Kilcullen Local Area Plan 2008 (pdf) - Kildare.ie

24
3.7 Amenity and Recreation
Strategic Goal
To provide high quality amenity and recreation facilities
within the local area is a key objective of this Plan – particularly
having regard to the existing amenity value of the River Liffey.
Objectives
It is an objective of the Council:
OAR 1 To preserve significant trees or groups of trees of
special amenity value through the use of Tree
Preservation Orders and other measures.
OAR 2 To promote the development of the river-side and
walking routes and designated amenity areas in
conjunction with the relevant statutory and
voluntary bodies.
OAR 3 To develop urban landscaping in the area in order to
enhance amenities.
OAR 4 To ensure a high standard of open space provision in
new housing schemes in terms of size, location and
landscaping.
OAR 5 To improve existing open space areas in housing
development that have been taken in-charge by the
Council.
OAR 6 To facilitate the development of new amenity areas in
the town and the enhancement of existing amenity
areas, particularly along the River Liffey incorporating
seating areas and improved walkways making it a
more attractive place in which to spend time.
OAR 7 To continue to co-operate with the community and
sports bodies in the development of recreational
facilities in Kilcullen.
OAR 8 To protect existing open spaces and recreational uses
from encroachment by other uses.
OAR 9 To develop playgrounds and play opportunities
within the town in conjunction with the local
community.
OAR 10 To provide and facilitate the provision of suitably
located land for community use.
OAR 11 To facilitate the development of a new public park in
Kilcullen along the River Liffey
Policy Statement
In addition to the policies outlined in Chapter 13 of the County
Development Plan 2005 - 2011 (or as subsequently amended),
it is the policy of the Council:
PAR 1 To adhere to all Development Control Standards set
out in Chapter 5 of this plan in order to ensure the
delivery of quality recreation and amenity facilities, in
terms of size, location and landscaping.
PAR 2 Not to permit development on designated areas of
open space that form part of a site layout for
previously permitted development.
3.8 (A) Town Centre / Retail Development
In the context of the Retail Planning Guidelines for
Planning Authorities published by the Department of the
Environment, Heritage and Local Government in December
2000, Kildare County Council has prepared a Draft County
Retail Strategy. Kilcullen is listed as having a limited retail offer
with the majority of people travelling to either Naas or
Newbridge for their shopping needs. Kilcullen is a busy and
diverse town with a mix of services including restaurants,
cafes, community facilities and a livestock mart. As the town
continues to grow it is vital that the towns needs are met
within the town centre and its expanding residential areas.
Strategic Goal
To develop Kilcullen as an important local service centre with
a range of local-need shops and services.
Objectives
It is an objective of the Council:
OR 1 To zone appropriate areas of land in the town centre
for the development of additional retail and
commercial units in the area.
OR 2 To ensure that all shopfronts and advertisements
do not visually detract from the quality of the local
environment.
OR 3 To prepare a detailed Environmental Improvement
Scheme to visually enhance the streetscape and
key town spaces with an emphasis on promoting a
pedestrian and public transport and people friendly
environment.
OR 4 To favour the provision of local retail facilities within
the town centre, as identified on Map 200/07/202.
OR 5 To enhance the function and vitality of the town
centre through the implementation of the Council’s
roads improvements programme and the full
implementation of Council policies with respect
to the standard of design – both of buildings and
of key features such as shopfronts.
OR 6 To respond positively to applications for appropriately
scaled retail and other town centre developments
within Kilcullen, where they respect and enhance the
existing built fabric.
OR 7 To implement the land use zoning objectives
of the Council in order to increase the attractiveness
of Kilcullen town centre as a focus for local business
and retail operations.
OR 8 To ensure that any proposed development has
regard to the surrounding environment and
predominant design features in order to ensure the
maintenance of the historic character and built form
of the town centre.
OR 9 Encourage the development of a thriving mixed use
town centre, with a balance of retailing, commercial,
housing and community facilities.
OR 10 Encourage the use of ground floors for active uses,
including retail, commercial and office, and upper
floors for residential uses.
OR 11 Improve the safety and accessibility of the town
centre through footpath improvements, provision of
dished kerbs and grading of surfaces.
Policy Statement
In addition to the policies outlined in Chapter 7 of the County
Development Plan 2005 - 2011 (or as subsequently amended),
it is the policy of the Council:
PR 1 To have full regard to the provisions of the Retail
Planning Guidelines published by the Department
of Environment, Heritage and Local Government
particularly with regard to the acceptability of sites for
retail development as indicated by the sequential test.
PR 2 To ensure that retail signage does not detract from the
quality of the local environment. Poor signage,
projecting lights, internally illuminated signs and
projecting signs shall not be permitted.
PR 3 To ensure that the design of all commercial units shall
be of a high standard and shall respect the character of
the surrounding built environment, shall respect
existing building lines and shall contribute toward the
creation of streetscape. Buildings of a warehouse/shed
like design shall be strongly discouraged throughout
and shall not be allowed in the town centre or in close
proximity.
25