Chapter 10 - Land Use Framework and Settlement Capacity Audit
10.1 Land Use Zoning and Implementation
This Local Area Plan outlines specific policies and objectives for the development of Patrickswell. The overarching policies and objectives of the Limerick Development Plan 2022-2028 and any replacement thereof also apply. All development requiring planning permission must adhere to the Policies, Objectives, Development Management Standards and other requirements of the Limerick Development Plan 2022-2028, or any replacement thereof.
The purpose of zoning is to indicate to property owners and the public, the types of development, which the Planning Authority considers most appropriate in each land use category. Zoning is designed to reduce conflicting uses within areas, to protect resources and ensure that land suitable for development is used in the interest of sustainable settlements. The Land Use Zoning Map should be read in conjunction with the Land Use Zoning Objectives below, and the Land Use Zoning Matrix set out under Appendix I.
10.2 Land Use Zoning
There are 9 land use categories in the Plan each of which are differentiated by colour. Map 1 Land Use Zoning in Appendix 1 below sets out the Zoning objectives for Patrickswell.
The objective and purpose of each land use zoning category is outlined in Section 10.2.1 below. Section 10.5 contains the zoning matrix, which should be read in conjunction with Map 1. It should be noted, the matrix acts as a general guideline and does not include an exhaustive list.
10.3 Advice when Submitting a Planning Application
The Planning Authority encourages applicants to avail of pre-planning prior to submitting a planning application to discuss policy issues regarding a proposed development. Pre-planning is of particular benefit in the event that specific assessments are required, having regard to the sensitivity of the receiving environment, the type and scale of development proposed and the location of the site in Patrickswell. Refer to www.limerick.ie to request pre-planning.
Applicants are advised to avail of pre-connection enquiries with Uisce Éireann to ascertain if connection to the public water mains and sewer system is feasible prior to submitting a planning application.
10.6 Settlement Capacity Audit
In accordance with Appendix 3 of the NPF, the tiered approach to zoning has been applied to zoned lands as laid out in Table 10.5 below. The Settlement Capacity Audit table examines the sites identified for new residential development, serviced sites and enterprise and employment with respect to the availability of key infrastructure, to ensure that these lands are developable over the lifetime of the Plan. The sites are identified as being serviced (Tier 1), or serviceable (Tier 2) with respect to utilities, public transport, the potential for flood risk and the nature of the site (brownfield/infill). Corresponding maps indicate the sites to which the assessment applies.
Tier 1 refers to lands that are adequately serviced and can connect to existing services (roads, footpaths, public lighting, water supply and surface water drainage etc.). Tier 2 lands refer to lands that have constraints in terms of connecting to one or more services, but have the potential to become fully serviced over the lifetime of the Plan. Where existing infrastructure is located in close proximity to a site and can potentially be extended to service the site, these services have been indicated as available.
It should be noted that the table below is for information purposes only and developers are advised to avail of pre-planning consultation with the service providers regarding development of these lands prior to submitting a planning application.
