Conservation Officer
A1	To support and encourage the enhancement of the visual appearance of Piltown, subject to the availability of human and financial resources.	Parks Section, Community Groups, Heritage Officer, KLP, NPWS.
A4	It is an objective of the plan to protect the banks of the Pil River and a long-term objective to examine the possibility of developing a river walk along the bank to link with the River Suir, in conjunction with the relevant statutory bodies and voluntary groups.	Trail Kilkenny, Planning Section, Parks Section, Community Groups, NPWS.
C4	To investigate and support the identification of a suitable location and development of a children’s playground in Piltown in conjunction with local residents.	Community Groups, Parks Section, Planning Section.

Questions to consider for Development Objectives

Do you agree with this approach, if so, why?

Do you disagree with this approach, if so, why?

What would you like to change?

Are there any other issues that you feel should be considered?

Please submit your answers to these questions  or  add your comments using the comment box below.

_______________________________________
Please also indicate below whether you are making a comment or whether you are making a formal submission to the plan.