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Contents

1.0 Introduction 4.0 Landscape Setting 1.1 What is a Village Design Statement 4.1 Broad Landscape Setting 1.2 How was the design statement prepared 4.2 Important Views and Vistas 1.3 How the village design statement will work 4.3 Important Open Spaces and Walkways 4.4 Hedgerows and Planting 4.5 The Roundabout: An opportunity for a new public vista 2.0 Village Profile 2.1 Village Location 5.0 Design Guidelines 2.2 Demographic Trends 5.1 Introduction 2.3 Brief History of Birdhill 5.2 Built Environment and Streetscape 2.4 Village Life Today 5.3 Landscape Setting and Open Space

INTRODUCTION 5.4 Design and Implementation of New Development 5.5 Detail of Construction 1.1 What is a VDS 3.0 Village Structure The village of Birdhill has a distinctive 3.1 Shape of the Village and diverse character which is highly 3.2 Building and Structures of Architecturalvalued byand its local residents. As the Historical Heritage village continues to evolve, this process 3.3 A Changing Environment of change needs to be positively managed so that the unique qualities 3.4 Future Development.. New Opportunities that contribute to the village’s distinctive identity can be protected and enhanced, whilst managing future growth

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North County Council has The County Development Plan 2010-2016 Introduction prepared this Village Design Statement in set out the strategic vision for the consultation with the local residents. development of North Tipperary. North Desktop analysis, site visits and community Tipperary has a strong rural base, and the 1.1 What is a Village Design consultation programmes were carried out. plan places a key importance in the Statement? sustainable development of rural villages 1.3 How will the Village Design and rural communities. A village design statement describes the Statement work? character of a settlement, highlights qualities “The Council recognises the essential which local residents consider worthy of The Planning Process role that villages perform in sustaining protection and provides design guidelines to The planning process operates within a rural communities in North Tipperary. inform future development. hierarchical tier of national and local They are the hub of community life in

strategies and plans. The village design many areas of the County and provide A village design statement is a document statement is a non-statutory document that the essential services to sustain that is prepared in partnership with the local complements higher tier plans, including community life in rural areas” community. The document seeks to primary planning documents as set out recognise local knowledge and the views of below. - County Development Plan, 2010-2016 the community to encourage ownership of the document between all stakeholders. The Western Local Area Plan, 2006 provides

National Spatial Strategy a land-use framework for the village of

The VDS is a contract of commitment Birdhill, in the form of a zoning map and

between all the stakeholders to achieve Mid-West Regional Guidelines specific development objectives for the

the best possible design solutions for the village. The relevant zoning maps can be

community as a whole. County Development Plan found overleaf.

Western Local Area Plan The Community through the consultation

process have strongly put forward their 1.2 How was the Village Design Birdhill Village Design Statement desire that their village is developed in a Statement prepared? manner which complements its existing

function. The Commmunity have also put forward that development should be in 2

manner that is scale appropriate, that organisations has a strong history of The future development of Birdhill…An protects its character, visual amenity and the community led development. This civic pride Integrative Approach natural landscape of the area. and community activism is also part of its identity. Initiatives such as the development This community vision is supported under of the community park, the pollagh trail, the land use policies and objectives in the development of the church grounds are all Tidy Towns Local County Development Plan, 2010-16, projects which have enhanced the built Committee Businesses whereby proposals for significant housing fabric and natural setting of the village. development must be accompanied with a design statement and must conform with the Therefore, this document also may be seen DoEHLG ‘Sustainable and Residential as a basis for further community led Sports Schools Development in Urban Areas Guidelines for development, particularly in enhancing local Clubs Planning Authorities’, 2009 amenities in a way, which builds on the local distinctiveness and character. This Village Design Statement, which will be noted by the elected members, seeks to The diagram on this page, illustrates some provide supplementary planning guidelines of the agencies and groups, which can BIRDHILL to ensure that new development is informed contribute to such development. COMMUNITY by local character.

The Village Design Statement will also be a key document to inform the settlement plan for Birdhill during the preparation of the Western Local Area Plan when it is reviewed in the coming years. County LEADER Council The Community

The Village Design Statement recognises DoEHLG Enterprise that Birdhill through the Tidy Town Board Committee and other community 3

Western Local Area Plan 2006-2012 – Birdhill Land-Use Development Framework

Zoning Plan: Village Core Three key sites were identified under the Plan for development:

Site 1: Lands to the rear of Cooper’s Pub. These lands have been subject to a grant of planning permission for a mixed-use development. Site 2: Lands to the rear of Matt the Thresher Public house and restaurant. Development brief suggests mixed-use development along the streetscape and low-density residential development to the rear. Site 3: Lands at the old creamery site: Nursing home/retirement village is suggested as a development option.

Zoning Plan: Birdhill School This zoning plan includes two master plan development briefs: Master Plan 1: Development should consist of low density housing while preserving land ensuring the expansion of the school. Master Plan 2: Development should consist of low density housing while developing an amenity area, landscaped to promote active use.

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2.2 Demographic Trends Village Profile The demographic trends, illustrated by TABLE 1: POPULATION TRENDS 2.1 Village Context recent censuses, show a significant increase in the population of the rural Year No. of % Increase People The village of Birdhill is located mid-way hinterland of Birdhill in recent years. The 1996 537 between population of Birdhill electoral division as 2002 588 9.7% City (20km) and outlined below has increased by 9.5% 2006 671 14% Town between 1996 and 2002 and by 14% (19km). between 2002 and 2006 Ballina/Killaloe is situated c. 5km to LOCATIONAL CONTEXT the north west Ballycommon while Newport is New tow n Ballymackey OffalyOffalyOffaly situated c. 6km to Gortlandroe NenaghNenagh the south west. Kilkeary Ballina Ballynaclough

The Community have strongly highlighted Ballina Gortagarry Clare Dolla by way of submissions during the public Clare ClareClare consultation phase, that Birdhill is more TTipperary ipperary NorthNorth Templederry BIRDHILLBirdhill BallinahinchKilloscully than its village core. Therefore, while the naalll CCaanna document will generally focus on the

Caannaalll natural and physical environment of the alllCCan nnaa aan village, the document also recognises that CC Newport aalll aanna Birdhill is a rural community, with many of CCa New port its local residents living in its wider Kilcommon() hinterland. Limerick

LimerickLimerickL imerick LimerickLimerick CityCity Limerick City Castletroy CastletroyCastletroy TTipperary ipperary SouthSouth Drumbane 5

2.3 Brief History of Birdhill The agricultural economy continues today….. The Origins of the Name of Birdhill Birdhill has many features of historical interest which allows the village to be traced back to its origins.

Birdhill, as legend tells it, got is name from a mythical encounter between Oisin and a large bird which was causing havoc in the area. The site of this encounter is ‘Carrigeen Rock’ at the top of the hill south Photo of the Twiss Family Home, 1800’s. of the village. Birdhill in the early 1900s, like many rural In Medieval Times the area was ruled by villages had a strong agricultural base 2.4 Village Life Today the O’Brien clan where a castle was built in and one of the many focal points in this the 1400s. The ruins of the castle were era was the Co-Operative Creamery. The key role of the village is to act as a used to build the Twiss Family home during local service centre for the community of the 1800s which was known as; ‘Birdhill Birdhill. Further given its location on the N7 House”. The Twiss Family was the principle and its proximity to the village landowner in Birdhill in the 1800s and attracts passing trade and visitors. 1900s and the ruins of the family home remain. Commercial and Business Service Provision

The centre of the village is served by two local pubs, a restaurant self-catering apartments and a furniture shop and form the hub of economic activity.

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This service provision could be enhanced, and the village would benefit by the Community Service Provision development of services such as a local shop, crèche and playschool, arts and Key community buildings are located in the crafts workshops, medical services and wider hinterland of the village. The local consultancy businesses. church and graveyard is located on the N7 approximately a mile from the village, while naalll The Western Local Area Plan under the the local primary school is located on the Caanna land use zoning map has identified suitable Newport Road. land for development of such services.

The Shannonside Business Park located on Church Birdhill N.S the Ballina Road, includes a range of commercial enterprises offering opportunities for local employment. This site is identified as a strategic employment The are no community facilities in location under the County Development Birdhill: the Village Design Statement Plan 2010, which will into the future should support the provision of services facilitate its future expansion. Its location such as a meeting room for community and voluntary groups, a heritage centre, outside the village envelope ensures that it does not impact adversely on the or tourism information centre. - Community Submission traditional urban grain and visual amenities - of the village. Social and community provision could also be enhanced by looking at ways to improve facilities for children, teenagers, adults and the elderly including indoor and outdoor community and recreational facilities.

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Water Services Infrastructure is that it benefits form various transport The new opening of the M7 will bring the nodes: Road, Rail and Bus Services. ‘bests of both worlds’ to the village. Birdhill There is no public sewerage treatment has benefited from a new link road, which plant in the village and individual houses Road Infrastructure provides a new ‘vista’ coming into the and commercial businesses are dependant The village is well known for its current village but also presents an opportunity for on the use of septic tanks or proprietary location on the N7, main Limerick to Birdhill to become promoted as a tourism waste water treatment plants. carriageway. Birdhill has benefited ‘Gateway’ to Lough Derg. commercially from this location; however, The development of a public sewerage the residents have also had to be tolerant The de-classifying of the N7 to a regional system and plant is currently beyond the of high traffic volumes. road will significantly reduce noise and resource capabilities of the North Tipperary disturbance and will allow local residents to County Council. However, the mixed-use ‘re-claim’ the village. development permitted on the Newport Road made provision for a treatment plant designed with a treatment capacity for the village. Therefore, in the long term this may provide an opportunity to address current sewerage deficiencies.

The village is served by a water supply from the Newport Regional Water Supply Scheme. The up-grade of this scheme, is included in the ‘Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012’ for North Tipperary County Council.

Transport

Birdhill as outlined in the introduction to this document has a ‘Strategic Location’. What makes the village strategic in nature 8

The village as identified by the community in submissions to the document would Rail and Bus Services benefit from traffic calming scheme a The village has a key advantage in being pedestrian crossing and an extension to the located on the Limerick-Ballybrophy-Dublin footpath network in the village. The railway line which provides daily services. development of a traffic management scheme is outside the scope of this The village, given its location on a national document and would be subject to local route, benefits from very regular bus authority resources. services to nearby settlement and beyond.

However, the document strongly The maintenance and enhancement of encourages that any traffic calming scheme these services is important to the economic is complemented by high quality materials, The document also supports the new and social sustainability of the settlement. paving and planting serves both a traffic provision of street lighting which should be safety function and a means of enhancing traditional in design, the visual amenities of the village. to reflect existing traditional style used for lighting on premises in the village.

Example of Traditional Street Lighting

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Landmarks in Birdhill

Matt the Threshers

Browser’s Furniture Store

Coopers Pub

Railway station

To School

Church

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O.S. Map, Birdhill, c. 1900 which provide a link to its past and Village Structure contributes to its character.

The Planning Authority is required under 3.1 Shape of the Village the Planning and Development Act, 2000 to Birdhill has predominantly a linear shape, keep a record of protected structure and the central core of the village has such structures are included in the County developed along the N7 and from there the Development Plan, 2010-2016. village expanded outwards along the routes of the Newport road R504, the R494 Protected Structures are defined under the (Ballina Road) and the R466 Planning and Development Act 2000 (as (Coosane/Shannon Crossing). amended) is a structures which are “of O.S. Map, Birdhill, c.2007 special architectural, historical, “ ““Historically Birdhill archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, developed as a consequence of the social or technical interest” . transport network, both road and Under the legislation, many minor works to rail”rail”rail” buildings or structures do not normally require planning permission. However, for The village core unlike most traditional a protected structure, such works can be villages is not formed by a ‘street’ but carried out only if works would not affect rather a series of detached buildings with a the character of the structure or any mix of residential and commercial units. element of the structure which contributes to its special character.

It is noteworthy that the built fabric of the village core has not altered significantly All owners of structures protected under 3.2 Buildings and Structures of over the past 100 years, as illustrated by the plan should consult with the planning Architectural and Historical the historical and most recent ordinance authority prior to carrying out works to Heritage survey maps of the settlements. such properties, whereby the Planning

Authority will provide advice and guidance Birdhill despite its scale has many features on the work and outline any necessary of architectural and historical interest, procedures which need to be followed. 11

Building considered worthy of protection Matt The Threshers of Daniel O’Connell when he travelled from and other buildings/features of note in and Protected Structure (S712) Kerry to Dublin. around the village are illustrated below.

Browser’s Furniture Company Protected Structure (S 711)

This well established building has been Birdhill Co-op Creamery operating as licensed premises since 1890 and has served many purposes through the years. In the past it has served as the village post office, bakery, grocery, pub and hardware outlet. The building is as a detached three-bay two-storey former RIC barracks, built c. 1820. The Coopers This prominent village building has passed th The external finishes of the building include through six different families in the 20 an M-profile slate roof with stone eaves century before the Cooper family course, rubble limestone walls with dressed purchased the establishment in 1987. It was heralded to be a frequent resting spot voussoirs over windows.

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This once flourishing enterprise served 100 standard of industrial design achieved local milk suppliers in the region. during the 19th century. Community Sculpture Unfortunately the service amalgamated This beautiful example of modern art was with larger conglomerates and eventually erected in 2002 and is located in the village closed completely. green. It recalls the legend of how Birdhill got its name. On top of the stainless steel Birdhill Railway Station structure a depiction of a wounded bird is Protected Structure (S 709) presented. This symbolizes the mythical slaying of a large bird by Oisin of Na Fianna.

Milestone Protected Structure (S708) This historical reminder of the coaching era in Ireland indicates the number of miles to The above historic single arch limestone Nenagh, Dublin and Limerick from that bridge dates back to 1860 and is used to point. During this time the post office carry the roadway over the railway lines. operated a coach-based system of postal Other structures of interest in the vicinity distribution. include the signal box and platform.

Cast Iron Water Pump Protected Structure (DPS 710)

This cast iron pump was the communal water source and played an important functional and social role in the village. Dating back to 1870 it illustrates the high 13

3.3 A Changing Environment on the village. However, it is hoped that The scheme was also designed in the the new development will contribute context of an overall masterplan vision. The The introduction to this section highlighted toward the vibrancy of the settlement and masterplan highlights the development that Birdhill has remained largely in turn will aid the delivery of commercial potential of lands in the village centre and undeveloped in the last century. and community services. The scheme as how pedestrian permeability could be Developments which have been granted permission was architecturally promoted by increased linkages to the constructed have consisted of detached designed and incorporates a range of village. dwellings on large plots, such as the housing units, retail units, village green and example presented below. crèche.

Scheme Layout Masterplan

In 2009 a significant residential development with associated commercial uses was permitted on the Newport Road. This development if constructed will change both the urban grain and social fabric of the village.

Local residents during the workshop process raised concerns that such a large scale development may negatively impact 14

3.4 Future Development – New options. The document also encourages local consultation to establish the views of Opportunities The Concept Proposal the community and local consensus. The best way to come to the best possible

Lands in the heart of the village, as design solution is to sketch up a series of The Character Appraisal outlined in the map below, provide an options that demonstrate different important opportunity for an appropriate interpretations of the design brief. village scheme. The first stage of any development proposal should be a Character Appraisal of the site. This character appraisal should Below is one example, taken from the The purpose of the section is to present take reference from local characteristics as Urban Design Manual as published by the how the site should be approached from a highlighted in this village design DoEHLG, 2009 as to how a street frontage statements. site and backlands can be developed while maintaining the urban grain of a village. Character Appraisal

Survey of Existing Landscape Features and Contours

Survey of Built Structures on the Site

Visual and photographic survey of local architecture types and materials design perspective and present ideas to promote high quality design in character Analysis of Existing layouts and with the existing village. However, it is not arrangements of buildings the purpose that such ideas would be prescriptive and the document encourages Photographic survey of views both designers to present a range of potential into and out of the site – highlighting visual links 15

Design Brief for Development

• A traditional streetscape which maintains where possible the front boundary wall and trees. • Buildings which respect the scale, massing and design of existing buildings in the village. • The creation of a civic space, designed for active public use. • Protection of public vistas to Lough Derg. • Traditional Streetscape, painted render Retention of Existing Structure on Creation of public spaces the site. • Landscaping of native species and incorporating flower beds indicative of the area.

Rural Streetscape, framed by front boundary Retention of Buildings wall.

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Traditional Design, Style

Natural Materials Signage

Finishes: Stonework and Render

Windows Surfacing/Boundary

Treatment

Roof Finishes and Chimneys

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“The beauty of the surroundings

Landscape may have a more halting effect 4.3 Important Open Spaces and Setting on the motorist than the speed Walkways limit.”limit.”limit.” Birdhill Community Park 4.1 Broad Landscape Setting The village of Birdhill is home to attractive Birdhill is located among rolling countryside “The approach roads to Birdhill open spaces including Pairc an Éin Fhinn (Birdhill Community Park) and the Picnic of gentle and steeper hillsides. The village signal a unique experience. boasts panoramic views of Lough Derg to area. The park was developed by the the north. Deciduous and coniferous Birdhill happens so quickly and community on council land in 2003 and financed by Birdhill Tidy Village Committee. woodlands obscure points of the village, has disappeared so quickly that however, as you travel through, the The park is funded through a range of fund the importance of these approach landscape opens out to give exceptional raising activities and donations and is also vantage points of the wider countryside. roads cannroads cannotcannot be over stressed” supported by Mulcair Credit Union.

4.2 Important Views and Vistas

“The Newport Road is also a Birdhill has a strong and intimate relationship with its wider rural landscape Gem.”Gem.”Gem.” setting which gives rise to important views and vistas. Views and vistas of particular importance, which include all approach “The railway bridge announces roads to the village have been identified Birdhill from the Clare side.” and are included in a map at the end of this section.

--- Tidy Towns AdjuAdjuAdjudiAdjudididicationcationcationcation ReportReportReport 200720072007 Tidy Towns Adjudication Report, 2007

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The Pollagh Trail Pollagh Trail Lower Shannon Special Area of The Pollagh trail, developed by the Birdhill Conservation Tidy Village Committee is located off the O’Briens Bridge Road. The 4km trail winds The freshwater lower reaches of the River through an area of low lying meadow land. Shannon at the mouth of Lough Derg is part of the ‘Lower River Shannon’ Special Area of Conservation as designated by the DoEHLG and protected under the EU Habitats Directive.

The site is of great ecological interest as it contains a significant number of habitats and species listed on Annex I and Annex II of the EU Habitat Directive. Development

proposed in this area or development in Lower Shannon SAC proximity to this area which may have an

impact on these protected habitats should

The walkway not only provides a passive recreational facility, it also provides an educational facility with information boards along the way depicting flora and fauna indigenous to the area.

The Tidy Towns Committee was recently given grant approval by LEADER for the further development of this walkway. The works, which have been completed, have created a continuous loop leading to the Shannon Callows and back to the .

naalll 19 CCaanna

not be carried out without prior The planters, flower beds and baskets that consultation with the Planning Authority dot the village have become very much and the National Parks and Wildlife Section part of the physical and natural landscape of the DoEHLG. and have contributed greatly to the village’s continued success in the annual 4.4 Hedgerows and Planting Tidy Town Competition. The planting in and around Birdhill is typical of many agricultural landscapes. The importance of natural hedgerows, Scattered woodland and a mosaic of mixed landscaping and hedgerows and the array size fields with hedgerows and hedgerow of flower, is best summed up by the Tidy trees, contribute strongly to the essence of Town’s Adjudication report in 2009: the area. “Your poor adjudicator has run out of Hedgerows are important wildlife habitats superlatives to appropriately describe and are home to a range of wild flowers, your success…The sheer volume of fruiting tress and shrubs. They also support grass cutting, planting, shrubs and invertebrates such as butterflies, provide a colourful flowers is almost place of nesting for two thirds of bird overwhelming” species and support other mammals like hedgehogs and badgers.

…..The Flowers of Birdhill 20

IMPORTANT TREE STRANDS

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4.5 The Roundabout: An Opportunity for a New Public The Existing Roundabout Vista… Use of Public Art Public Art has been very successfully used, The community during the consultation in many locations to enhance roundabout process identified the new roundabout on features. Below are some examples, which the approach to the east of the village as a while site specific, provide an illustration of significant opportunity to enhance the local how a traffic management mechanism can landscape. become something much more.

The design statement supports the development of the roundabout and ‘Polestar’ in Letterkenny recognises the opportunity to create a new Artist:Locky Morris entrance point and public vista both to the village and the Lough Derg area. Roundabout Landscaping Design,

should also consider the approach Urban Design Objectives for the new roads…. roundabout: • Creation of a focal point when viewed approaching and leaving the village ‘Journey’s End’, Clackmannan, UK Artist: Andy Scott • Design to incorporate a local

referenced public art feature. • Hard and soft landscaping of native species which promotes pedestrian linkages and safety.

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Key Views and Vistas

1. Approach from 2. View to west from 4. View to the north O’Briens Bridge Road junction of O’Briens 3. View of Lough Derg west from the Newport 5. Birdhill Village bridge road and the Sign at approach 23

features and enhancement through flower DG3 External finishes should use Design planting etc. matching materials in a style to complement the existing structure. Guidelines DG1 Works undertaken to an existing building should respect and Signage and Lighting harmonise with the existing DG4 New shop fronts should be 5.1 Introduction structure, such as the replication of sympathetic to the traditional the windows, doors, external character of the building and to the The design guidelines are based on an finishes, roof proportions. streetscape. analysis of the visual, structural and built quality and characteristics which contribute Extensions DG5 Signs should be hand painted. to Birdhill’s identity. The design guidelines DG2 Extensions should be designed to Plastic signage is discouraged. A aim to provide a framework for the respect the design form and scale proliferation of advertising signs preservation and enhancement of the of the primary structures. should be avoided as it can detract important character features identified in Combining different architectural from the overall structure. the VDS and seek to ensure that new styles should be avoided which proposals are based on a considered would create a visually understanding of the village’s unique disharmonious structure. character.

5.2 Built Environment and Streetscape

Building Maintenance Building maintenance plays an essential Hand painted signs which can be easily role in ensuring the built tradition of the removed protect the character of the village is protected. All owners of buildings buildings play a vital role through regular painting, retention of boundaries and original

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DG6 External lighting of building and DG10 Development should incorporate signs should be avoided. However, the planting of native species (e.g. subtle lighting with unobtrusive hawthorn, blackthorn, ash, oak) fixtures and fittings may be considered for key commercial DG11 The important open spaces and buildings. scenic routes in Birdhill need continued appropriate Street Furniture management and maintenance. Street furniture includes items such as litter bins, benches, bollards, railings, 5.3 Landscape Setting and Open DG12 The hedgerows on rural lighting, signposts etc., found within Space approach roads and lands the public realm of streets and roads. should be protected through Such items are generally owned and DG8 Design proposals for new appropriate management. managed by different bodies, which development should respect local Hedgerows should not be cut can give rise to a lack of co-ordination landscape characteristics of the back or trimmed during the bird and their placement can be over- site. Developments should work breeding season, i.e. from the influenced by meeting road standards with the existing contours of the beginning of March to the end rather than pedestrian requirements. slope and established boundaries. of August. Developments should be adapted DG7 Birdhill currently has a small to the site – not the site adapted to number of benches throughout the development. the village as well as an attractive cast iron pump. A DG9 Developments should ensure that coherent palette of street key views as identified in the furniture should be agreed, statement are protected and installed and retained so to incorporated as aspects in any avoid an uncoordinated proposed development. appearance.

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5.4 Design and Implementation of visually and physically sympathetically restored back New Development complement the established into active use. “traditional” character of these DG13 The established patterns of areas. DG17 Monotonous repetition of development within the village standard housing types and should be used to guide the designs should be avoided. design of new development Variation in new building design proposals. Careful consideration should be encouraged within should be paid to defined limits and based upon a complementing the pattern of common design “theme” plot arrangements, building appropriate to the location. All lines, setback levels, plot new development should enclosure, building scale and complement the character of massing, proportion of Birdhill and contribute towards architectural features and the the village’s distinctive sense of height/pitch and ridge of roofs. DG15 Materials used in any proposed place. new development should fit in DG14 Established traditional methods with the prevailing character of DG18 Any new agricultural or industrial of construction and the village and be designed to buildings should be carefully sited architectural detailing should be reflect and respect nearby and designed to reduce their respected and used as colours, textures, shapes, styles apparent mass so as to minimise appropriate for new and proportions. impact upon the wider landscape development within or near the setting of the village and should historical parts of Birdhill, DG16 Provision should be made be of appropriate height and including the design of roofs, within new development scale to blend into the wider windows, doors, chimneys and proposals to use any existing but landscape setting. Large shed boundary features (such as redundant buildings that structures should be discouraged stone walls) and the use of contribute significantly to the as being of an inappropriate scale appropriate local materials. village’s character. Such buildings within the village context and Development should aim to and features should be setting of Birdhill. 26

DG23 Chimney stacks are an integral DG19 The total energy used in Roof Finishes element of a house. Rural development should be DG20 Roofs of Birdhill tend to be chimneys were generally strong minimised as far as possible to simple shapes: hipped or in appearance and were encourage sustainable gabled with a general pitch of positioned through and across development practices in line 35-45º. Blue-grey slate is a the ridge. Chimneys positioned with government initiatives and dominate roofing material in off the ridge, with a thin current legislation. This should Birdhill. appearance should be avoided. encourage the use of locally sourced, environmentally friendly DG21 The construction of roof edges DG24 Avoid the use of white PVC side and energy efficient materials for is critical to the successful cladding, box fascias and soffits construction as well as to appearance of a house. Minimal to dormers. Stained timber or minimise waste and pollution. eaves and verges are low slates are a more attractive maintenance and give new alternative. 5.5 Detail of Construction houses a more immediate connection with neighbouring The detail and finishes of a building are buildings and maintain a rural Windows and Doors fundamental to the overall success of a vernacular context. Windows of Birdhill traditionally were building within its environment although sliding sash, had a vertical emphasis frequently over looked and under thought. DG22 Simple black round plastic and were of timber construction. Materials which are traditionally prevalent rainwater goods are Dormers are a feature in the in the area should be used, the use of an recommended. Such finishes architectural landscape of Birdhill. inappropriate mix building materials may pose attractive lines cause visual overload. reminiscent of cast iron and do DG25 Large openings should not become discoloured over generally be avoided. New Buildings: Form, Scale and time. White plastic or square buildings should have a high finishes section rainwater food should solid to void ratio. Openings Traditional buildings in Birdhill be avoided. should be arranged to maximise demonstrated basic functional scale the high solid to void and little or no decorative detailing. appearance where it matters 27

i.e. living areas should have the DG28 The use of brick and stone DG31 Stone walls and piers are a more sun cladding should be avoided as distinctive feature of Birdhill. generally appear fussy and Existing stone walls should be • Vertical present an overcomplicated preserved. New stone walls emphasis façade. should be of local, natural • Timber materials. Elaborate frills and Sash brick mixed with stonework window Boundaries, Entrances and Gates • Substantial Sill Boundaries, entrances and gates introduce new development. The treatments of these elements play an important role in the integration of new development in Birdhill. DG26 Doors should be hardwood timber, in sheeted or panelled DG29 The retention of hedgerows design. The front door can be and trees softens the visual used to enrich a dwelling of impact of new development on should be avoided. simple structure and finish. the landscape. Augmentation of hedgerows and planting of DG32 Wrought and cast iron gates additional trees significantly were commonly used in Birdhill External Finishes enhances the setting of new and fussy and over elaborate development. entrance gates, lights and frill DG27 Plastered or wet dash walls should be avoided. have dominated the materials DG30 The planting of Native species used in Birdhill’s buildings and (e.g. hawthorn, blackthorn, today remain the most versatile ash, oak) should be encouraged and appropriate finish. in Birdhill

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Useful Document and Reference Websites

Design Documents

North Tipperary Rural Design Guidelines, 2009

Beat Practice Urban Design Manual, 2009

Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas, Guidelines for Planning Authorities, 2009

Architectural Heritage Protection: Guidelines for Planning Authorities, 2004

Useful websites

North Tipperary County Council – www.tipperarynorth.ie

Birdhill Tidy Towns - www.birdhilltidytowns.ie

Department of the Environment and Local Government - www.environ.ie

National Parks and Wildlife - www.npws.ie

The Heritage Council - www.heritagecouncil.ie

North Tipperary Leader Partnership - www.ntlp.ie

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