This article is from page 27 of the 2007-08-07 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 27 JPG
THE PEOPLE of Carrigaholt are planning for the future.
The local people will influence the future design of the west Clare vil- lage, as Clare County Council begins drawing up a Village Design State- ment.
Carrigaholt will be just one of two villages in the county to undergo the overhaul.
The local authority’s Planning and Economic Development Department intends to prepare the “statement”, in consultation with the public, over the coming months.
A Village Design Statement pro- vides planning advice directly ap-
plicable to the statutory planning system and is entirely community based.
According to Risteard UaCroinin, Conservation Officer, Clare County Council, “A Village Design State- ment sets out clear and simple guidance for the design of all de- velopment in a village, based on its character. It is an advisory document produced by the village community, not by the planning authority. It will not stop change from happening, but it can help effect how any new build- ing fits in to the village.
‘These statements are intended to influence the operation of the statu- tory planning system, so that new development is in harmony with its
setting and makes a positive con- tribution to the immediate environ- ment.”
Officials of the Planning Policy Unit following a series of public con- sultation workshops and meetings with local interested individuals and eroups will undertake the project. The unit will also be seeking the in- put of local public representatives.
“The main focus of the upcoming public consultations will be to turn the informed wishes of the local com- munity on the future development of both villages into part of develop- ment policy,’ said Mr UaCroinin.
Clare County Council hopes to ad- dress a number of issues during the drafting of the statements, including
the protection and conservation of important buildings, improving der- elict areas and structures, upgrading and enhancement of public spaces and facilities, appropriate develop- ment for infill sites and adjacent sites, and other relevant issues raised by the community.
The process will also attempt to identify the unique character of Car- rigaholt, with particular reference to the character of its landscape, setting and built environment.
Public information, consultation meetings and workshops will be or- ganised during the next two months. They will be held during weekday evenings and will be advertised lo- cally.