11. Urban Design

Dúnta20 Sam, 2020, 9:00am - 25 Ean, 2021, 5:00pm

11.0 Urban Design

11.1 URBAN DESIGN

This Draft Joint LAP seeks to establish a framework for the future development of Graiguenamanagh-Tinnahinch. It is proposed to consolidate growth within the settlement in areas that provide for the expansion of the existing settlement and integration with existing neighbourhoods. The Planning Authority, during the preparation of local area plans are required to ensure that sufficient land is zoned for residential use to cater for the projected population for the settlement over the lifetime of the plan, through the principles of compact growth and sequential approach.

11.2 URBAN DESIGN PRINCIPLES

This section sets out the urban design framework for the LAP area in Graiguenamanagh-Tinnahinch. The framework will create a new urban environment that will enhance and reflect the character of the settlement and create a distinctive identity and a sense of place which integrates with the existing settlement. The existing natural environment, biodiversity and heritage features are all key urban design opportunities.

The policies and objectives contained in this Draft Joint Local Area Plan all contribute to the built environment and urban fabric, which influences the built form and layout by setting out the environmental, landscape, amenity and movement parameters for future development schemes. The development framework set out below provides urban design guidance at both a general and local LAP development area level.

11.3 MASTERPLAN LANDS

This Draft Joint LAP includes design briefs for masterplan Areas to promote the development of key recreational areas within the settlement.

11.3.1 Masterplan Lands

A masterplanning approach should be undertaken by the project proponent and the output submitted to the local Planning Authority as part of a planning application (and/or through formal Section 247 Preplanning Meetings) as a means of demonstrating that key urban design and good place making principles have been fully considered in the proposed design. The Masterplan should show:

  • How proposed areas and spaces relate to the development area, the wider environment and how these areas could be better connected
  • Suggested relationships between buildings, public spaces and wider environment; and
  • An understanding of how new uses are integrated into the surrounding urban context and natural environment.

It is the policy of this Local Area Plan to request masterplan for the following areas which have been deemed suitable for new development/uses;

2 No. Masterplan areas have been identified within the Draft Joint LAP as follows:

Masterplan 1 (The Hub):

As set out above a masterplan approach is required for future development of this area. The Masterplan will focus on the future development of this site to achieve a high-quality community-based amenity area. Masterplan proposals must be submitted and agreed with Kilkenny County Council,

The proposed design should provide for:

  • Opportunities for the movement into and through the site to Brandondale House
  • Increased connectivity with the River Barrow and existing pathways and trails
  • Enhancement of amenities for use by local residents
  • Identification of opportunities for tourist attractions and recreational amenities within and surrounding the site
  • Opportunity for the site to be developed as an events venue to support the towns festival programme
  • Identification of additional pedestrian and cycle links to include enhanced connections to the town centre where possible i.e. to the rear of Duiske Glass
  • Identify measures to achieve zero or low carbon development, through the integration of renewable energy proposals and energy efficient design
  • Carry out a site-specific flood risk assessment in accordance with the recommendations of the SFRA
  • Undertake the required Appropriate Assessment in accordance with the requirements of the Habitats Directive and conservation objectives of River Barrow and River Nore SAC

Masterplan 2 (River Park Tinnahinch)

A masterplan approach is required for this currently undeveloped and underutilised strategic space located to the east of the River Barrow in Tinnahinch. This masterplan will focus on encompassing the integration of all spaces along the river bank. Masterplan proposals must be submitted and agreed with Carlow County Council.

The proposed design should provide for:

  • Create a high-quality visitor amenity space based on the creation of high-quality public realm inclusive of new parkland, play space, infrastructure supports and utilities, parking and mooring facilities to further encourage the recreational use of the River Barrow
  • Develop linkages (pathways and cycle lanes) to existing amenity walkways i.e. Barrow Way
  • Create an open space area with supporting uses / infrastructure to further encourage the consolidation of the tourist facilities and amenities in Graiguenamanagh and Tinnahinch.
  • Carry out a site-specific flood risk assessment in accordance with the recommendations of the SFRA
  • Undertake the required Appropriate Assessment in accordance with the requirements of the Habitats Directive and conservation objectives of Rive Barrow and River Nore SAC

MP1 – Masterplan

It is the policy of Kilkenny and Carlow County Councils to promote the release and development of lands identified for new development with the LAP Area

Objectives

It is an objective of the Plan:

MPO1.1: To prepare a masterplan for the lands within the ownership of ‘The Hub’ Activity Centre, Graiguenamanagh in co-operation with relevant stakeholders, and to actively secure the implementation of these plans and the achievement of specific objectives.

MPO1.2: To require the preparation of a masterplan for the lands identified ‘Masterplan 2’ along the River Barrow, Tinnahinch and to actively secure the implementation of these plans and the achievement of specific objectives.