Volume 1 Written Statement

Chapter 15: Land-use Zoning Objectives
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CHAPTER 15
LAND-USE ZONING OBJECTIVES
Introduction
15.1 The purpose of land use zoning is to indicate the land use planning objectives of the City Council for
all lands in its administrative area. Nineteen zoning objective types are indicated in this plan. These
zoning objectives should be read in association with the policies set out in earlier chapters and with
the area based objectives in Chapters 13 and 14. The zonings described in this chapter are indicated
on the Zoning Maps in Volume 2 of this Plan.
15.2 The overall approach as regards zoning is based on the following:
• To use zoning as a tool to shape the future, orderly development of the city and not just to
reflect existing land uses;
• To reflect the development needs of the city over the plan period and for a reasonable period
beyond;
• To promote particular uses in appropriate locations, to reduce conflict of uses and to protect
natural and man-made resources;
• To promote the renewal of under-utilised and brownfield land, thus ensuring the efficient use
of urban lands and infrastructure while meeting demands for space for housing and other
development;
• To safeguard and improve amenities and general quality of life;
• To promote the achievement of sustainable development by facilitating mixed use zones in
certain cases by ensuring a balance of housing, employment and local facilities within an area
and reducing the need to travel.
Non-conforming uses
15.3 In relation to change of use, expansion and intensification of uses which do not conform to the zoning
objectives for an area, the City Council will consider each case on its merits having regard to the impact
on the surrounding environment. This policy will not apply in the North and South Docks areas where
the overall redevelopment objectives for the area will prevail (see Chapter 13).
Objective 15.1 Non-conforming uses
Where uses exist as non-conforming uses it is the policy of the City Council to facilitate their continued operation
provided they do not seriously detract from the zoning objectives for the area or from residential or other
amenities.
Material Contraventions and Variations of the City Development Plan
15.4 Development Plan objectives are written in the interests of the proper planning and development of an
area. However it’s not possible for the Plan to take account of every eventuality – situations may arise
where proper planning and development of an area may be best served by a development or proposal
that contravenes the zonings or objectives of the Plan. The Planning Act provides for this circumstance
through the Material Contravention process whereby Council Members can agree to grant permission,
following public consultation for a development which materially contravenes an objective of the Plan.
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Draft Cork City Development Plan 2015-2021
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