County Clare, IRELAND, 6th Sept 07 – The people of North Clare are being asked to assist Clare County Council in preparing a masterplan for the rejuvenation and future development of Ballyvaughan.
An introductory public meeting, to discuss the preparation of a Village Design Statement for the seaside village will be held at The Burren College of Art, Newtown Castle, Ballyvaughan at 8pm on Tuesday 11th September 2007.
“A Village Design Statement is unlike any other planning document. It provides planning advice directly applicable to the statutory planning system and is entirely community based”, stated Risteard UaCróinin, Conservation Officer, Clare County Council.
According to Risteard UaCróinin, Conservation Officer, Clare County Council, “The Ballyvaughan Village Design Statement aims to set out clear and simple guidance for the design of all development in the village, based on its character. The village community and not the planning authority will produce the advisory document. It will not stop change from happening, but it will help effect how any new building fits in to the village.”
He continued, “Ballyvaughan, along with Carrigaholt in West Clare, has been selected by Clare County Council’s Planning Policy Unit as an ideal candidate for this initiative due to its size and location. The project will be undertaken by officials of the Planning Policy Unit in line with a series of public consultation workshops and meetings with local interested individuals and groups. The Unit will also be seeking the input of local public representatives at these meetings and workshops.”
“The main focus of this Wednesday’s public consultation in Ballyvaughan will be to turn the informed wishes of the local community on the future development of both villages into part of development policy”, explained Mr. UaCróinin.
Clare County Council hopes to address a number of issues during the drafting of the Ballyvaughan Village Design Statement, including the protection and conservation of important buildings, improving derelict areas and structures, upgrading and enhancement of public spaces and facilities, appropriate development for infill sites and adjacent sites, and other relevant issues raised by the community.
The process will also attempt to identify the unique character of the village, with particular reference to the character of its landscape, setting and built environment.
The introductory public meeting will be held at The Burren College of Art, Newtown Castle, Ballyvaughan at 8pm on Tuesday 11th September 2007.
-ENDS-
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