Policy CI1 – Community Infrastructure

The council will seek to protect and provide development opportunities for community, health, leisure, nurseries and educational facilities based on local need in line with the projected population growth over the plan period. Planning permission will be granted for the provision of new and improved community infrastructure at appropriate and accessible locations within the urban area, subject to consideration of the nature and location of any proposals. All proposals shall ensure that there is no unacceptable impact on residential amenity or natural/built heritage and satisfactory arrangements are provided for access for all, including for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport. Where proposals affect lands specifically zoned for development for particular uses, such proposals will only be considered where they do not prejudice the proper planning and sustainable development of the zoned lands. In exceptional circumstances where there is no suitable land available in a designated village settlement boundary, favourable consideration may be given to a community use associated with the settlement which is located next to the settlement limits. There is a presumption against the development of existing community infrastructure or lands identified for such use for alternative uses. Proposals for alternative uses will require to demonstrate that the existing facility/designated site is no longer required and that alternative arrangements are in place to ensure no significant diminution of community infrastructure provision. Where appropriate, new developments should be required to provide or contribute towards any new community infrastructure requirements arising as a result of development and should ensure good accessibility to existing services and facilities intended to serve future residents. The council may seek to secure the provision or improvement of community facilities, or improved access to such facilities, by way of s76 planning agreement. This may be by way of agreed works carried out by the developer or a financial contribution from the developer in lieu of such works.