Chapter 8 Environment & Heritage

Strategic Policy for Environment and Heritage

 

Policy EH 1: It is the policy of the Council to ensure that the archaeological, architectural, natural and the built heritage of Croom is protected.

 

Policy EH 2: It is the policy of the Council to ensure that all proposals shall comply with the policies, objectives and development management standards of the Limerick County Development Plan 2010 - 2016 (as extended)

 

8.1       

The protection of the built, historic and natural environment is a keystone to the sustainable development of a town or village.  Conservation and preservation relates to buildings and land and the Council is concerned with the protection and enhancement of both. As settlements develop the demands on the environment, both natural and manmade, become greater. The role of the Council is to balance the two – preservation of a high quality environment, while satisfying economic and social needs.

8.2       Built Environment

8.2.1    Protected Structures

In the interest of safeguarding the cultural and built heritage, 26 structures have been identified for their contribution to the architectural heritage in the area and have been designated as ‘protected structures’ under Section 51 of the Planning and Development Act 2000(Amended). These structures are included within the Record of Protected Structures (R.P.S) set out in Appendix 3 of this Plan.  This list of structures is an abstract from the Record of Protected Structures, which is a statutory document maintained by Limerick City and County Council, as part of the County Development Plan.  Exempted development regulations are not applicable to such structures, where proposed development would materially affect the character of the structure or any element of the structure, which contributes to the architectural heritage.

 

The Council will encourage the rehabilitation, restoration, re-use and change of use of existing older buildings and protected structures, where appropriate, in preference to their demolition and redevelopment, in accordance with the principles of sustainable development. Proposals to construct extensions sympathetic to such buildings in order to facilitate their reuse would be welcomed by the Council. Some of the Protected Structures are also listed on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage.  The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) established in 2010, under the provision of the Architectural Heritage (National Inventory) and Historic Monuments (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1999, identifies, records, and evaluates the post-1700 architectural heritage of Ireland.  The NIAH provides the basis for the recommendations of the Minister to the planning authorities for the inclusion of particular structures in their Record of Protected Structures (RPS). There are 17 NIAH structures located in the proposed Croom LAP area. Refer to www.buildingsofireland.ie ​for further details of these structures.

 

 

Figure 16: Former National School, Croom

 

8.2.2    Croom Architectural Conservation Areas (ACA)

The collective arrangement of buildings along the Main Street in Croom are considered of significance to the built heritage of the area and contributes to the character of the area.  It is an objective of the Council to preserve the character of this area and therefore it is designated as an Architectural Conservation Area (ACA).  The ACA is defined in the Protected structures and ACA Map Cr-19/25-04. The designation of the ACA does not preclude future development, but the carryout out of works to the exterior of structures, within the ACA shall not be considered as exempted development, where those works would materially alter the character of the ACA.  In assessing development proposals within the ACA, the Council shall take into account the material effect that the proposed development would be likely to have on the character of the ACA.  

There is a requirement as per the provisions of Part IV (Architectural Heritage) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (Amended) and its accompanying Regulations for additional documentation to be submitted with planning applications for developments within Architectural Conservation Areas. Guidance for this is set out in the Supplementary Application form and in Chapter 3 of the Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities (Planning Guidelines No 9) (2^nd Edition) 2011. Extensions or standalone developments, should enhance the character of Architectural Conservation Area. This approach applies also to proposals involving the setting and amenities of Architectural Conservation Areas.  In considering proposal for development in these situations, it is the policy to have particular regard to:

• The potential impact of the proposal on buildings and the receiving environment – be it natural or manmade;
• The potential impact of development on the immediate streetscape, or landscape, in terms of compatibility of design, scale, height, plot width and depth, roof treatments, fenestration, materials, finishes, landscaping, mix and intensity of proposed use.

In undertaking repairs or maintenance works to buildings in the Croom Architectural Conservation Area, property owners and their contractors should be aware of the materials traditionally used in the county and specifically in the area itself and its immediate surrounds. 

Works in Conservation Areas must retain existing surviving elements, aim to re-instate lost elements or character, with new build complementing the existing building lines and open areas.  Where original or early surviving elements, such as windows and doors, rainwater goods, natural slate roofing and lime render and so forth, these should be repaired sensitively.  The guidance here is to ‘do as much as necessary, as little as possible’.  If replacement proves necessary, then they must be replaced on a ‘like for like’ basis.

In replacing elements that were installed as replacements in recent decades, such as aluminium windows or smooth finish artificial slate, there are good reasons, apart from those put forward on the basis of architectural heritage, to return to the original material, such as timber windows and natural slate. These reasons include the compatibility of traditional materials with one another and the fact that the historic material allows the building to breath, thereby providing a healthier internal atmosphere for those using the buildings.

 

8.3       Archaeological Heritage

The town of Croom is designated as an Historic Town and is entered on the Record of Monument and Places (LI030-025). As a Recorded Monument, it is protected under the National Monuments Acts (1930-2004).  The extent of the Historic Town Recorded Monument is shown in Appendix 2, as well as the location of the other Recorded Monument within the Plan area.

 

It is the Council’s policy to safeguard the value and setting of archaeological sites in Croom and to seek their preservation in situ or, and only where appropriate through advance archaeological excavation. In so doing the Council will liaise with the National Monuments Service, DEHLG, where any planning application is received within the Historic Town area or in the vicinity of the other Recorded Monuments, outlined in Appendix 2, the application will be referred to the National Monuments Service for its recommendation.  An archaeological impact assessment may be required as part of the applications.

 

The National Monuments Act 1930 - 2004 provide the legal framework for the protection of the archaeological heritage.  The National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994 established a Record of Monuments and Places(RMP).  It is a legal requirement under Section 12(3) of the 1994 Act, that any person, who wishes to carry out development in this area, including development that does not require planning permission, informs the National Monuments Services, DEHLG of their proposals, providing at least two months’ notice in writing, the area of notification for Croom town centre is outlined on Map Cr19/25/05.

 

Owners and occupiers of buildings and property within the town are encouraged to improve the appearance of their properties and to contribute to improvement of the streetscape.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 17: Croom Bridge, Protected Structure Reference 1133

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.3.1    Protected view

 

The approach to Croom Castle from the roundabout on Bridge Street provides a fine view of the Castle, and an important glimpse of the town’s past.  It signifies a sense of arrival in an historic place and provides an important overview of the general setting of Croom. A protected view has been included in the Plan to safeguard the setting of the Castle and any development on the adjoining town centre zoned lands shall be cognisant of this and shall respect the integrity of this view. 

 

8.3.2    Special Control Area:

 

The area within the curtilage of Croom Castle is designated as a Special Control Area.  This area is located within the Recorded Monument, LI030-025001, classified as the historic town of Croom and the Castle located within this classification has been assigned a unique reference LI030-025005. It is also within the Architectural Conservation Area.  Only proposals for the rehabilitation for re-use of short term tourist letting of the Coach House which support the setting and amenity of Croom Castle, will be considered in this area and will be assessed on an individual basis.  Ancillary walkways may be considered at this location.

 

 

Figure 18: Croom Castle

 

8.4       Natural Environment

The River Maigue is the most important natural asset of the town and has further potential for use as an amenity. In recent times, the recreational value of the River Maigue has been developed through the provision of linear walkway/cycleway which runs parallel to the river.  The adjacent 13 acres of parkland is filled with woodland paths, seating, picnic areas and a children’s playground. With an integrated approach from landowners in this area, lands to the rear of Main Street adjacent to the river provide a potential development opportunity for continuing this walkway along the river. It is the policy of this plan to encourage the development of this area. On the western bank with the exception of the restored mill building there is no public access.  There is potential to provide greater public access to the river and therefore to harness its amenity value.  This plan proposes an Amenity Map that incorporates proposals to achieve this objective through the development of walks and area for both active and passive amenity. The Maigue River Trust was established to protect, enhance and cherish the rivers and lakes of the River Maigue catchment for the benefit and enjoyment of all.  Furthermore, it seeks to promote the utilisation and enjoyment of the River. The introduction of a slipway along the riverbank adjacent to the Civic centre provides a real opportunity for active use of the river and the development of a blueway system along the River Maigue.

 

Both passive and active open space is required in Croom close to the town centre.  The Well Meadow provides for passive recreation. Active recreation is catered for by a number of facilities and clubs.  The community centre provide for some indoor sports facilities.  There is an existing GAA ground located outside the town on Church Road. There is a soccer club located to the east of the town to the side of the community centre. The Council will require developers to make provision for sport and recreational infrastructure commensurate with the needs of the development as an integral element of their proposals. 

 

Figure 19: Linear walkway in Croom Town Park

           

 

8.4.1    Trees for Preservation within the Plan area

Trees can be as visually prominent as buildings and are an important landscape component.

They are able to integrate with building structures providing important landscape features

and visual variety. From an ecological viewpoint, whatever the species, it is important to ensure that an adequate tree stock remains within the Croom area. The legacy of demesne planting is an integral part of the town of Croom and its environs and adds greatly to the setting and character of the town.

 

Closely related to the question of trees in the landscape is that of hedgerows. Within the LAP area, there is a presumption against the removal of these landscape features. These are part of the fabric and history of the landscape. Apart from their visual contribution, they are also important habitats in their own right. In order to ensure their continued vitality and amenity value as landscape features and habitats, they require continuous management, particularly, if they are to be integrated within new developments.

 

The link between the quality of the local environment, of which trees are an important component and human well-being is one that is increasingly recognised. With that in mind it is considered necessary to include the following objectives.

 

 

 

Figure 20: Tree opposite St. Marys Church

 

 

 

 

It is the policy of the Council to facilitate the preservation and protection of the following trees.

• Town park- ornamental trees and new planting with varied species including Beech, Lime and Ash.  
• West of the park, variety of trees along the river bank amongst them Birch Alder and Ash.
• Old mill, with Sycamore and Ash north of the Bridge.
• National School: Beech trees present on the boundary.
• Kylefea Estate: rows of trees to the rear (south) of the estate with a mix pf species. These include Beech, Cypress, Poplar, White thorn and Sycamore located on the estate boundary.  
• Ballingarry road: Beech trees along roadside.
• Graveyard: Yew trees.
• Church: mature Sycamore and Copper Beech close to roadside.
• Park area to south of bridge and close to Croom Castle: mix of Birch, Sycamore, Willow and Ash along the River boundary. Sycamore and Ash and Cypress close to Croom Castle.    
• Orthopaedic Hospital: Tree belt along Western boundary amongst them, Horse Chestnut, Beech, Cypress and Sycamore.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 21: Trees along the River bank in Croom Town Park

 

8.5       Climate Change

Promoting land use patterns and economic activity that minimise effects on climate change is an objective of Limerick City and County Council.  As part of this objective, the Council will endeavour to promote responsible development and management of land, drainage systems and natural habitats and the local delivery of energy, efficiency and adaption to climate change in Croom.

Achieving a low carbon producing economy and society requires, where practicable, everybody seeking to efficiently meet resource requirements from indigenous local resources. Those indigenous resources should be harnessed to optimum potential in order to meet or exceed local needs, having due regard for national targets and the local planning guidelines.  This involves not just the use of local resources, where applicable but the adoption of new building techniques and designs which will minimise energy intensive inputs.  Development proposals, which incorporate these issues, will be encouraged by the Council.