·         In accordance with Section 11(4)(d) of the Planning & Development Act 2000 (as amended) the Elected Members may issue directions to the Chief Executive regarding the preparation of the Draft Development Plan

The Cathaoirleach welcomed Mary Grier, Pio Byrnes and Brian Faragher from the Planning Unit to the meeting to present the Chief Executives report on the Draft Development Plan.

Mr. Martin Lydon informed the members that this is Stage 1 of the Statutory process for the preparation of the County Development Plan 2021-2027 where the Chief Executives Report on the Pre-Draft Consultation is presented to the members for consideration. In accordance with S11(4)(d) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended, and following consideration of the Report, the Elected Members may issue directions to the Chief Executive regarding the preparation of the Draft Development Plan.  No policies or objectives have been set yet. Further meetings will be held with the Elected Members in January 2021 regarding progress on the Plan.

Mr. Pio Byrnes from the Planning Department delivered a presentation on the context of the County Development Plan and work to date:

·         The issues paper and associated public consultation period for Stage 1 commenced on 27th March 2020 and ended on 31^st July 2020.

·         The themes for the issues paper included the vision for Roscommon, core strategy and settlement policy, people places and housing, towns and villages, rural development and natural resources, economic development, infrastructure, climate action, energy and environment, built and natural heritage and social, community and cultural development.

·         A number of new initiatives for public consultation were developed including new branding of the Plan, with a dedicated website and social media presence, an online video, facilitation of online submissions and surveys, school’s activity packs, art competition, webinars with town teams and drop in consultation events.

·         88 submissions received, 203 online surveys completed, 245 engagements of school pack, 4000 hits on website

·         The Chief Executive’s Report included the following as required under the statutory process:

o   List and details of submissions received including summary of submissions and give an opinion on the issues raised taking account of the proper planning and sustainable development

o   Recommendations are based on National Policy (NPF), Regional Policy (RSES) and submissions received

o   Office of Planning Regulator (OPR) highlights a number of key areas to be addressed:

§  Population growth to be concentrated in Athlone & Roscommon Town

§  Follow national policy on population growth

§  Specific policies on measures to encourage infill/brownfill development in towns

§  Coordinate economic development and employment with population growth

§  Rural housing policies consistent with national policy

§  Promotion of renewable energy sources

§  Promotion of sustainable settlement and transport strategies with measures to adapt to climate change,

o   Headline Issues include:

§  Reduction in Local Area Plans with LAP’s for Roscommon and Boyle and the Monksland/Bealnamullia plan incorporated in the joint plan for Athlone

§  New Zoning approach with mixed use zoning which allows a more flexible approach to future development moving away from zoning with single or limited uses

§  Housing policies for rural housing must be consistent with National Policy Objective 19 i.e. to ensure that a distinction is made between catchments and centres of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 119.20