13.20.2 Public open Space Requirements

Dúnta22 Nol, 2020, 9:00am - 12 Már, 2021, 5:00pm
13.20.2 Public Open Space Requirements
13.20.2.1 Design of Open Space

The Council will require a detailed high-quality open space and landscape design plan including specifications, prepared by suitably qualified professionals, to be submitted with all planning applications for multi-unit residential developments.

Developers should consider providing a variety of open spaces both formal and informal. Semi-natural areas should be provided such as wetlands, woodlands, meadows, green corridors as well as formal gardens, and seating areas.  These elements work best as part of a structure to the provision of open space.

Applications shall have regard to the qualitative standards outlined in Section 4.18 of the Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas.

The following must be taken into consideration when designing open space:

  • Open space should be of a high visual standard so that it is functional and accessible to all;
  • Open space should be designed so that passive surveillance is provided.
  • Open spaces should not be located to the side or the rear of housing units.
  • Provide multifunctional open spaces at locations deemed appropriate whereby both passive and active uses are delivered.
  • Ensure open space provision is suitably proportioned.  Inappropriate narrow tracts of land are not acceptable and will not be included in the calculation of open space for a proposed development nor any area due to its nature (e.g. marshy) or topography (slope) which is deemed unsuitable.
  • Include proposals for drainage of the public open space
  • Hard landscaping elements should also be identified, such as paving or cobbled areas which play important role in the design and presentation of open space concepts
  • Retention of existing natural features (which should be protected and incorporated into open space)
  • Appropriate pedestrian and cycle linkages between open spaces should be shown on the site layout plan;
  • All children and young people should have access to play space which should be within a reasonable and safe walking distance from home. 
  • Play spaces should be made identifiable by appropriate ‘play’ signage
  • Pedestrianisation in the vicinity of such areas should be maximised, and traffic should be eliminated or traffic calming measures put in place
  • Lanes within housing estates or connecting housing estates should be designed to allow for the safe movement of pedestrians and cyclists and should be adequately overlooked and lit and not be excessive in length.

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