Is Castlelands Masterplan in breech of the Governments Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES)?

May 27, 2019 0

IMPORTANT:  We have received reports that people are having issues with the online submission system. This should not deter you from making a submission by email. The public consultation for the Castlelands Masterplan closes on Tuesday 28th May 2019 so so make sure to have YOUR SAY!.  The plan aims to increase the population of the town by approximately 17% in 6 storey high blocks in a very condensed location. This level of density will be detrimental to the town so make sure to have YOUR SAY! 

It is FREE to make a submission and if you can make a submission using the link below you can email your submission to devplan@fingal.ie

22-May-19: At a recent resident meeting of the Castlelands Masterplan with residents from Ardgillan Heights and The Chantries, Kevin Tolan, of KT Designs Architectural & Planning gave a very informative presentation outlining some points on the National Planning Framework.  The presentation brought to light how the Castlelands Masterplan is in conflict with the Governments Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES).  Cllr Tony Murphy explained how in the context of the Socio Ecomomic Strategy for Balbriggan this Masterplan is premature and shouldn’t be delivered with those densities.

Kevin explained how Balbriggan is now recognised nationally as needing catch up investment before they can build 1,000 more houses.  He also explained that ministers wrote to all the councils and said ‘Do not proceed with Development plan or LAP’s on pending the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES). This was issued as a Ministerial directive to all local authorities.

Within the National Planning Framework, Fingal is a metropolitan area and a hinterland area (see chapter 2 on this page of the  Draft Fingal Development Plan 2017 – 2023) – Balbriggan falls under the hinterland area. Therefore this density and size of development is not acceptable in a hinterland area it is only suitable for the Dublin City Environs, Major growth centres and Key towns.  The principal of proceeding with a development for 1,000 houses is wrong in light of new national policy contradicting that.

A big thank you to Cllr Tony Murphy and Kevin Tolan of KT designs for their expertise in highlighting the bigger issues in relation to this Masterplan.

** Kevin has sent us his submission which can help you with drafting YOUR submission **

opr_logoThe Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) is an independent public body established by Government to oversee the effective delivery of planning services to the public by local authorities and An Bord Pleanála ensuring quality outcomes in relation to proper planning and sustainable development.  You can email OPR at  info@opr.ie

So what can you do?

  1. Ensure to make a submission on the Castlelands Masterplan (click here to view current submissions lodged)
    • Click here for information on how to make a submission
    • Click here for items to consider when making your submission (ensure to include details of how to plan conflicts with the RSES
  2.  You can email your concerns regarding the Masterplan and how it is in conflict with the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) and include a copy of your submission to Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) at  info@opr.ie

Keep up to date with stories/updates on the Castlelands Masterplan here

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