Chapter 10 I Key Growth Areas & Neighbourhood Development Sites
10.247 When assessing development proposals in the vicinity of the Estate, regard should be given to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government “Guidelines on Architectural Heritage Protection” which acknowledge that new development can have a negative impact on a protected structure, even when the proposal is detached from the protected structure and outside the curtilage of the attendant grounds. 10.248 A heritage-led framework plan for Blarney will be developed by Cork City Council during the lifetime of this Plan and will contain measures and guidance to allow the village meets its full development potential without comprising the heritage and tourism asset the town presents.
10.252 Cork City Council is conscious of the need to diversify economic activity within Blarney, however the proximity of this site to Blarney Castle and Town Square makes it particularly sensitive. Any future development will need to protect and enhance the existing character of the area and views of the Castle. 10.253 Consideration is required regarding: • The location, siting, and design of any future development on the site; • Development must have regard to the existing streetscape around the adjoining square; • Mixed use redevelopment may be considered on the site. Retail which boosts the local convenience and tourist is encouraged; • Design must be of a high architectural standard and should reflect and complement the Architectural Conservation Area particularly with regard to building materials proposed; • Any development must ensure that adequate linkages are provided between the site and the current active town centre. 10.254 The framework plan which will be prepared for Blarney Town Centre will include guidance on the redevelopment of this site, adjoining lands, and other identified sites in this Development Plan. Community Facilities 10.255 Blarney currently has a wide offering of community facilities including a library, garda station and health centre. As Blarney grows in the coming years, there will be new demands on social and community infrastructure (schools, recreational facilities, healthcare etc.). It is important that new community infrastructure keeps pace with development so that it continues to perform as an attractive convenient town offering a good quality of life. In this context significant investment will be required in community infrastructure to meet the needs of the growing population. Cork City Council will work with various stakeholders to identify sites for additional community facilities including a Primary Health Care centre as part of the Town Centre Framework Plan.
Retail
10.249 Blarney is defined as a Small Metropolitan Town. There are 43 retail units within Blarney town centre, with a small proportion of comparison units in general indicating that the centre provides a local function, more focused on convenience provision and services. There is no major anchor convenience store within the centre. 10.250 The centre has a higher proportion of leisure and tourism related retail. The importance of tourism to the town indicates that there may be an opportunity for a strong role for independent retail in sustaining the commercial heart and providing a distinct sense of identity for Blarney. Regeneration Areas 10.251 The site of the former Blarney Park Hotel site is of strategic importance to the town. The site has been vacant for many years and its redevelopment is paramount to sustaining Blarney as one of the country's prime tourist attractions.
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Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028 I Volume 1
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