County Development Plan - Introduction
- Introduction - How to use the plan
- Purpose
- Legal basis for the Plan
- The Development Plan Process
1.4 The Development Plan Process
1.4.1 Current Planning Context
The 1998 County Development Plan was at the end of its life and was in need of review. A number of other statutory and non-statutory planning initiatives also had a bearing on this review.
1.4.2 The National Spatial Strategy (NSS)
This Strategy was prepared by the Department of the Environment under the National Development Plan. Ultimately, it will be an important reference point for forward planning in every County, and will seek a more balanced pattern of growth at national, regional and county level. This Plan conforms to the NSS in terms of overall sustainability, balanced pattern of growth and maximising the growth potential of the County.
1.4.3 Regional Planning Guidelines
Regional Authorities have been given an important role in the implementation of the NSS through the preparation and implementation of regional socio-economic strategies and regional planning guidelines. The Mid-west Regional Economic Strategy and Regional Planning Guidelines were adopted in May 2004. This Plan is fully supportive of the strategic policy guidelines set out in the Regional Economic Strategy and Regional Planning Guidelines. The zoned-based Strategy for the Mid-West Region includes three areas of influence over North Tipperary as follows:
- Zone 2 - includes Nenagh, Newport and Ballina;
- Zone 6 - Thurles and Templemore; and
- Zone 7 - Roscrea and Borrisokane.
This zoned based approach is in line with the Preferred Settlement Strategy set out in Chapter 3 of this Plan.
1.4.4 North Tipperary Economic, Social and Cultural Strategy 2002-2012
This Strategy was launched by the County Development Board in 2002, and aims to implement strategies on a countywide basis that combines local programs for economic, social and cultural development. This document had an important input into this Plan.
1.4.5 A Waste Management Plan for the Midlands Region
This was adopted on the 16th May 2000 and outlines Council policy on the prevention, minimisation, recovery and reuse of waste.
1.4.6 County Housing Strategy
Part V of the 2000 Act requires the preparation of a housing strategy. The County Housing Strategy was prepared and adopted in 2001. Objectives of this Strategy are included in this Plan.
1.4.7 Draft County Retail Strategy
The new Retail Planning Guidelines 1999 require a retail strategy to be prepared and incorporated into the Development Plan. A County Retail Strategy 2003 was adopted in December 2003 and is incorporated through policy support in this Plan.
1.4.8 County Landscape Character Assessment
This study will be prepared in accordance with the draft Landscape Guidelines from the Department of Environment and Local Government. It will provide the basis for assessment and classification of the landscape in the County.
1.4.9 Traffic Management
Traffic Management Studies were prepared for Thurles, Roscrea, Newport and Ballina. A Rural Passenger Transport Audit and Needs Assessment was carried out in February 2002.
1.4.10 County Heritage
County Heritage Plan 2004 -2008 was prepared in association with the heritage Forum.
In time all of the above initiatives should ultimately result in greater consistency of Plans covering national, regional, county and local levels in a comprehensive way for the first time. The full benefits of this integration may not be seen however until the next cycle of plans.
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