Section 2: Chief Executive’s Summary, Response and Recommendation on Zoning Submissions – Introduction DRAFT LOUTH COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2021-2027 Zoning Submissions Overview In considering zoning submissions as part of the preparation of the Chief Executive’s Report, particular regard was given to the provisions of national planning policy objectives contained within Project Ireland 2040, National Planning Framework and the provisions of the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) for the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly and indeed the overarching strategic objectives of the draft Louth County Development Plan. The National Planning Framework sets out national planning objectives for building stronger regions, and for planning growth in our settlements in a compact and sustainable manner. National Policy Objective 3a seeks to deliver at least 40% of all new homes nationally within the built-up footprint of existing settlements and National Policy Objective 3c seeks to deliver at least 30% of all new homes that are targeted in settlements other than the five Cities and their suburbs, within their existing built-up footprints. The national strategic outcomes of such policies are to secure a more sustainable future for settlements and for communities. This is a key tenet of the draft Louth County Development Plan. National Policy Objective 9 also limits the population growth of settlements save for Drogheda and Dundalk to 30% and this is a key consideration when assessing availability of zoned lands already identified in the draft Plan vis-a-vis the introduction of new residential zonings in settlements. The RSES sets out a growth strategy for the region. Central to this is the target growth of the regional growth centres of Drogheda and Dundalk and the facilitation of collaboration and growth of the Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor whilst also embedding a network of key towns through the region to deliver sustainable regional development. The consideration of zoning submissions to the draft County Development Plan should be considered in the context of the regional policy objective RPO3.2 and RPO 3.3 that seek local authorities in their core strategies to set out measures to achieve compact urban development targets of at least 30% of all new homes within or contiguous to the built up areas of existing urban areas and the identification of regeneration areas within existing urban settlements and set out specific objectives relating to the delivery of development on urban infill and brownfield regeneration sites. Table 4.3 of the RSES sets out the settlement typologies and policy responses that is to be pursued in development plans. The CE response and recommendation to each of the zoning submissions to the draft plan are rooted in the core principles set out in national and regional policy documents and indeed within the context of the more local growth and settlement policy strategies set out in the draft Louth County Development Plan. The nature and scale of development in each of the settlements must align with the core strategy, be commensurate with the settlement hierarchy and to the existing built environment of the settlement in question. This approach will ensure a strong and robust hierarchy that can continue to promote a qualitative standard of living for local communities and where there is an alignment of population, employment and housing growth supported by enabling infrastructure. Aligning with this approach will also ensure better potential for success when seeking funding opportunities under the urban and rural regeneration and development fund. i The infrastructural assessment and land use evaluation in appendix 2 of Volume 3 sets out the criteria against which the land parcel in each settlement were assessed. This criteria was also used in the consideration of zoning proposals made during the public consultation stage of the Draft Plan, some of which were not included in the published assessment. The identification of lands for development over the lifetime of this draft CDP must ensure that the delivery of development is realistic relative to the infrastructural investment that may be required in the first instance. There are lands that have the benefit of extant permissions over many years that have failed to materialise. Therefore, there must be a renewed focus on delivery of development that aligns with the core strategy, is commensurate with the settlement hierarchy and availability of services in particular areas and where there are no impediments to development in the shorter term. This requires the prioritisation of serviced lands that are ‘ready to go’ in appropriate locations in the first instance. The planning section will be required to monitor the delivery of development on all lands over the lifetime of the County Development Plan and this may require a review of zoning objectives and phasing set out in the Plan where development fails to be delivered to ensure that the population targets for the settlements particularly the regional growth centres of Drogheda and Dundalk is achieved. ii Section 2a: Chief Executive’s Summary, Response and Recommendation on Zoning Submissions - Drogheda DRAFT LOUTH COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2021-2027 Submission No. LCDP DR007 Submitted by: Genesis Planning Consultants on behalf of Weirhope Developments Limited Theme (s): Rezone Drogheda - Core Strategy Map showing lands subject to Submission: Summary of Submission: The submission relates to a 3.0ha site along Marsh Road, Drogheda. In the draft Louth CDP 2021-2027 the subject lands are designated as ‘A1 Existing Residential’ and ‘E1 General Employment’, the submission requests the lands are zoned ‘A2 New Residential’ in their entirety. The submission provides particulars concerning the national and local importance of the site’s location. Drogheda is a Regional Growth Centre and the lands are strategically located east of the town centre along the R150. A detailed analysis of national, regional and local policy is provided. It is stated that the subject lands should be prioritised for development as this would be compliant with Objectives 2b, 3a,3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 13, 35, 44 of the NPF. In relation to regional policy the submissions states that the subject site is within the settlement boundary and its development will increase the number of residential units available in a sustainable manner. Development of the site for residential purposes would also be compliant with the Drogheda Borough Council Development Plan 2011-2017. The submission provides a comprehensive study of the site context and local connections, it is in proximity to the town centre, train station and employment centres thus the sites development would be sequentially acceptable. An analysis of population growth of Drogheda and St Laurence Gate ED, vacancy rates, housing mix and affordability was undertaken. The evaluation concluded that there is a shortage of residential units and development of the subject lands for residential purposes should be supported. An overall design concept and phasing strategy for the site has been provided. Drogheda - Zoning Page 173 In terms of sequential development the submissions claims the site is appropriate, given that it is: Directly accessible from the existing road infrastructure Serviced; Included within the settlement boundary of Drogheda, in close proximity to the town centre; Within walking and cycling distance of local amenities; Sequentially the next available parcel of land available for development and provides a brownfield/ infill opportunity; and It is stated that the site is strategically important to the overall development of Drogheda. Chief Executive’s Response: The subject lands are subject to a split zoning - E1 General Employment within the eastern portion and A1 Existing Residential within the western portion of the site. The designation of Drogheda as a Regional Growth Centre in the NPF and RSES makes the town a focal point for population, residential, and economic growth in Louth in this Development Plan. This Plan strongly supports the growth of Drogheda in a manner that will enable the town fulfil its potential and designation as a Regional Growth Centre however this growth must take place in an orderly and sequential manner. As part of the preparation of the Local Area Plan for Drogheda, a review of the land use zonings will be carried out. This will include an updated analysis and assessment of residential land availability, requirements, and infrastructure constraints. There will also be an emphasis placed on the delivery of residential land through the implementation of the Active Land Management Strategy. In conclusion the quantum of residential land identified for development has to be aligned with the housing demand for each settlement as set out in the Core Strategy. The identification of any additional lands would result in the Plan being inconsistent with the Core Strategy and national and regional policy. It is therefore recommended that no change is made to this land use zoning. Chief Executive’s Recommendation No Change Drogheda - Zoning Page 174 Submission No. LCDP DR012 Submitted by: Des Gaffney Theme (s): Rezone Drogheda Map showing lands subject to Submission: Summary of Submission: Request to re-zone lands (0.1853ha) on Donore Road, Drogheda from Open Space to Residential (either existing or new). In Support: There is an existing farm house and outbuilding on site therefore it is an ideal brownfield location. Provision of a housing/ apartment development on site would meet current demand. Furthermore, the site is ideally located in close proximity to the town centre and adjacent to the public transport network and would be a great opportunity to provide a gateway building. Chief Executive’s Response: The subject lands are presently zoned H1 Open Space and form part of a strip of open space which stretches from the east side of Donore Road to the R132. The lands contain a derelict farm house and outbuilding. It is therefore considered appropriate to change the zoning from H1 Open Space to A1 Existing Residential.