Minutes 2003
Minutes of the Adjourned Special Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday 24th March 2003 at 11.00am in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo.
COUNCILLORS PRESENT:
- Barrett,
- Barry,
- Branley,
- Bree,
- Cawley,
- M. Conlon,
- Conmy,
- Gormley,
- Higgins,
- Leonard,
- MacManus,
- McGarry,
- McGuinn,
- McLoughlin,
- Murray,
- Parke,
- Perry,
- Queenan,
- B. Scanlon,
- E. Scanlon.
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
- Mr D. Breen, Acting Director of Services
- Ms M. Mc Connell, Senior Executive Officer
- Ms F. Meagher, Senior Executive Planner
- Mr F. Moylan, Senior Executive Planner
- Ms M. Davidescu, Assistant Planner
- Ms C. Kenny, Staff Officer
- Ms F. Couch, Clerical Officer
CATHAOIRLEACH:
Councillor P. Branley opened the meeting but apologised that due to ill health he would be unable to continue to chair the meeting.
Proposed by Councillor T. Mc Loughlin
Seconded by Councillor J. Perry
AND AGREED
“That Councillor Roddy Mc Guinn preside as Cathaoirleach”.
INCIDENT AT CULLEENAMORE:
With the permission of the Cathaoirleach, Councillor J. Mc Garry raised the matter of a fatal incident which occurred at Culleenamore, Strandhill the previous day. He expressed concerns regarding the response time of the emergency services and their access to the beach.
In response Acting Director of Services, D. Breen stated that in the absence of any specific information on the incident it was difficult to comment on the role of the Council, if any, but that this would primarily be a matter for the Gardai and Health Services.
Sympathies were expressed by Members and staff to the family of the deceased.
APOLOGIES:
- Apologies were received from Deputy J. Devins.
SUPPLEMENTARY MANAGERS REPORT:
Ms F. Meagher, Senior Executive Planner, advised Members that a Supplementary Managers Report on Mr H. Rowan’s submission had been circulated.
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO STRANDHILL DRAFT LOCAL AREA PLAN:
A number of proposed amendments were handed to the Cathaoirleach by members and it was agreed to photocopy and circulate same.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT NO. 1:
(3.2) Key Issues, General aim and Plan Concept, Goal V, Protection of the Natural, Archaeological and Build Heritage, Section III, Built Heritage Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus
AND AGREED
Page 29/32, 3.2, Key Issues, General aim and Plan Concept, Goal V, Protection of the Natural, Archaeological and Build Heritage, Section III, Built Heritage.
Insert the following text as an additional paragraph after the last paragraph on Pg 32.
“The Planning Control Process will make the provision of high quality, well-landscaped developments a necessary criterion in the assessment of each planning application”.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT NO. 2:
(3.3.1) Village Centre:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. Mac Manus
Pg 33, 3.3.1, Village Centre, Paragraph (bullet point) 4
At the end of paragraph 4, add the following text:
“The preferred location for the Community Centre is the car park. However, it should be noted that community facilities are also permissible in the mixed-use zones, which includes the proposed village centre”.
Following clarification from Ms F. Meagher, Senior Executive Planner, and further discussion by the members an amended motion was submitted.
Proposed by Councillor T. Mc Loughlin
Seconded by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
AND AGREED
Pg 33, 3.3.1, Village Centre, Paragraph (bullet point) 4
At the end of paragraph 4, add the following text:
“The preferred location for the Community Centre is the car park. However, it should be noted that community facilities are also permissible in the mixed-use zones, which includes the proposed village centre”.
“That the local community be consulted prior to any decision been made for any future development in the area currently in use as a car-park”.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT NO. 3:
(3.3.1) Village Centre:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor T. Mc Loughlin
AND AGREED
Pg 33, 3.3.1, Village Centre, Paragraph (bullet point) 7
Add the following text at the end of paragraph 7
“A link road will be built to join the Burma Road with the New Airport Road to the east of the Village Centre and the existing junction of the Burma Road /R292 will be closed to vehicular traffic. Appropriate traffic management measures, which may include a roundabout, will be provided at the junction of the New Airport Road and the new link road from the Burma Road. Care will be taken to ensure that the location of the hotel and attendant facilities will be sufficiently removed from the junction so as to minimise traffic hazards”.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT NO 4 (A):
(3.3.2) Mixed-use development from Council car park to promenade:
Proposed by Councillor B. Scanlon
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
Pg 34, 3.3.2, Mixed-use development from Council car park to promenade
Paragraph (bullet point) 1
Delete the words ‘under-use’ from the following sentence.
In recognition of the scale, under-use and strategic location of the Council car park it is an objective to provide for mixed-use development on this site.
The amended sentence will read as follows:
In recognition of the scale and strategic location of the Council car park it is an objective to provide for mixed-use development on this site.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT NO 4(B):
(3.3.2) Mixed-use development from Council car park to promenade:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. Mac Manus
AND AGREED
Paragraph (bullet point) 1
At the end of the paragraph, delete the sentence starting “Such development shall reflect” and substitute the following text:
“The only mixed development permitted on this site will be the enhancement of the present car parking facility, a community centre and the provision of other recreational facilities”.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT NO 4(C):
(3.3.2) Mixed-use development from Council car park to promenade:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor A. Parke
AND AGREED
Add to the end of the paragraph the following text:
However, any developments within the car park itself shall be restricted to two storeys.
The amended paragraph will now read:
“Terraced buildings up to two storeys shall be permitted, subject to appropriate ‘feathering’, to integrate with adjoining developments. The courtyard shall be designed to a high standard in a manner capable of enhancing the streetscape and complementing the existing village. However, any developments within the car park itself shall be restricted to two storeys”.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT NO 4(D):
(3.3.2) Mixed-use development from Council car park to promenade:
Proposed by Councillor S. Mac Manus
Seconded by Councillor B. Scanlon
AND AGREED
Paragraph (bullet point) 6
At the end of the paragraph, add the following text (suggested by the Planning Unit) following the words ‘near the Strand Bar’:
“Any development proposed on these lands has to be so designed as to minimise public safety risk due to stray golf balls emanating from the adjacent golf course”.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT NO 5:
(3.3.4) Mixed use development on R292 at Carrowbunnaun:
Proposed by Councillor T. Mc Loughlin
Seconded by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
AND AGREED
Pg 35, 3.3.4, Mixed use development on R292 at Carrowbunnaun
Add the following text between the first and second bullet points:
“The single access point from the R292 to the backland development will be located as far away as possible from the bend at the junction of the town-lands of Carrowbunnaun and Carrowdough and from the access road from Ocean Links estate, in order to minimise road safety”.
“A pedestrian link will be provided from Top Road, to the Golf Course Road to replace the old right of way from in front of the Dunes pub down to the school. This may possibly link with the proposed pedestrian /cycling access off Upper Buenos Ayres Drive to the backlands to the south as stated on Page 36, 3.3.6”.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT NO 6:
(3.3.7) Residential Development:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor T. Mc Loughlin
AND AGREED
Pg 36/37, 3.3.7, Residential Development, Bullet point 1
Add the following text after the words “and the new Village Centre”
“Before any of the developments above are considered, it is an objective to ensure that the roadways through the village are improved to provide adequate footpaths and public lighting, to ensure the safe movement of pedestrians”.
The extended text will now read as below:
“Within the built-up area of the village, it is an objective of the Planning Authority to encourage the development of backlands through land assembly, using shared access arrangements and providing for the creation of pedestrian and cycling linkages with existing development, including community facilities, sports /recreational facilities, shops /businesses and the new Village Centre.
Before any of the developments above are considered, it is an objective to ensure that the roadways through the village are improved to provide adequate footpaths and public lighting, to ensure the safe movement of pedestrians”.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT NO 7(A):
(3.3.7) Residential Development, proposed density classes:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. Mac Manus
Pg 36/37, 3.3.7, Residential Development, Bullet point 2 (densities)
Insert the following changes after the words “The proposed density classes are:
After ‘lower density’ replace “less than 8 units per acre” with the words “less than 5 units per acre”.
After ‘medium density’ replace “8 to 11 units per acre” with the words “5 to 8 units per acre”
After ‘higher density’ replace “12 or more units per acre” with the words “9 or more units per acre”.
Mr D. Breen, Acting Director of Services, outlined the requirements of Section 20 (3)(i) of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 as amended by the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act, 2002 which indicates that:
“When performing their functions under this subsection, the members of the authority shall be restricted to considering the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, the statutory obligations of any local authority in the area and any relevant policies or objectives for the time being of the Government or any Minister of the Government”.
He further advised the meeting that the proposed alterations to the density proposals in the draft plan would, if passed be in breach of the Residential Density guidelines for planning authorities which were published by the Minister for the Environment and Local Government in September 1999.
As agreement was not reached in relation to this matter the Cathaoirleach, Councillor R. Mc Guinn asked that a poll be taken.
For the motion: Bree, MacManus, McGuinn, McLoughlin, Murray, Parke, Perry.
Against the motion: Higgins, McGarry, B. Scanlon.
As the result was 7 for and 3 against the motion, the Cathaoirleach declared the motion carried.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT NO 7(B):
(3.3.7) Residential Development, areas allocated to density class:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. Mac Manus
Pg 36/37, 3.3.7, Residential Development, Paragraph, (bullet point) 5 (areas allocated to density class)
Make the following changes:
In Low Density replace the words “less than 8 units per acre” with the words under 5 units per acre ~ 6 acres.
In Medium Density replace the words “8 to 11 units per acre” with the words 5 to 8 units per acre ~ 30 acres.
In High Density replace the words “12 or more units per acre” with the words 9 or more units per acre ~ 21 acres.
As agreement was not reached in relation to this matter the Cathaoirleach, Councillor R. Mc Guinn asked that a poll be taken.
For the motion: Bree, MacManus, McGuinn, McLoughlin, Murray, Parke, Perry.
Against the motion: Higgins, McGarry, B. Scanlon.
As the result was 7 for and 3 against the motion, the Cathaoirleach declared the motion carried.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT NO. 8(A):
(3.3.10) Caravan Park:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor T. Mc Loughlin
AND AGREED
Pg 39, 3.3.10 Caravan Park
Paragraph (bullet point) 2
Delete the following paragraph
“In the event of a major leisure centre or similar tourism-related development proposal on the site, the Caravan Park could relocated to the neighbouring pine plantation immediately west of the proposed Village Centre. This alternative would offer an already landscaped and therefore sheltered setting for the Caravan Park, thereby promoting a longer visitor season.
(The deletion of this paragraph recognises the comments of the Manager’s Report on Submissions, Observations and Matters Arising from Public Consultation, Pg 40, 3.11, Caravan Park, Paragraph 2, in which it is stated that the view of the Caravan Park was that:
“A complete relocation of the Caravan Park to the pine plantation is seen as undesirable because the lands concerned are wet, unsuitable for manoeuvring caravans and such relocation would require the construction of new services and facilities at considerable cost”).
PROPOSED AMENDMENT NO. 8(B):
(3.3.10) Caravan Park:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor A. Higgins
AND AGREED
No. 19, Pg 39, 3.3.10, Caravan Park, Paragraph 3 (bullet point) 3
At the end of this paragraph, insert the following text
“The road should be started as a matter of urgency from a safety point of view as emergency service vehicles have grave difficulty getting down to the shore on busy days /weekends”.
Mr D. Breen, Acting Director of Services advised the Members of the possible commitment being entered into by the inserting such an amendment into the draft plan when finances are not necessarily available.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT NO. 9:
(3.3.11) Zoning for the Business Park:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor B. Scanlon
Pg. 40, 3.3.11, Airport Business Park
Paragraph (bullet point) 3, point 2
Insert after the words “until the eastern section has been completed”, the following words:
“Should planning permission for the Business Park lapse, the zoning will change to community, sport and recreational use. If further expansion of the Business and Technology Park is required, it will take place to the east of the existing park and land will be zoned for this purpose”.
Ms F. Meagher, Senior Executive Planner, advised the members that passing this motion would reduce lands available for business purposes. Mr D. Breen, Acting Director of Services advised the members that the wording of the amendment may require legal clarification.
As agreement was not reached in relation to this matter, the Cathaoirleach, R. Mc Guinn asked that a poll be taken.
For the motion: Bree, MacManus, Parke, B. Scanlon
Against the motion: Higgins, McGuinn, McLoughlin, Perry
Abstainee: Barry
The result was 4 for and 4 against and one abstainee. The Cathaoirleach exercised his casting vote against and declared the motion lost.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT NO. 10A:
(3.3.13) Land west of Airport Road, including pine plantation:
It was agreed at Councillor A. Parke’s request that this item be withdrawn.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT NO. 10 B:
(3.3.13) Land west of Airport Road, including pine plantation:
It was agreed at Councillor A. Parke’s request that this item be withdrawn.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT NO. 10C:
(3.3.13) Land west of Airport Road, including pine plantation:
Proposed by Councillor B. Scanlon
Seconded by Councillor A. Parke
AND AGREED
Pg 40, 3.3.13, Land west of Airport Road, including the pine plantation
Paragraph (bullet point) 4
Add the following text after the words “road access and parking”:
“On condition that public access is retained and enabled to continue”.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT NO. 11:
(3.3.15) Sports Facilities:
Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor A. Parke
AND AGREED
Pg 41, 3.3.15 Sports Facilities
With a sub-heading, Sligo Racecourse
Add the following text
“Any such development shall strive to retain the open spaces at the pine wood and the rights to public access and recreation.
Any such developments should be suitably planted and landscaped.
Any development or facilities will be sympathetic to the maintenance of the environmental quality of adjacent dunes, beach and water”.
It was further agreed following the advice of Ms F. Meagher, Senior Executive Planner, that this amendment be inserted into Section 3.3.13 of the Draft Plan.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT NO. 12:
(3.3.16) Community Facilities:
Proposed by Councillor B. Scanlon
Seconded by Deputy J. Perry
AND AGREED
Pg 41, 3.3.16, Community Facilities
Add the following text as a fourth bullet point
“It is the objective of this plan to ensure that there are adequate community facilities including a playground and other sports and recreational facilities”.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT NO. 13:
(3.3.26) Traffic, circulation and parking, Promenade Section:
Proposed by Councillor T. Mc Loughlin
Seconded by Councillor A. Higgins
AND AGREED
Pg 46, 3.3.26, Traffic, circulation and parking
Promenade Section
Insert the following bullet point:
“The provision of a one-way road from the shore to the Airport Road should be implemented as soon as possible”.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT NO. 14:
GREEN AREA, HILLCREST PARK:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor B. Scanlon
AND AGREED
“That the green area at Hillcrest Park be zoned as public open space in the Strandhill Local Area Plan”.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT NO. 15:
GREEN AREA, HILLCREST PARK:
Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor A. Parke
AND AGREED
“That the green area in Hillcrest Park, Strandhill be zoned as public open space and marked accordingly on all maps pertaining to the Strandhill Area Plan”.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT NO. 16:
PINE FOREST:
Proposed by Councillor T. Mc Loughlin
Seconded by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
AND AGREED
“That the zoning for the Pine Forest Area, which is presently proposed as primarily forest area in the Draft Plan, be such that it will accommodate the use for sport and recreation, including the use as a racecourse and any ancillary developments required such as dressing rooms, etc.”.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT NO. 17:
LANDS AT RUGBY CLUB:
Proposed by Councillor T. Mc Loughlin
Seconded by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
AND AGREED
“That the area which is currently proposed for Sports and Recreation at the Rugby Club in the Draft Plan, and presently in the ownership of the rugby club, be zoned to permit residential and recreational development to accommodate any relocation of these facilities by the Rugby Club in the future”.
ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING:
Proposed by A. Higgins
Seconded by R. Mc Guinn
AND AGREED
“To adjourn the meeting for 15 minutes”.
The meeting was adjourned at this stage.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT NO. 18:
LANDS AT BACK OF RUGBY CLUB:
Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins
Seconded by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
“Lands at back of Rugby Club be zoned for residential use from A – B on map 7 Existing Land Use, Strandhill Draft Local Area Plan”.
As agreement was not reached in relation to this matter the Cathaoirleach, Mr R. Mc Guinn asked that a poll be taken.
For the motion: Barry, Higgins, McGuinn, McLoughlin, Parke, Perry, E. Scanlon
Against the motion: Bree, B. Scanlon
Abstainee: MacManus
As the result was 7 for and 2 against and 1 abstainee, the Cathaoirleach declared the motion carried.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT NO. 19:
LANDS AT LARASS
Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor A. Parke
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council agrees to rezone the area at Larass to the east of that in the ownership of the rugby club, and presently zoned for recreational purposes in the draft plan, as residential”.
CONSIDERATION OF MANAGERS REPORT ON SUBMISSIONS AND OBSERVATIONS ON THE STRANDHILL DRAFT LOCAL AREA PLAN:
Proposed by Councillor T. Mc Loughlin
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council hereby decides not to make the Strandhill Local Area Plan (“The Plan”) until the procedures laid down in Section 20(3) (e) to (f) of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 as amended by the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2002 have been completed in respect of the variations and modifications set out in the attached document entitled “Sligo County Council Strandhill Draft Local Area Plan Amendments as recommended in the Manager’s Report on submissions and observations on the Draft Local Area Plan dated February, 2003” following which the proposal to make the plan and the variations and modifications shall be further considered by the Council pursuant to subsection (3)(g) of the said Section and within the time limits laid down in the said subsections”.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS OF CORRESPONDENCE CIRCULATED:
- Supplementary Manager’s Report on Submissions and Observations
- Map 7 Existing Land Use, associated with Amendment No. 18
END OF MEETING:
The meeting concluded at 5.05 pm
Meeting Date 24/03/2003