- 1. Introduction
- 4. Context
The heritage and landscape conservation chapter covers the following headings:
••••••••
National Monument Acts 1930-1994 Planning and Development Act 2000 The Wildlife Act 1976
1. NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000 a) b)
Landscape categorisations Designated wildlife areas – NHA’s, SPA’s, SAC’s, Nature Reserves, National Park
E.C Natural Habitat Regulations 1997 Birds Directive (Council Directive 79/409/EEC) 1979 Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC), 1992 Water Framework Directive (Council Directive 2000/60/ EC), 2000 c) d) e) f)
Habitats/Species outside designated areas Bio diversity Hedgerow Tree preservation and Amenity Trees Geology –Areas of Geological Interest,Geological Natural Heritage Areas, Geo Tourism
•••
Heritage Act 1995 The National Heritage Plan 2002
- The National Bio-Diversity Plan 2002
- g)
- h)
- Natural Heritage Education
5. Strategy
2. BUILT HERITAGE
The natural environment of the County contains areas that are particularly sensitive, unique or rare. The designation of such areas is intended to provide protection for such habitats. The wooded appearance of County Wicklow is an important component of its distinctive landscape.Tree preservation orders are an important mechanism used by the Planning Authority to protect trees and woodlands.
- a)
- Archaeology – National Monuments (in state care), areas
of potential significance, graveyards etc.
- b)
- Architectural Heritage
- –
- protected structures,
Architectural Conservation Areas, Vernacular heritage, Industrial heritage.
The built environment of Wicklow is an important part of the County’s identity and character. Wicklow has a unique archaeological heritage that is of County as well as National importance.This is reflected in the abundance of archaeological sites and monuments found in the county ranging from Early Bronze age right through to Christian and Medieval eras. The later built architectural heritage includes demesne houses and associated features as well as a rich vernacular heritage, closely linked to Wicklows’ stone- cutting tradition.
2. Heritage Appraisal
A Heritage Appraisal of the County Development Plan 1999 was undertaken in conjunction with The Heritage Council. This appraisal highlighted areas that were adequately dealt with in the 1999 Plan, and advised on areas that should be strengthened in a revised Plan in order to safeguard the conservation of heritage.
3. Vision
The Council will seek to conserve, protect and enhance Wicklow’s built and natural heritage and landscape where possible. The Council will facilitate the production and implementation of a County Heritage Plan in association with the Wicklow Heritage Forum, as a mechanism to achieving this aim.
The Council recognises that County Wicklow has a unique and valuable heritage. It is the aim of the County Development Plan to conserve and protect this heritage, and enhance it. The Council is committed to working with other statutory and nonstatutory bodies with the aim of conserving the natural and built heritage of the County for the benefit of all.
The following principles guide the Council’s heritage objectives and policies set out in the County Development Plan. ••
Avoid negative impacts upon heritage. Promote enhancement of heritage as a key principle to every development.
- •
- Ensure that all developments include adequate provisions
regarding mitigation of impact upon heritage.
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Table 10.1 – Land Use Matrix for Bray Head Greenbelt Area
6. Policy
- Proposed Use
- Land Use Group
– Greenbelt
6.1 – NATURAL HERITAGE
- Abbattoir
- Not Permitted
Not Permitted Not Permitted Not Permitted Not Permitted Open for consideration Not Permitted Not Permitted Not Permitted Permitted in principle Not Permitted Not Permitted Not Permitted Not Permitted Not Permitted Not Permitted Open for consideration Not Permitted Not Permitted Not Permitted Not Permitted Not Permitted Not Permitted Not Permitted Not Permitted Not Permitted Open for consideration Not Permitted Not Permitted Not Permitted Not Permitted Not Permitted Not Permitted Permitted in principle Not Permitted Not Permitted Not Permitted Not Permitted Not Permitted Open for consideration Not Permitted Open for consideration
Advertising
6.1.1 – LANDSCAPE CATEGORISATION
County Wicklow has been categorised by landscape. Having regard to vulnerability, assimilative capacity and development pressures these categories have been organised into development control landscape zones. See Map 3 A – F and Schedule 10.1.
Aerodrome/Airfield Bed and Breakfast Boarding Kennels Car Parks Caravan Park (holiday) Caravan Park (residential) Cash and carry outlet Cemetery Church Commercial Community facility Concrete,Asphalt etc. plant Creche/Nursery School Cultural Use
a) Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Zone
The A.O.N.B. zone encompasses those areas which are most vulnerable and sensitive, and which are considered to be of greatest scenic value. These areas tend to be under severe development pressure. It contains •
••the central mountain area including the Wicklow Mountains National Park the Great and Little Sugarloaf Mountains and Bray Head in north-east Wicklow the Glencree and Glencullen river valleys in north-east Wicklow
Halting Site Dance hall discotheque Doctor/Dentist etc. Education Embassy Extractive industry Garden centre
••the Poulaphuca reservoir area adjacent to Blessington the entire coastal area of the County.
The central mountain area extends from the County Dublin border in the north to Aughrim in the south and from the Glen of Imaal in the west, to Roundwood in the east. One of the main characteristics of this area is its mountainous topography,with its deep U-shaped valleys, lakes and glacial topography.
Guest house Health centre Heavy vehicle park Homebased economic activity Hospital nursing home Hotel/Motel Industry – General Industry – Light Motor sales outlet Offices Open space Petrol station Private Club Private Garage Private Tip Public House Public Services Recreational building Residential
The northern hills category relates mainly to the Great and Little Sugarloaf Mountains and to Bray Head. The summits of the Sugarloaf Mountains are conspicuous by the absence of any significant vegetation cover, but otherwise, heather, bracken and grasses predominate.
The Poulaphuca reservoir area category generally relates to the area around Poulaphuca Reservoir and extends into Sorrell Hill. The reservoir zone is dominated by the lake, views onto and from the lake and by lake type vegetation.To the east and south, land is more mountainous with attractive views and montane vegetation.
The Glencree and Glencullen valleys abut the County Dublin border.The category is based around the valleys of the Glencree, Glencullen, Cookstown and Dargle Rivers and the surrounding road network.
(SS9 {5} & {6},Wicklow County Development will apply in all cases). Residential institution Restaurant ScrapYard Service garage Shops (local) Shops (other) Sports club Warehouse
- Plan
- 2004–2010,
Not Permitted Not Permitted Not Permitted Not Permitted Not Permitted Not Permitted Open for consideration Not Permitted Not Permitted
The coastal area category covers, for the most part, the area of land between the sea and the road nearest the coastline. South ofWicklow town are the main sandy beaches such as Brittas Bay and Clogga Beach.
For Bray Head refer to Table 10.1. below which indicates acceptability levels for any land use in the greenbelt area.The extent of the Bray Head Greenbelt Area is shown on Map No. 12.
Wholesale outlet Note:This matrix will take precedence over Table 3.6, Chapter 3 of the County Development Plan in the area of Bray Head as indicated on map 12.
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b) Special Amenity Zone
Policy HL1: The Council will ensure that the development of Wicklow takes full account of the Designated Landscape categories and the protection of their amenities and assets.
This landscape zone encompasses those areas which, whilst not as vulnerable nor as sensitive as those areas in the A.O.N.B. zone, are still subject to pressure for development which could result in a serious deterioration in the landscape quality. The sensitivity of these areas is made more pronounced by the fact that they act as an effective “gateway” to the more remote and wild upland areas and because the more ameliorative nature of the landform ensures that there is greater development pressure. It contains the North Mountain Lowlands, the South Mountain Lowlands, the Baltinglass Hills and the Southern Hills.
In particular when considering planning applications the Council will take full account of the objectives set out in relation to residential, tourism and other rural development set out in Chapters 3, 11, and 12, of the Plan.
6.1.2 – LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION
The landscape of Wicklow is a reflection of past and present natural, physical, social, and economic activities. Due to settlement patterns and proximity to large urban populations, the landscape particularly in the North East of the county may be deemed vulnerable to development pressure,which threatens its intrinsic character.
The rolling undulating terrain of the hills around Baltinglass distinguishes the Baltinglass Hills category. Possibly the greatest source of pressure affecting this category relates to the existence of important archaeological remains and monuments. This archaeological wealth must be protected for its heritage value as well as tourism potential.
Policy HL2: The Council shall support efforts to identify and designate vulnerable landscapes in the county as Landscape Conservation Areas in order to safeguard their character. The Council supports the designation of Bray Head as a Special Amenity Area Order (SAAO).
The southern hill area differs significantly from the other mountainous sub-zones. It generally follows the 300 m. (1000 ft.) contour line and is in three distinct areas, namely (a) the mountainous leg from Moylisha running north-west of
Shillelagh,Tinahely and Aughrim,
(b) the Croghan Mountain area south of Aughrim and
Woodenbridge and
(c) the Kilgavan Gap and Hillbrook area.
6.1.3 – DESIGNATED WILDLIFE AREAS.
County Wicklow has a rich and diverse natural landscape containing such habitats as upland bog and heath, fen, woodland, rivers, lakes, cliffs, dunes and coastal areas, many of which are recognised as being of local, National and E.U importance, and
c) Rural Area Zone
Mainly the area of land lying under the 130m. (400-ft.) contour line determines the rural area landscape zone and the landcover associated with it. It is located along the western and southern extremities of the county. The western segment is adjacent to County Carlow and extends from south of Baltinglass to Ballyconnell. The southern segment is adjacent to County Wexford and extends from Raheengraney to Coolboy and inland toAughrim.Whilst the landform,to some extent,corresponds to that found in Carlow and Kildare, it differs considerably in that, relative to their elevation, this land can be described as gently rolling and undulating and could really only be described as lowlying when compared to the rest of the terrain in Co.Wicklow. The area is very rural and is characterised by only a few small towns and villages.
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are designated under National and/or E.U legislation . In total County Wicklow contains 1 National Park, 15 Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), 5 (proposed and candidate)Special ProtectionAreas (SPA), 34 proposed Natural HeritageAreas and 6 Nature Reserves. See Schedule 10.2, 10.3, 10.4 and 10.5 and maps 5, 6 and 7.
Policy HL3: The Council will have regard to the designated areas for wildlife that are located in the county including any additional or alterations that occur to these designations throughout the lifetime of this plan.The Council will facilitate the protection of these areas from any development that would adversely affect their conservation value.
d) Access Corridors Zone
Policy HL4: The Council will ensure that any development proposal in the vicinity of, or affecting in any way a designated area, provides sufficient information to show how its proposals will impact upon the designated area, and will include proposals for appropriate amelioration. In all such cases, the Council shall consult with the National Parks and Wildlife Section of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DOEHLG).
This landscape zone covers the main access corridor areas of County Wicklow. The boundaries generally follow what is considered to be the areas upon which the greatest influence is exerted by these access routes.These routes, for the most part, run through the more low lying and accessible tracts of land and connect the major towns.There are two distinct areas, each with their own different attributes. The Eastern Corridor relates mainly to the lowland area of influence of the N.11 road. The Western Corridor is focused on the N.81 road from Dublin, through Blessington on towards Baltinglass.These corridors are under intense pressure from residential and other sporadic development.
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SPAs designated under EU Birds Directive (79/409/EEC), SACs designated under EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) which was transposed into Irish Law in the European Union (Natural Habitats) Regulations, 1997. NHAs legally protected under The Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000.
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The Council will have regard for any changes to the boundaries of these sites which occurs during the lifetime of this Plan and include proposals for appropriate amerlioration (in accordance with articles 6{3} and 6{4} of EU Habitats Directive).The Council will consult with National Parks and Wildlife section of the DOEHLG and Eastern Regional Fisheries Board on any such ameliorations proposals considered appropriate.
Policy HL10 Geo-Tourism: The Council will support efforts
by the Geological Survey of Ireland, and other interested bodies regarding promotion of the interpretation of geological heritage in Wicklow, and will encourage the development of a “Wicklow Rock Trail”, Geopark or other similar geo-tourism initiatives.
6.1.7 – SPECIES PROTECTION OUTSIDE OF DESIGNATED AREAS
Policy HL11: The Council shall seek to identify, protect and conserve, in co-operation with the relevant statutory authorities and other groups,vulnerable,rare,and threatened species of wild fauna and flora and their habitats.
6.1.4 – WICKLOW MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
TheWicklow Mountains National Park, one of six in Ireland, was established in 1991. It is managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Section of the DOEHLG, and occupies approximately 20,000 hectares of the county.The National Park is covered by SPA and SAC designations.
Regard will be given to species listed in National and European legislation, and processes, international conventions, agreements and processes. Furthermore regard will be given to other available information such as the Important Bird Areas (IBAs) Inventory available from Birdwatch Ireland.
Policy HL5: The Council recognises the natural heritage, and amenity value of the National Park, and shall consult at all times with National Park management regarding any developments likely to impact upon the conservation value of the Park, or on issues to do with visitor access.
6.1.8 – HABITAT PROTECTION OUTSIDE OF DESIGNATED AREAS
Policy HL12: The Council shall seek to identify, protect and conserve, in co-operation with the relevant statutory authorities and other groups a representative sample of the county’s wildlife habitats of local or regional importance,not otherwise protected by legislation.
6.1.5 –VIEWS AND PROSPECTS
Policy HL6:It is the policy of the Council to preserve views and prospects as identified in schedule 10.6 / 10.7 to protect the natural beauty of the County.
Policy HL13: The Council will seek to protect and enhance wherever possible wildlife habitats such as coast, cliff, dunes, rivers, streams, lakes, bog, fen, marsh, scrub and woodland, field boundaries (hedgerows, ditches and stone walls) which occur outside of designated areas.Taken as a whole, such features form an important network of habitats and corridors which allow wildlife to exist and flourish.
6.1.6 – GEOLOGY
The Council recognises the value of identifying and protecting sites and features of geological importance, which are nonrenewable elements of Wicklow’s heritage.
Policy HL7 Sites of Geological Importance: The Council
will protect the Sites of Geological Importance as listed in schedule 10.9. from inappropriate development that would adversely affect their existence, or interpretation, and shall ensure that where development is allowed,its effect on the listed site is minimised through the retention of an appropriate buffer zone.
6.1.9 – WATER QUALITY AND DEVELOPMENT
The Council recognises that a high quality natural environment is needed to protect and enhance groundwater resources,and to ensure a high quality water supply for the future.
Policy HL8 Geological Natural Heritage Areas: It is an
objective of the Council to protect Geological Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) that become designated during the lifetime of this Plan.
Policy HL 14: The Council will discourage proposals for development that are in, or would interfere with the natural flood plain.
Policy HL9 Proposals involving significant ground
excavations: The Council will consult with the Geological Survey of Ireland as it deems necessary, when dealing with any proposals for major developments which will entail ‘significant’ ground excavation, such as quarrying, road cuttings, tunnels, major drainage works, and foundations for industrial or large buildings and complexes.
6.1.10 – BIO-DIVERSITY ENHANCEMENT
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AND DEVELOPMENT
The impact on bio-diversity, of proposals for large developments, particularly those in Greenfield sites, or in environmentally sensitive areas will be assessed. Any such developments where they do occur, will include measures for the enhancement of biodiversity.
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Biodiversity means the diversity, or variety, of plants and animals and other living things in a particular area or region.
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Policy HL15: The Council will ensure that the impact of new developments on bio-diversity is minimised, and will seek to include measures for the enhancement of bio-diversity in all proposals for large developments.
6.1.15 – NATURAL HERITAGE EDUCATION
The Council has a role to play in promoting initiatives aimed at raising awareness of natural heritage.
6.1.11 – INTEGRATING BIO-DIVERSITY INTO COUNCIL ACTIVITIES
The Council will consider, in accordance with The National Biodiversity Plan (2002), the integration of bio-diversity into all Council activities.
Policy HL21: The Council shall promote initiatives aimed at increasing knowledge and awareness of wildlife species and habitats in the County.
6.1.16 – ACCESSTO AMENITY AREAS
*The Council is committed to ensuring that access by the public to amenity areas is retained.
Policy HL16: The Council will produce a County Bio-Diversity Plan during the lifetime of this Plan.
6.1.12 –TREE PROTECTION
Policy HL22: The Council will protect and preserve access routes to amenity areas generally.
The Council will seek to preserve and enhance the amenity and natural beauty of the County by preserving in so far as possible, that part of its appearance attributable to trees, woodlands and hedgerows.The Council will discourage the felling of mature trees to facilitate development, and will encourage tree surgery rather than felling where possible. (See Schedule 10.10 – existing tree preservation orders and map 10 and 11).
Policy HL23: The Council will encourage the provision of access routes to amenity areas with consultation with National Parks and Wildlife service and in co-operation and agreement with landowners and will protect such areas from inappropriate development infringing upon accepted access routes.