County Waterford, Ireland
Planning Policy Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find out about Council’s planning policies?
What is the current planning legislation?
What is the Development Plan?
What is land use zoning?
How can I check if my site is zoned?
When is the County Development Plan being reviewed?
What are the Regional Planning Guidelines?
What is Strategic Environmental Assessment?
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How can I find out about Council’s planning policies?
The development policies and objectives for County Waterford are contained in the County Development Plan 2005-2011 and its related Local Area Plans (Tramore, Portlaw, Lismore and Waterford City environs). You can view these plans at the offices of Waterford County Council or local libraries or online under Publications.
Some of the Council’s policies with regard to one-off rural housing are addressed in the Pre-planning guidance Section
What is the current planning legislation?
The current planning legislation is contained in the Planning & Development Acts 2000-2006 and the Planning & Development Regulations 2001-2008 and is available online at www.irishstatutebook.ie. They can also be viewed on the DoEHLG website www.environ.ie
The County Development Plan sets a framework or a blueprint for the proper planning and sustainable development of the County over the following 6 year period and beyond. In addition to the zoning of land, it includes sets of development policies, development objectives, and development guidelines and standards.
All planning applications in the county are measured against the County Development Plan, and planning permission will normally only be given where the application is in accordance with the plan policies. The plan contains maps showing the various areas zoned as residential industrial and a range of other uses. This indicates the developments of the appropriate type that may get planning permission. If you are proposing to apply for planning permission, it is beneficial to look at the County Development plan first.
The current Development Plan is the Waterford County Development Plan 2011-2017.
Land use zoning is the method by which the Planning Authority controls development by defining what land may be used for what purpose, i.e.: residential, retail, industrial, agricultural, recreational etc. A land use-zoning map should always be read in conjunction with a Land Use Zoning Matrix Table which states exactly what type of development is permitted in each zone.
How can I check if my site is zoned?
The land use zoning maps for the County are set out in the County Development Plan and the Tramore, Lismore and Portlaw Local Area Plans. There are 51 zoned settlements in the current plan. All lands outside of the zoned lands are considered unzoned or white lands.
When is the County Development Plan being reviewed?
The review of the county Development Plan commenced in 2015 and will run until 2017. Full details of the review process, information on how and when to make a submission and regular updates will be posted to our website at the time of the review.
What are the Regional Planning Guidelines?
Regional Authorities have been given an important role in the implementation of the NSS through the preparation and implementation of regional socioeconomic strategies and regional planning guidelines.
The Regional Planning Guidelines look at planning holistically, promoting an understanding of social, economic, cultural and environmental change and then identifying appropriate policy objectives to achieve a better balance of sustainable development throughout the region. It is intended that the guidelines will strengthen local authority development plans, addressing issues like settlement, transportation, industrial development, community facilities and environmental protection. By matching where people live with where people work it is envisaged that sustainable communities with strong economies, high quality environments and better quality of life for all, will emerge.
Each Planning Authority must have regard to adopted Regional Planning Guidelines in force when making a Development Plan. This Development Plan has been formulated, using the guidelines as a framework in order to enhance the strategic dimensions of planning at the local level.
The current Regional Planning Guidelines are available from the South East Regional Authority website www.sera.ie
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What is Strategic Environmental Assessment?
Directive 2001/41/EC Environmental Assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment (SEA Directive) came into force in Ireland on 21st July 2004. The main objective of the SEA Directive is to provide for a high level of protection for the environment and to contribute to the integration of environmental considerations into the preparation and adoption of plans and programmes with a view to promoting sustainable development.
SEA Regulations require that SEA be carried out on:-
• Regional Planning Guidelines;
• County Development Plans;
• Town Council Development Plans where the population of an area is greater than 10,000; and
• Local Area Plans where the population is greater than 10,000.
SEA screening is required in the case of:-
• Development Plans by Town Councils where the population is less than 10,000;
• Local Area Plans where the population is less than 10,000; and
• Variations of Development Plans.
Where it is determined a full SEA is required, the process will involve the following:-
• Preparation of an Environmental Report where the likely significant environmental effects are identified and evaluated;
• Consultation with the public, environmental authorities on the environmental report and draft plan;
• Consideration of the findings of the Environmental report and the outcome of the consultations in decide whether to adopt or modify the draft plan; and
• Publicising the decision on adoption of the plan and how the SEA influenced the outcome.
Copies of environmental reports and SEA statements prepared by or on behalf of Waterford County Council are available for viewing under publications.
