Submission re 'Abbey Quarter Draft Urban Design Code': Margaret O’ Brien.
I welcome the opportunity to make this submission, and recognise the efforts of Kilkenny County Council’s (KCC) planning department. However, I am disappointed at the timing. The run up to Christmas is inappropriate. I can't help but think that this particular time of year was chosen for this exercise, in an attempt to sneak changes by, when people were otherwise distracted and engaged.
General: I have actively participated in Brewery Revisioning Process to date. While I acknowledge that the current Masterplan is an improvement in some respects over earlier drafts, it is none the less clear, that many of the issues of concern to the vast majority of people, who also actively engaged in the consultation process, have not been addressed or included in this code, in fact some seem to be deliberately side-lined
General observations:
a) I submit that there should be a full archaeological excavation and survey of the entire site before Design Code progress.
b) While I welcome the proposal of a Conservation Plan for the heritage structures onsite, this plan ought to be expanded to incorporate the entire site if the excavation works on other parts of the site.
c) The reconfigured Brewhouse development threatens the Abbey curtilage.
d) The HGV and traffic management plan for the city has not been completed as yet, therefore discussion around parking, buses, roads etc is premature as we do not know what guidelines or parameters we are working within.
e) The choice of piled as opposed to traditional foundations here must be fully explained and justified as part of any Design strategy, with specific reference to archaeology.
The code should specifically include that:
a) the linear park should be at least 30 meters in width.
b) a large tract of land should be reserved for a ‘social’ third level education facility.
c) social enterprises should be facilitated and supported on the site.
e) indigenous, sustainable enterprises should be given preference on the site.
f) that width of the urban street through the site should be specified.
g) an urban street running north/ south through the site, is contrary to the stated architectural intention of following the lines of existing city laneways and burrage plots.
h) a minority sports arena, which commands strong public support, should be included in the code
i) south facing façade alignment should be the norm throughout.
j) buildings should be of mixed height, and that no building should be greater than four floors in height. Taller building should be placed at the rear of the site, farthest away from the river.
k) the river frontage buildings should mimic/reflect the building lines along the Quay, on the far side of the river.
l) materials used should be local, natural and indigenous with as little carbon footprint as possible.
m) ‘Green’ development model should be pursued.
I support housing, third level undergraduate education, green space and social development on the site, but actions that support the proposed code do not prioritise these
I object to the elements in this document that:
state intention to indefinitely defer/delay starting agreed housing on the North end of the site as we need housing started there now:
propose the North end of the site be used as bus/car park, even on a temporary basis, as this is contrary to the plan already agreed and in place:
allow heavy vehicle usage on this site as it will cause unnecessary environmental degradation in this location:
propose development starting on the site without the results of full archaeological investigations being made public and debated publicly first:
propose pouring slabs of concrete throughout the site;
propose piled foundations as this seems designed to minimise archaeological investigation and will also have the effect of raising heights on the site:
propose a primary school on the site, as the area is unsuitable:
Finally I object strenuously to giving ownership and control development blocks, to a private, unaccountable company:.
.
Signed,
Margaret O' Brien