16.3.2 Soft Landscaping Including Trees

Soft Landscaping Including Trees

Key requirements in relation to site development and landscaping works include the following:

a) Existing trees and vegetation should be retained where possible. See next section (16.3.3) for requirements relating to trees

b) For larger sites, including institutional lands, development proposals must take cognisance of the existing landscape character and quality

c) Where a large site adjoins a green corridor, public open space or area of high ecological value, any new public open space on the site should be contiguous to same to encourage visual continuity and expansion of biodiversity; this can assist in expanding the green infrastructure network

d) Landscaping works should be integrated with sustainable urban drainage systems such that landscaping plans may include associated biodiversity areas or wetlands which can reduce surface water run-off

e) Landscaping schemes should provide a hierarchy of different types of planting throughout the development in order to give visual variety. Green roofs, walls and permeable surfaces will be encouraged (see Chapter 10).

It will be a requirement of planning permission that all planting takes place in the first planting and seeding seasons

following occupation of the building or completion of the development, whichever is the sooner, and that any trees or plants which, within a period of 5 years from the completion of the development, die, are removed, and that any which become seriously damaged or diseased are replaced in the next planting season.

Further information can be obtained in the document ‘Guidelines for Open Space Development and Taking in Charge’ (2009), available at ; http://dublincity.ie/sites/ default/files/content//RecreationandCulture/ DublinCityParks/NewsEvents/ Documents/Guidelines_for_open_space_ development_1.pdf