Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas

(b) Sustainable travel patterns
4.10 The NSS definition of sustainable development includes “maximising
access to and encouraging use of public transport, cycling and
walking.” Spatial planning has a fundamental role in promoting
more sustainable travel patterns and helping to reverse recent trends
which have seen a decreasing share of people travelling to work by
bus or bicycle or on foot. According to the results of Census 2006, the
majority (55%) of primary schoolchildren were driven to school by
car, compared with 28% in 1991. Apart from the energy and climate
change implications of the increasing use of the car for journeys to
work and school, cycling and walking have a role in achieving
healthier lifestyles. A significant minority of children aged 5-17 have
been found to be overweight or obese, which may lead to type 2
diabetes, respiratory, cardiovascular and orthopaedic problems.
Good pedestrian and cycle facilities within residential areas
(including adequate public lighting) can facilitate higher levels of
physical activity among young people, particularly in relation to
school trips, where perceptions about traffic safety among parents
and children are a key factor. Higher residential densities within
walking distance of public transport facilities (see Chapter 5) can help
to sustain the economic viability of such transport. As a general
principle, no substantial residential development in the larger
settlements, where public transport is available, should proceed
without adequate public transport provision, which should be
planned at a strategic level in advance of development. In smaller
settlements where there is no public transport provision, the
emphasis should be on the appropriate location of residential
development within the development plan / LAP minimising the
need for car journeys and by encouraging through design, walking,
and cycling14. (c) Efficient use of energy
4.11 Residential development accounted for 25% of energy-related carbon
dioxide (CO2) emissions in Ireland in 2005. The planning process –
development plans and development management - can help reduce
such emissions by promoting sustainable approaches to the design
and layout of new development, and by encouraging the use of
renewable energy sources where appropriate. Such measures will
complement the objectives of the Building Regulations for increased
14 Secure cycle parking should be provided at schools, train and bus stations, shops and
other community facilities.
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Planning Guidelines