BELVIEW AREA ACTION PLAN, 2002 July 2002
1. INTRODUCTION

1.0 The Belview area is located in South Kilkenny approximately 3 miles from Waterford City on the north bank of the River Suir. The Action Plan area extends from Kilmurry in the west to Drumdowney in the east and from the River Suir in the south to the N25 National Primary road (Slieverue By-Pass) in the north.

1.1 The development in 1992 of the new Belview Port by the Waterford Harbour Commissioners was quickly followed by recognition of the national and international potential of the portal area for strategic industrial and port related development.

1.2 The Belview Portal and Industrial Area Action Plan was adopted in 1994 as part of the Kilkenny County Development Plan. In 1997-8 a review of the implementation of the Action Plan was adopted by the Kilkenny County Council. This Plan is the second review of the 1994 Plan. This Plan should be read in conjunction with the County Development Plan for the Waterford City Environs

1.3 The planning policy of Kilkenny County Council for the development of the Belview area accords with national policy for sustainable development i.e. that development should take place in such a way that non-renewable natural resources are not sacrificed for short-term advantages.

1.4 The objective for Belview is to provide for portal and industrial development within a planning framework which safeguards local environmental resources.

2. STRATEGY

2.0 The vision for Belview in the future is of an area of excellent environmental quality, accommodating a port, with its associated activities and infrastructure, along with a small number of large strategic industries situated in 'landscape compartments' in a largely agricultural and wooded landscape.

2.1 The main strengths of the Belview area are:

a. the local environment - its excellent rail, road and portal transportation links
b. the well-educated and skilled local workforce based in South Kilkenny and Waterford City and County.
c. the highly attractive qualities of the landscape
d. the consensus among local and national agencies regarding the development potential of the area
e. the acceptance of the principle of well-managed industrial development by the local residential and farming population.
f. the provision of a portal and industrial development plan for the area
g. a distinct local heritage and identity.

2.2 Further infrastructural provision is needed in order that the area should be able to achieve its development potential:

a. Waste water treatment facilities
b. A substantially augmented water supply
c. A surface water drainage system
d. The establishment of woodland buffer areas
e. Substantially enhanced electricity supply
f. Natural gas connection

2.3 Development of the port and of industrial uses inevitably lead to changes in the landscape. It is not possible to both develop the Belview area for industrial and commercial use, and to conserve the existing extent of agricultural character.

2.4 It is therefore necessary to take positive action to ensure that the amenity value of the area is retained as the character of the area changes. Afforestation provides not only visual buffering, but also filters dust and attenuates noise. It has a commercial and an environmental value in its own right and can make and important contribution to biodiversity.

2.5 The portal and industrial 'landscape compartments' will be developed at relatively low densities, with substantial woodland belts planted within each site, particularly along the boundaries. Existing woodlands and hedgerows will be retained and incorporated wherever feasible. The protection and buffering of existing residential developments will be a priority.

2.6 Modern industrial location decisions are increasingly ‘quality lead’. The trend with large-scale industry is towards larger sites that allow for buffering of activities from residential and commercial neighbours.

2.7 The County Council endorses this approach which not only maintains the viability of existing valuable adjacent land-uses, but also prevents “bad neighbour” effects from progressively devaluing the attractiveness of an industrial area to new incoming industries.

2.8 The development strategy for Belview includes

a) To seek the designation of Belview Port as a Strategic Development Zone under the provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000.

b) The reservation of lands for direct port activities, and for direct port-related industries and activities such as 'break-of-bulk';

c) The identification and reservation of 'landscape compartment' areas, within which strategic industry will be permitted

d) The identification and reservation of locations for induced and support activities

e) The reservation of routes for infrastructure and pro-active approach to securing infrastructural provision

f) The safeguarding of established adjacent land uses , such as agriculture, tourist and residential use.

g) To promote a partnership approach to environmental matters in accordance with Local Agenda 21, and to seek to involve all relevant parties in a co-operative approach to local environmental protection


3. LAND USE

3.0 The rural character of the area generally remains strong, despite the development of the port and of other industries and the development pressure arising from the expansion of Waterford City. The main land-use throughout the Action Plan area is agriculture, with a mixture of grazing and tillage. High grade soils in the area are a prime agricultural resource. Shipping, fishing and mariculture take place on the River Suir.

3.1 Other land uses in and adjacent to the Plan area include:

• port-related uses, including the original warehouse at Gorteens, and the current major port developments, together with associated activities;

• industry, such as LPC-Coillte (strand board manufacture) and ITW Hi-cone (manufactures polyethylene stretch film);

• residential use

• areas of woodland

• tourism use

• mariculture and fishery

3.2 The area contains a significant number of residential properties. Generally, these may be classified as:

1. Residences associated with farm-holdings

2. Non-farm roadside dwellings

3. Houses within Slieverue and Milepost villages

3.3 Much of the housing, especially in categories 2 and 3 described above, is located in clusters of varying sizes throughout unserviced rural lands, such as Drumdowney, Drumdowney Lower and Gorteens.

3.4 Neighbouring areas in County Waterford have seen substantial investment in tourism development in recent years, including a grade A hotel and two golf courses in the immediate vicinity. Maricultural development in the Suir estuary has expanded rapidly and is a major employer. Awareness of the importance of heritage buildings to cultural identity and tourism has increased. The protection of such resources is an objective of this Plan.

 

LAND-USE OBJECTIVES

3.5 The land-use objectives of Kilkenny County Council for the Belview area are:

• To facilitate the long-term development of the Port of Waterford through the identification and reservation of suitable lands.

• To facilitate the location and development of port-related industries and services through the identification and reservation of suitable lands.

• To reserve lands for strategic industries through the identification and zoning of suitable ‘landscape compartments’, within which strategic industry may locate.

• To facilitate the location and development of appropriate ancillary activities and services through the identification and zoning of suitable locations where such uses can cluster.

• To protect the environmental, agricultural and residential amenity of the area

3.6 The zoning objectives and other principal elements of the proposed layout for the Action Plan area are shown on Map 3 - Zoning and Objectives Action Plan.

4. PORT AND PORT-RELATED DEVELOPMENT

4.0 The Port of Waterford’s location in the south-east of the Ireland offers minimal journey times to the south-west of Britain and to the Continent.

4.1 The port area is served by two railway lines and has direct access, via the N29 road, to and from National Primary Route N25 (Euroroute E30).
Because of its excellent rail and road links the port can service the whole country.

4.2 The site of the new port at Belview was selected at a point below restrictive bends in the River Suir. Much of the land requirement for the port development has been obtained through reclamation.

Port facilities include

• an existing 800 metres of wharf, with a total length of 1,100 metres permitted.
• modern handling equipment for containers and bulk materials.
• direct access from the National Primary Route network and direct access to the national rail network

4.3 A Planning Permission exists at Belview for non-passenger roll on - roll off traffic.

4.4 The port has been accommodating increasing numbers of cruise vessels in recent years.

PORT-RELATED INDUSTRIES AND ACTIVITIESTIVITIESCTIVITIES

4.5 Port-related industries and activities are those, which by their very nature, must be located in close proximity to the port, or which would be at a serious disadvantage if not located immediately alongside the port area. Examples include break-of-bulk activities, such as the bagging of coal or fertiliser, warehousing, freight handling, trade and commercial vehicle parking, etc.

4.6 Port-related industries and activities should be distinguished from industries that may wish to take advantage of the port for importing raw materials and/or exporting final product. Whilst there would be advantages to such industries in locating alongside a port, the port is not essential to their operation. Such industries will not be permitted to locate in lands reserved for portal and port-related uses because of
- the limited supply of land which is suitable for port-related industries and activities
- the need to contain the overall extent of development in the area so as to support - the environmental strategy of this Plan
- the ready availability of industrial land elsewhere in the Waterford area, including South Kilkenny at Abbeylands and in Waterford City.

 

PORT AND PORT - RELATED OBJECTIVES

4.7 Approximately 74 hectares along side the River Barrow and adjacent to the port are reserved for port and directly port-related activities in the 1994 Plan. Further expansion of the port is anticipated and additional land is required for port related activities. An additional 32 hectares is to be reserved for port and directly port related activities in this Plan. The topography of the Belview area restricts the availability of level land close to the river. Given the potential of Belview Port, this is a limited area, and will, therefore, be strictly reserved for uses all of which must either be directly related to the operation. Port and port-related uses which underpin the viability of the portal facility will, within the constraints set out in this plan, be given priority.

4.8 A list of typical uses is given in Schedule 4A. However, it will be necessary in each case for potential developers to clearly establish that a proposed use is appropriate for location within the zone.


Schedule 4A. Typical Port-Related Industries and Activities

General Warehousing;
Groupage and Distribution;
Break-of-Bulk Activities, such as coal and fertiliser bagging;
Silos and Storage Areas and Storage Tanks;
Container Storage;
Railway Sidings;
Truck Marshalling/Parking; Trade Car Parking; Visitor Parking;
Fuel Supplies;
Security Services; Traffic Management Control
and other uses directly related to the port.




POLICY 4B

It is an objective of Kilkenny County Council to reserve the lands identified for port and port-related activities on Maps 2 and 3 for these uses.


POLICY 4C

It is the policy of Kilkenny County Council that potential developers of areas zoned for Port and Port-Related uses establish to the satisfaction of the County Council that a proposed use is appropriate to the zone.


5. INDUSTRIAL AND ANCILLARY
DEVELOPMENT


STRATEGIC INDUSTRY

5.0 Certain industries have requirements that preclude location on industrial estates, usually because of the need for a very large site. Such industries are categorised by IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland as 'strategic industries'.

5.1 The requirements for such industries, as identified by IDA Ireland, includes large sites (often of 20+ hectares) with good ground and environmental conditions. The type of very large industrial sites zoned at Belview are of limited supply and are a national resource. Because of this the Belview area is of prime strategic importance nationally.

5.2 The Belview area readily meets the requirements for strategic industrial development having locational advantages that include:

a) close proximity to a modern port
b) excellent transport links
c) a planning framework which provides for development within an attractive agricultural and woodland setting;
d) proximity to a major urban centre with established industries, an available workforce, third-level educational facilities and a full range of other industrial, commercial and social facilities; and
e) The proposed augmentation of water supplies to the area through the South Kilkenny Water supply scheme.
f) The proposed waste water treatment plant to be constructed by Waterford Corporation.
g) The potential availability of natural gas and enhanced industrial electricity supply.

5.3 Strategic industries, by their nature and size, can have the potential to create a significant environmental impact. The spatial relationship between strategic industries and residential areas is an important consideration of the Action Plan.

 

STRATEGIC INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES

5.4 Five landscape compartments are designated in this Plan for use by strategic industries and are marked on Map 3 as 'LC1' to 'LC5'. They vary in size from approximately 18 to 50 hectares, and total some 169 hectares. The larger compartments could accommodate more than one strategic industrial development, separated by internal woodland buffering.

5.5 These 'landscape compartments' are zoned for strategic industry and woodland only.

5.6 The development of strategic industry within all of the 'landscape
compartment' sites will take some time to develop, perhaps ten years or more. It is an objective of the County Council to reserve the compartments for prolonged lengths of time because of the overriding importance to the national economy of having such a resource available.

5.7 Industries locating within the identified landscape compartments will be required to provide extensive landscaping within the site and along the boundaries. Landscaping schemes for each landscape compartment should form an integral part of the overall development proposal and should be guided by the Landscape Analysis Plan (Map 1) and an up to date assessment carried out by the developer at the time of the planning application.

• The absolute maximum overall site coverage to include buildings, yards, circulation and parking shall be 70%

5.8 Buildings and other structures shall be located so as to provide optimum buffering to surrounding land-uses, particularly to existing residential properties. The onus will be on the developer to ensure that sufficient land is acquired to conform to the requirements of this Plan, over and above the operational needs of the development.

5.9 Details of general planning requirements for each of these 'landscape
compartments', are given in the schedules in Appendix 2.


POLICY 5A

It is the policy of Kilkenny County Council to reserve the lands identified within 'landscape compartments' LC2 to LC5 on Map 3 for strategic industrial use only. Other new development, except required woodland use, will not be permitted within these areas. Developments allowed in the 'landscape compartments' will be subject to the requirements set out in the schedules in Appendix 2, including the requirements for on-site landscaping and woodland planting.


NON STRATEGIC INDUSTRIES OBJECTIVES

5.10 It is the objective of the County Council to continue to direct small and medium industries into industrial estates or other areas zoned in South Kilkenny for industrial uses. Lands at Belview will be reserved for strategic industries and for industries that have a clear requirement for such a location because of proximity to the port. The onus will be on developers to clearly establish to the satisfaction of the Planning Authority their need to locate within the area.

SMALL/MEDIUM INDUSTRIES OBJECTIVE

5.11 To zone further appropriate lands in South Kilkenny and the Waterford Environs as the need arises in order to provide for small and medium enterprises and in this regard to consider the feasibility of providing an industrial estate.

 

INDUCED / ANCILLARY INDUSTRY

5.12 Induced developments are those that service strategic industries and the port. They include service and supply activities, such as container maintenance, vehicle maintenance and repair, welding services, etc., as well as warehousing and services such as catering, accommodation and fuelling for vehicles.

5.13 For many of these activities, it is an essential requirement to be near to
markets. Site requirements are generally small, and good planning practice requires they cluster at 1 or 2 suitable locations. Lands are reserved in the Action Plan for these uses.

INDUCED/ANCILLARY SERVICES AND INDUSTRIES OBJECTIVES

5.14 A site close to the N29 Port Access Road, (marked AS7 and AS8 on Map 3) has been identified as suitable for the location of ancillary services. This area will have a particular role in serving and supporting port development and the strategic industries, and will accommodate mainly small or medium enterprises, clustered on the identified sites. Consideration would also be given to the location of such activities in the undeveloped section of AS7.

POLICY 5B

It is the policy of Kilkenny County Council to reserve the lands identified AS7 and AS8 on Map 3 for ancillary services, serving and supporting port development and the strategic industries. All developments will require to have due regard to residential amenity, and will be subject to the terms and conditions of the schedules in Appendix 2.



5.15 The Glass House and Knockmullan Gardens; Site AS6: The gardens at Knockmullan contain significant mature woodland, with a high amenity value. It is proposed to retain the existing gardens, and to allow appropriate uses on the site. The gardens could accommodate a number of well-sited buildings without losing their inherent character, and these might include offices or other use related to port activities including accommodation and catering facilities. Development of the site will be subject to the adoption of a suitable management agreement to protect and sustain the woodland and specimen trees within the area. These sites are suited to ‘clean’ operations including office, administration, catering, accommodation uses etc.

POLICY 5C

It is the policy of Kilkenny County Council to permit appropriate uses on the site of Knockmullan Gardens (AS6), subject to the retention of the features of the garden, the integration of the proposal with its character and the adoption of a woodland management plan in accordance with the provisions of Appendix 2.




5.16 The Glasshouse is an early 18th Century House of fine architectural qualities, occupied until the early 1990s. It was the site of the origin of the Waterford area’s renowned glass-making industry.

 

POLICY 5D
The Glass House is an important structure both for its architectural qualities and its very early historic associations with Irish glass making. It is an objective of the Planning Authority to seek the retention and restoration of the building for a suitable new use. Kilkenny County Council will, therefore, consider proposals for suitable administrative, office park or other light business or commercial uses related to the port.
Developments will be subject to the terms and conditions of the schedules in Appendix 2.

 

6. ENVIRONMENT

6.0 The Belview area is designated in the Kilkenny County as an Area of High Amenity. It has an established farming and residential population.

6.1 The character of the Belview area is changing as the port and industries develop, and significant changes have already occurred. Good quality layout, landscaping strategy, siting, design and environmental management practices will be required to protect the amenity of the area and the well-being of residents and the local workforce.


ENVIRONMENTAL AND AMENITY OBJECTIVES

6.2 The County Development Plan includes policies and objectives to protect environmental resources such as Areas of High Amenity, Natural Heritage areas(NHA’s), Special Areas of Conservation (SAC’s), Views and Prospects, Archaeological and historical sites and Buildings and Structures of artistic architectural or historical importance.

6.3 This Action Plan as part of the County Plan accords with these objectives and seeks to afford the greatest possible protection to the environment whilst also facilitating the development of the Belview Port and appropriate industry in the area. General environmental and amenity objectives for the Belview area are:

a) To monitor and protect the environmental quality of the area
b) and to seek the provision of appropriate environmental management arrangements.

c) To actively promote and encourage high environmental standards and practices.

d) To ensure a high standard of design in all development projects.

e) To have regard to the likely environmental impact of all development proposals.

f) To secure a high level of woodland planting in the area.

g) To protect heritage features in the area.

h) To have regard to residential amenity


6.4 Careful siting, high quality layout and landscaping, together with appropriate structural planting, will be required of all developments in the area. Colours of structures shall be such as to successfully blend with the surrounding natural environment and visual clutter will be controlled.

POLICY STATEMENT 6A

It is the policy of Kilkenny County Council to continue to require a high standard of environmental protection in all new development.

 

LANDSCAPE ANALYSIS

6.5 The existing landscape is analysed on Map 1 - Landscape Analysis Plan. This shows features of the landscape, rivers, houses, and significant areas of woodland, reinforced by similar areas of woodland on the County Waterford side of the River Suir. The principal ridgelines are identified, and a slope analysis shows a number of areas where the slopes are 1:10 or steeper. Major views within, or into, the area are also identified.

6.6 Landscape compartments have been identified having consideration to visual impacts: However, given important views from Snowhill from the County Waterford which overlook the area, visibility of development must be assumed in all cases and site development standards will be set with this in mind.

NATURAL HERITAGE SITES AND FEATURES

6.7 Proposed Natural Heritage Areas: The nearest such feature is the King's Channel of the River Suir, categorised as of Ecological (Ornithological) interest, It is classified by the Parks and Wildlife Service as of national importance.

HERITAGE BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES

6.8 The Action Plan area contains a number of historic and heritage features that have survived former landscape changes (Figure 1). These features are important in giving identity to the area, and should be protected. Those features that merit protection are listed in Schedule 6A. The preservation of these features should be incorporated into development proposals.

POLICY STATEMENT 6B

It is the policy of Kilkenny County Council to protect the natural
environment and to protect the heritage features listed in Schedule 6A.

Schedule 6A. Heritage Features to be Protected

Feature Townland  
Glass House Gorteens Historic house
And industrial site

Gorteens Castle

Gorteens Castle located in a farmyard

Mill

Gorteens near river

Corn Mill

Gorteens inland from river

Ecclesiastical
Remains

Rathpatrick Church and Graveyard

Enclosure

Rathpatrick Ringfort

Tobermurry

Kilmurry Holy Well

Kilmurry Castle

Kilmurry Tower house

Ecclesiastical
Remains

Kilmurry Church and Graveyard
Knockmullan
Garden
Gorteens Interesting collection of mainly exotic trees and shrubs
Springfield Gorteens  
Prospect House Gorteens  
Bellevue House Gorteens  
     


PUBLIC AMENITY AREA

6.9 The local residential population have experienced a reduction in access to active and visual recreation in particular loss of access to the riverbank in the portal area. It is reasonable that an appropriate amenity provision should be made, located outside industrially zoned lands.

6.10 An area has been identified in the vicinity of Gorteens Castle which would be suitable for a public amenity area, combining an area of open space with the enhanced presentation of the castle.

POLICY STATEMENT 6C
It is the policy of Kilkenny County Council to seek to develop Gorteens Castle and its immediate surroundings as a public amenity area to serve the Bellevue area with the assistance of contributions from developers.


TREES AND WOODLAND

6.11 Bands of broadleaf woodland, together with avenues and trees along hedgerows, give the area a well-wooded appearance

6.12 Significant belts of woodland in the area are commonly associated with the numerous small streams that flow south or south-east to the River Suir. Examples include the stream between Prospect House and Springfield House, and the stream between Springfield House and the site of Bellevue House.

6.13 More ornamental, but nevertheless significant, woodland is associated with Knockmullan Gardens, the site of the Glass House and the bank between the railway and these two properties.


WOODLAND OBJECTIVES

6.14 An important element of the overall strategy for the Belview area is the creation of an attractive woodland setting for the port and for industrial development through primary and secondary woodland planting and through the retention and management of existing trees and woodland.

6.15 The retention of existing woodland and trees will be required wherever feasible. Site layouts should have regard to this requirement and proposals made for the protection of trees and woodlands during and post construction.
It is an objective of the County Council to undertake a survey in order to identify and assess the value of trees in the area and will consider making Tree Preservation Orders as necessary.

6.16 Primary Structural Woodland Planting
This will consist of required structural afforestation principally within the perimeters of landscape compartments. These lands may be managed as commercial woodland. Species-mix will facilitate phased felling. By avoiding clear-felling wooded areas will remain a permanent feature of the
Landscape. The areas of primary structural planting are shown on Map 3. The appropriate planting of planned buffer zones will be required as a condition of permission for development.

6.17 Secondary Structural Woodland Planting: The principal function of secondary structural planting is to provide separation and buffering between the 'landscape compartments', with their strategic industries, and other land-uses, including the port and residential properties. Landowners will be encouraged to take up incentives and grant-aid which is available for broadleaved and mixed planting of native species of appropriate lands.

6.18 Implementation: The primary and secondary woodland structural planting will be achieved through a series of measures that include:

1. Planting of lands in public ownership in accordance with the Action Plan.
2. A further planting requirement i.e. a contribution towards planting ridgelines, the amenity lands or lands between the port and industrial development will be required.
3. Where lands are acquired for development in the form of entire holdings including some lands zoned for agricultural or woodland use, the planting of residual lands in accordance with the Action Plan will be sought.
4. The encouragement and promotion of suitable woodland planting by existing landowners both as primary planting (prior to development) and secondary planting of lands zoned as agricultural or woodland.

POLICY 6D

It is the policy of Kilkenny County Council to require structural perimeter planting of each landscape compartment and to promote and encourage secondary structural planting. Landscaping schemes for each landscape compartment should form an integral part of the overall development proposal and should be guided by the Landscape Analysis Plan (MAP 1) and an up to date assessment carried out by the developer at the time of the planning application


POLICY 6E

It is the policy of Kilkenny County Council to seek funding from the relevant agencies for the afforestation of lands in public ownership and zoned for this purpose, and to undertake a programme of planting in line with this plan.

On-Site Landscaping: Additional on-site landscaping of a minimum
of 5% will be required in respect of all developments.

POLICY 6F

It is the policy of Kilkenny County Council to reserve lands for a public amenity area at Gorteen castle.


POLICY 6G

It is the policy of Kilkenny County Council to protect, where appropriate, important individual trees and groups of trees by the making of Tree Preservation Orders.


POLICY 6H

It is the policy of Kilkenny County Council to seek to undertake a specialist study of existing trees to provide a basis for the making of Tree Preservation Orders.


POLICY 6I

It is the policy of Kilkenny County Council to seek for the optimum retention of existing trees, tree belts and hedgerows within proposed developments and to require the protection of trees during construction.


POLICY 6J

It is the policy of Kilkenny County Council to reserve lands for structural landscaping as identified on Map 3.


POLICY 6K

It is the policy of Kilkenny County Council to require a high level of landscaping in all developments in the Bellevue area, in line with the policies of the Kilkenny County Development Plan and this Action plan.


NOISE

6.19 Industrial noise is a significant issue in the area. Conflicts with residential amenity arise from the operation of the port, especially at night, and particularly from the gantry cranes.

6.20 Controls on industrial and portal noise impacts are by means of conditions attaching to planning permissions or through Integrated Pollution Control licences on relevant sites.

 

NOISE MANAGEMENTOBJECTIVE

6.21 Physical noise attenuation measures including acoustic screening where appropriate, noise amelioration practice and woodland buffering will be required as necessary. Orientation and siting of plant or activities likely to generate noise should have regard to neighbouring residential premises at the planning stage.

6.22 DUST

Portal, port-related and industrial activities may all have the capacity to generate dust and production and transportation stages. Regard will be had to assessment and control of dust and conditions may be attached to permissions to require proper control of dust at transportation stage.

7.0 INFRASTRUCTURE

The Belview area has a strong transportation infrastructure with good road, rail and portal links, with easy access to Waterford Airport.

7.1 There has been considerable investment in the provision of infrastructure in the Belview area since 1992. In addition to substantial investment in portal facilities, the N29 road link connecting with the N25 has been constructed to National Primary standards and improvements have been made to the rail system.

7.2 Further infrastructural development is still required with respect to waste water treatment, water supply, electricity and gas supplies. Additional improvements in the transport infrastructure are also proposed.

GENERAL INFRASTRUCTURAL OBJECTIVES

7.3 The general infrastructure objectives of Kilkenny County Council for the Belview area are:

a) To maintain, and further develop as necessary, an adequate road network to serve port and industrial developments.
b) To segregate port and industrial traffic from local traffic wherever feasible
c) To ensure that all development proposals fulfil traffic safety and vehicle parking requirements as set out in the County Development Plan, Volume One.
d) To facilitate the development of the rail network in the area to meet the needs of the port and of industrial development.
e) To facilitate the development of a multi modal public transport system to the port.
f) To ensure an adequate supply of water to meet the needs of the port and industry.
g) To ensure the adequate collection, treatment and disposal of wastewater.
h) To prepare and implement a plan for disposal of surface water
i) To facilitate the provision of electricity, gas and telecommunications networks.
j) To facilitate planned and orderly development of portal facilities
k) To require contributions from developers, as deemed necessary by the Planning Authority, to provide infrastructure which facilitates their development.

ROADS

7.4 The principal access to the Belview area is via the Port Access Road (N29) from the N25 National Primary Route (Euroroute E30) at Slieverue. The Council’s policy of segregating industrial and port traffic from local traffic has been implemented to date and is upheld in the current review.

7.5 Waterford By-Pass: Proposals for a by-pass for Waterford city, including a second river crossing, have been developed. A final decision on the proposed route has been taken, with a westerly by-pass, crossing the River Suir in the vicinity of Granny and linking with the N25 being the preferred option. The construction of the outer by-pass route will enhance the accessibility of the Belview area by road.


7.6 As part of the proposals for the Waterford by pass the existing junction of N25 and N29 at Slieverue will be upgraded.

POLICY 7A

It is the policy of Kilkenny County Council to reserve lands, for an improved junction of the N29 Port Access Road with the N25 as per drawing No WFD/RR/18.

7.7 Internal Roads: An important element of the development strategy at
Belview is the separation of the local agricultural and residential road
system and roads accessing the industrial landscape compartments.

ROADS OBJECTIVES

7. 8 Lines for future roads to serve the port and industries are shown on Map 3. These lines are indicative, but they show the principles to be followed, and have been selected to avoid, as far as feasible, conflict with residential use.

7.9 A principle of the Action Plan is that all industrial development, as well as port-related development, should be accessed from the Port Access Road (N29) and the proposed new internal road network. As far as feasible the existing narrow county roads should be reserved for local use only, and for emergency access. Some sections of existing road may, however, require to be upgraded as part of the proposed new network.

7.10 Access to 'landscape compartment' LC2, and to the re-located site for the proposed wastewater treatment plant (WT9), is provided from the N29 in the vicinity of Gorteens Castle. Access to 'landscape compartment' LC1 and to the development area AS7 may require improvements to a limited stretch of Glasshouse Lane. The residential section of Glasshouse Lane will be closed to vehicular traffic to form a cul-de sac at its southern end.

7.11 Developers may be required to facilitate long-term road access requirements of the area e.g. access to WT9 via LC2.

7.12 Where compartments including the Port and Port-related area are subdivided, the minimum number of access points to the public road system will be permitted and where feasible it will be a requirement that a shared access point be used.

7.13 Within development compartments including the portal area applicants may be required wherever relevant to show that their proposal does not compromise the future accessibility to other users to zoned lands.

7.14 Various techniques of traffic management will be applied, as required, to ensure the segregation of traffic.

POLICY 7B

It is the policy of Kilkenny County Council to provide an adequate internal road network to meet the needs of the port and of industry.


POLICY 7C

It is the policy of Kilkenny County Council to require that all roads provided by developers conform to acceptable standards, and, where necessary, allow for longer-term access.


POLICY 7D

It is the policy of Kilkenny County Council to segregate, as far as possible, port and industrial traffic from local traffic.

 

RAILWAYS

7.15 Two single-track railway lines run through the Action Plan area. The most
important of these is the Waterford to Rosslare line which directly serves the port at Belview. This line is used by both passenger and goods trains. The other railway line is the Waterford to New Ross line. This is lightly used by freight trains only.

7.16 The ready availability of rail transport is very important, and distinguishes the Bellevue area from some other strategic industrial sites in Ireland. It allows for direct access by rail onto individual sites and for the development of industries involving heavy or bulky materials without placing undue stress on the road system.

RAILWAYS OBJECTIVES

7.17 In addition to the to the above, some of the 'landscape compartments' could be provided with direct on-site access to the railway system via individual spur lines. The preferred use of rail transport will be a criterion for the assessment of strategic industrial proposals.

7.18 Lines for spur connections into suitable industrial sites will be reserved and kept free of development. It may be beneficial, at some time, to link the Rosslare and New Ross lines via a loop.

 

POLICY 7E

It is the policy of Kilkenny County Council to encourage the maximum use of rail transport by the port and by industry in the Bellevue area.


POLICY 7F

It is the policy of Kilkenny County Council to reserve lines for future rail developments, in the form of spur access and a loop linking the two principal lines.



WATER SUPPLY

7.19 The need to develop a water supply to facilitate the development of the port area has been recognised in previous development plans. Consultants have been appointed to identify a source of supply for the proposed Belview water supply scheme.

7.20 The River Suir has a flow of 100 million gallons per day and large abstractions may be acceptable for certain purposes such as cooling, etc. The river is, however, tidal in the vicinity of Belview, and therefore limited in its suitability for water abstraction.

7.21 Kilkenny County Council has commissioned consulting engineers to identify a source of supply for the Belview water supply scheme.

7.22 At least one service reservoir will be required at an elevation of about 90 metres O.D. The location of this reservoir will depend on the source or sources of water to be used at Belview. Potential sites will be identified, assessed and reserved free of development.

WATER SUPPLY OBJECTIVES

7.23 Future requirements are likely to be met from a combination of schemes, using both surface and ground water. In addition, a site for at least one service reservoir to serve the Belview area, but possibly located in the wider south Kilkenny area, will be required.

POLICY 7G

It is the policy of Kilkenny County Council to continue to investigate and assess potential water supply sources for the Belview area, and to take appropriate actions to ensure adequate supplies to the area.


POLICY 7H

It is the policy of Kilkenny County Council to identify and reserve free from development sites for service reservoirs.

 


SURFACE WATER DRAINAGE

7.24 Surface water drainage for small to medium sized developments in some cases can be facilitated on a site by site basis and discharged to the river. However, there is a need to examine means by which surface water drainage can be facilitated from the larger development areas, especially those in the north of the Action Area.

SURFACE WATER OBJECTIVE

7.25 To commission consultants to prepare a plan for surface water disposal throughout the area.

WASTE WATER DRAINAGE AND TREATMENT

7.26 The village of Slieverue has a main sewer which discharges to the River Suir after primary treatment. It also serves some rural housing between the village and the river. It has limited spare capacity for further development. However, there is no other existing foul drainage in the area, and none capable of serving major industrial development.

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT

7.27 During the period of the last plan a waste water treatment plant to serve Waterford City Belview and the suburbs of Waterford City in South Kilkenny was designed and planning permission granted by Kilkenny County Council to Waterford Corporation at the identified site at Gorteens adjacent to the Port of Belview.

7.28 It is anticipated that the new plant will be constructed during the Plan period.

7.29 Even with a public wastewater treatment plant, the larger strategic industries will be expected to provide a level of treatment on their own sites, to bring their effluent to approximately the standards of domestic sewage, and to remove heavy metals, etc. These on-site plants will discharge into the local authority system, leading to the central treatment works. This approach allows for direct control and ready monitoring by the local authority, and is generally acceptable to industry.


WASTE WATER DRAINAGE OBJECTIVES

7.30 The specific requirements are for:

• an adequate collection system for the area;
• appropriate levels of pre-treatment for major industrial effluents; and
• a treatment plant.

7.31 It is an objective of the Council to facilitate the construction of the proposed waste water treatment plant on the site identified as WT9 on map 3 of the Plan.

POLICY 7I

It is the policy of Kilkenny County Council to provide an adequate wastewater collection and treatment system for the Belview area.


POLICY 7J

It is the policy of Kilkenny County Council to require that large industrial developments treat wastewater to domestic standards, including the removal of harmful or toxic substances and heavy metals, prior to discharge to the public sewer.


POLICY 7K

It is the policy of Kilkenny County Council to reserve the site identified on Map 3 as WT9 for the development of a wastewater treatment plant to serve the south County Kilkenny and Waterford City areas and to facilitate the construction of the permitted waste water treatment plant.



ELECTRICITY

7.32 Further large-scale industry is likely to give rise to demands for considerable levels of additional electricity capacity, possibly extending to a total of 15 MW. This, in turn, will require the placing of a 110kv substation and associated high tension lines into the Belview area. The reservation associated with these to be kept clear of development.

7.33 Routes for additional high tension lines will be determined following detailed survey and will be subject to planning permission.

ELECTRICITY OBJECTIVES

7.34 The on-going development of the port and industry in the Belview area will give rise to increased demands for electricity supply. This, in turn, may require the placing of new high tension lines into the Belview area.

7.35 Routes for additional high-tension lines have been identified and reservations for these, and for electricity sub-stations are shown on Map 3. These reservations will be kept free of development.

 

POLICY 7L

It is the policy of Kilkenny County Council to reserve free of development the reservations shown on Map 3 for high tension electricity supply lines and for sub-stations.


POLICY 7M

It is the policy of Kilkenny County Council to seek the undergrounding of electricity supply cables downstream of the main transformer in the Belview area.

 

GAS

7.36 At present, the area is not serviced by a natural gas supply. Bord Gáis keeps under review the provision of a gas supply for the area, the provision of which is related to the attraction of a potentially large gas- using industry.

7.37 A preliminary route and budget report has been carried out by An Bord Gais and a route from Balyduff to Belview has been identified.

GAS OBJECTIVES

7.38 A supply of natural gas to the Belview area would further enhance its attractiveness for industry, but is dependent on the attraction of a potentially large gas-using industry. Kilkenny County Council will seek to facilitate the supply of gas to the area.

POLICY 7N

It is the policy of Kilkenny County Council to facilitate the supply of gas to the Belview area.
Individual gas users will be required to provide approximately 30-40 sq. meters of land, on-site, to facilitate the provision of equipment by Bord Gáis.



TELECOMMUNICATIONS

7.39 Telecom Eireann upgraded services in the area to facilitate the development of the port. Further up-grading by statutory telecommunications undertakers can be provided as required to meet the needs of future development. This can be facilitated by the incorporation of suitable ducting on new road proposals.


POLICY STATEMENT 7O

It is the policy of Kilkenny County Council to facilitate the provision of telecommunication services in the Belview Area.

 


Appendix 2

Belview Area Action Plan

Site Development Standards: Guidelines
___________________________________________________________

The Belview Area Action Plan 2000 reserves ‘landscape compartments’ LC2 to LC5 (Map 3) for future strategic industrial development. Areas are also reserved for portal and ancillary uses and for waste water treatment.

These development control guidelines will be referred to by the planning Authority in order to assess the suitability of sites to specific development proposals. These standards should therefore be referred to by prospective developers in site feasibility studies and in preparing planning applications.

Prospective developers are advised to arrange pre-planning application consultations with the Planning Authority regarding their proposals at the earliest stages of feasibility or design studies.


Landscape Compartment LC2
_____________________________

Size: 50 hectares of which 35 hectares is development area.

Use Objective: Strategic Industry in one or more large separate units.

Access: Single access via new road from N29 to north-east corner of the site

Site Coverage: The absolute maximum overall site coverage to include buildings yards circulation and parking shall be 70%

Layout and Design:

1. Access should be maintained through the site to the proposed Wastewater Treatment Plant site WT9.

2. If the site is developed for more than one industrial unit, the units should be separated by not less than 20 meters of woodland planting. Where feasible existing internal woodland belts should be incorporated into the boundary of the subdivisions.

3.The disposition of structures and planting on the site and general landscape proposals should have due regard to residential properties in the surrounding area. Colours of structures to be dark green or other colour successfully blending with the landscape.

4. Due consideration should be given to neighbouring residential properties in the design and arrangement of illumination for the development.

5. Existing woodland belts to the east, south and south-west of the site should be retained and protected.

6. Development proposals should have due regard to the existing watercourses to the east and west of the site.

7.Woodland planting to the northern and western boundaries should not be less than 20 metres in depth, with woodland planting along the eastern and southern boundaries not less than 15 meters in depth. Perimeter security fencing to be located along the inner boundary of the woodland belt.

8.Planning applications should be accompanied by a survey of existing individual, hedgerow and woodland trees.

9. Planning applications should be accompanied by a detailed landscape plan.

Landscape Compartment LC 3
_____________________________

Size: 37 hectares of which 26 hectares is development area.

Use: Objective Strategic Industry in not more than two separate units.

Access: Direct from the N29.

Site Coverage: The absolute maximum overall site coverage to include buildings, yards, circulation and parking shall be 70%

Design and Layout:

1. Particular attention should be given to the layout, design, finish and presentation of buildings and structures close to public roads and road junctions so as to maintain the high quality of the area.

2. The boundary to the west of the site should be planted with woodland to a depth of not less than 20 meters.

3. Other boundaries should be planted with woodland to a depth of not less than 15 meters.

4. Planning applications should be accompanied by a survey of existing individual, hedgerow and woodland trees.

5. Planning applications should be accompanied by a detailed landscape plan.

6. Perimeter security fencing to be located along the inner boundary.

7. Buildings and other structures to be dark green or other dark colour successfully blending into the landscape.


Landscape Compartment LC 4
_____________________________

Size: 16 hectares of which 11.2 hectares is development area.


Land Use Objective: Strategic Industry in a single unit.

Access: Directly from N29 ; potential for direct rail access.

Site coverage: The absolute maximum overall site coverage to include buildings yards circulation and parking shall be 70%

Design and Layout:

1.On the northern boundary of the site, woodland planting should be to a depth of not less than 20 meters.

2. Other boundaries should be planted with woodland to a depth of not less than 10 meters.

3. The disposition of structures and planting on the site and general landscape proposals should have due regard to the residential properties in the surrounding area, in particular those to the north-east of the site.

4. Due consideration should be given to residences, in particular the residence at the north-east corner of the site, in the design and arrangement of illumination for the development. Woodland planting along the western boundary of the site should address the N29 Port Access Road and should be integrated with woodland planting on the other boundaries of the site.

5. Planning applications should be accompanied by a survey of existing individual hedgerow and woodland trees.

6. Perimeter security fencing to be located along the inner boundary of the woodland belt.

7.Buildings and other structures to be dark green or other dark colour successfully blending into the landscape.



Landscape Compartment LC 5
_____________________________

Size: 21 ha of which 14.7 hectares is development area.

Land Use Objectives: Strategic industry in a single unit.

Access: Directly from the N29: potential for direct rail connection

Site coverage: The absolute maximum overall site coverage to include buildings, yards, circulation and parking shall be 70%
.

Design and Layout:

1. On the northern western and southern boundaries of the site, woodland planting should be to a depth of not less than 15 metres.

2. Landscape treatment along the eastern boundary of the site should address the N29 Port Access Road and be integrated with woodland planting on the other boundaries of the site.

3. Planning Applications should be accompanied by a survey of existing individual hedgerow and woodland trees.

4. Perimeter security fencing to be located along the inner boundary of the woodland belt.

5. Buildings and other structures to be dark green or other colour successfully blending into the landscape.



Ancillary Services Site AS6
_____________________________

Size: 7 ha of which 4.9 hectares is development area.

Land Use Objectives: Ancillary services, including offices or other similar commercial uses, related to the port strategic industries.

Access: From the existing road

Site coverage: Application to be assessed in accordance with policies set out in this Action Plan. Small individual units within a wooded garden setting. Existing gardens to be retained.

Layout and Design:

1. Development proposals must address, conserve and incorporate the amenity value of Knockmullen gardens and the Glass House.

2. Planning Applications must be accompanied by a detailed survey of trees and shrubs existing on the site.

3. Planning Applications must be accompanied by a detailed landscape plan and management plan for the gardens that will form the basis for a management agreement to protect and sustain the woodland and specimen trees within the area.

4. Development proposals should carefully consider the detailed routing services to avoid adverse impacts on the amenity of gardens.

5. Development should incorporate the refurbishment and adaptation for appropriate use of the Glasshouse.

6. Perimeter security fencing to be located along the inner boundary of the woodland belt.

7. Buildings and other structures to be dark green or other dark colour successfully blending into the landscape.


Ancillary Services Site AS7
_____________________________

Size: 3.5 ha of which 2.45 hectares are development lands.

Land Use Objectives: Ancillary services, light industry or extension of the existing adjacent use in AS7.

Access: To be determined through a planning application. Regard to be had to the amenity of residents of Glasshouse Lane in the location and design of the access.

Site coverage :

Design and Layout: 1. On the boundary of the site, woodland planting should be to a depth of not less than 20 metres.

2. The disposition of structures and planting on the site and general landscape proposals should have due regard to the residential properties in the surrounding area, in particular those to the north-east of the site.

3. Due consideration should be given to residences, in the design and arrangement of illumination for the development.

4.Planning applications should be accompanied by a survey of existing individual hedgerow and woodland trees.

5. Perimeter security fencing to be located along the inner boundary of the woodland belt.

6. Buildings and other structures to be dark green or other dark colour successfully blending into the landscape.

Ancillary Services Site AS8
_____________________________

Size: 11.5 ha of which 8.05 hectares is development area.

Land Use Objectives: Section A :- general business uses, services e.g. service station, restaurant, accommodation, office etc.

Section B:- induced/service industries providing services to the port and/or strategic industries.

Section C: warehousing and other ancillary services related to the port.

Site coverage: The absolute maximum overall site coverage to include buildings, yards, circulation and parking shall be 70%

Access: Section A directly from the N29 roundabout.
Section B or C from shared access from the N29

Design and Layout:

1. With the exception of an extension to the existing development on the site, manufacturing industry will not be permitted.

2. The disposition of structures and planting on the site and general landscape proposals should have due regard to the residential properties along Glasshouse Lane.

3. Due consideration should be given to neighbouring residential properties, in the design and arrangement and management of illumination for the development.

4. Taller structures should be located to the south of the site.

5. The north eastern boundary of the site should be planted with woodland to a minimum depth of 15 metres.

6. Retain existing tress and hedgerows if feasible.

7. Planning applications to be accompanied by a survey of existing individual, hedgerow and woodland trees.

8. Planning applications should be accompanied by a detailed afforestation and landscaping proposal.

9. Perimeter security fencing to be located along the inner boundary of the woodland belt.

10. Buildings and other structures to be dark green or other dark colour successfully blending into the landscape.

WT9 WASTE WATER TREATMENT
_____________________________

Size: 16 ha of which approximately 6.8 hectares is woodland.

Land Use Objectives: Waste water treatment plant and ancillary structures.

Access: Via LC2

Site Design and Layout:

1. Visual impacts of structures to be minimised.
2. Structures and plant to be dark green or other colour successfully blending with landscape.
3. Existing mature woodland to be retained and interplanted wherever feasible.


Port and Port Related
_____________________________

Size: 32 hectares in total

Land use objective: Port or directly port dependent use

Access: From the N29

Site and Design Layout:

1. Structure and plant to be dark green or other colour successfully blending with landscape
2. Perimeter woodland planting not less than 12 meters in width.