Traffic and Transport Assessments
Other Statements
11.19 In accordance with national guidelines, development proposals should account for sustainable trans- portation requirements at the earliest stages of development design. Traffic and Transport Assessments (TTAs) may be requested by Cork City Council on development proposals where it is considered that there may be an excessive impact on the road or transport network. Any development proposal which would directly access or indirectly cause some impact on the national road network must be accompanied by a TTA. The thresholds which determine if a TTA is required are outlined in the Department of Transport’s ‘Traffic Management Guidelines’ and the NRA ‘Traffic and Transport Assessment Guidelines’ 2014. Development proposals should comply with the “Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets”. Road Safety Impact Assessments and Road Safety Audits may also be required in certain situations.
11.22 Other statements to support particular development proposals, for example, built heritage statements or archaeological statements, may be required by Cork City Council.
Environmental Assessments Environmental Impact Assessment
11.23 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is an important EU instrument to ensure that projects that are likely to have significant effects on the environment are assessed on the likely significant environmental effects before any development proposal is granted planning permission. EIA is a process set out in European and Irish Law that is required to be carried out in respect of development proposals of a certain nature or above a certain threshold. However, Cork City Council (or An Bord Pleanála) may require EIA to be carried out on below-threshold development if it is considered that, or uncertain if, the development proposal would be likely to have significant effects on the environment. Cork City Council screens all planning applications for potential EIA.
Travel Plans
11.20 As a complement to appropriate design, proposed and existing developments, in particular significantly extended developments, can benefit from the preparation of a Travel Plan which is a package of measures aimed at supporting sustainable travel.
Retail Impact Assessments
11.21 Significant retail proposals should be supported by a Retail Impact Assessment. Larger developments, e.g. over 1,000 sq. m. net floor area in suburban areas, shall be required to submit a retail impact assessment. – subject to change following on from finalised Retail Strategy.
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Cork City Draft Development Plan 2022-2028
Volume 1 I Chapter 11
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