SEA Environmental Report for the Draft Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028
Most of the City is of a low to moderate sensitivity due to the low level of environmental sensitivities occurring. Higher levels of environmental sensitivities are found: In the City centre, as a result of cultural heritage sensitivities; Across much of the City Harbour and Estuary landscape character type, much of which is covered by a High Value Landscape designation; In areas of Extreme and High groundwater vulnerability, which occur across much of the Plan area; and Within and adjacent to the River Lee and its tributaries and Cork Harbour, on account of various water, ecological, flood risk and landslide risk (along the steeper valleys) sensitivities. The Plan directs incompatible development away from the most sensitive areas in the City and focuses on directing: compact, sustainable development within and adjacent to the
existing built-up footprint of the City, including its surrounding settlements; and sustainable development elsewhere. Development of areas within and adjacent to the existing built-up footprint, which are generally more robust, better serviced and better connected, will contribute towards environmental protection and sustainable development, including climate mitigation and adaptation. Compact development can be accompanied by placemaking initiatives to enable the City, including its surrounding settlements, to become more desirable places to live – so that they maintain and improve services to existing and future communities. Compatible sustainable development in the City’s sensitive areas is also provided for, subject to various requirements relating to environmental protection and management being met.
CAAS for Cork City Council
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