11.1.5.4 Architectural Conservation Areas and Conservation Areas

Architectural Conservation Areas and Conservation Areas

The Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended), section 81(1), requires that a development plan shall include an objective to:

‘Preserve the character of a place, area, group of structures or townscape, taking account of building lines and heights, that –

a) is of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest or value, or

b) contributes to the appreciation of protected structures, if the planning authority is of the opinion that its inclusion is necessary for the preservation of the character of the place, area, group of structures or townscape concerned and any such place, area, group of structures or townscape shall be known as and is in this Act referred to as an “architectural conservation area” .’

Architectural Conservation Areas and Conservation Areas have been designated in recognition of their special interest or unique historic and architectural character and important contribution to the heritage of the city. Designated Conservation Areas include extensive groupings of buildings or streetscapes and associated open spaces and include (parts of) the medieval/walled city, the Georgian Core (in recognition of Dublin’s international importance as a Georgian city), the 19th and 20th century city and the city quays, rivers and canals. The special interest/value of Conservation Areas lies in the historic and architectural interest and the design and scale of these areas. Therefore, all of these areas require special care in terms of development proposals and works by the private and public sector alike, which affect structures both protected and non-protected in these areas.

Dublin City Council will thus seek to ensure that development proposals within all Architectural Conservation Areas and Conservation Areas complement the character of the area, including the setting of protected structures, and comply with development standards.

The policy mechanisms used to conserve and protect areas of special historic and architectural interest are: ­

  • Land-use zonings: Residential Conservation Areas (land-use zoning Z2) and Architectural and Civic Design Character Areas (land-use zoning Z8) and the red-hatched areas shown on the zoning objective maps. ­
  • Architectural Conservation Areas: of which there are presently 21 designated and are intended to preserve the character of townscapes that are of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, technical or social interest.

The policy to ensure the conservation and protection of the areas of special historic and architectural interest is as follows:

11.1.5.4 policy of dcc
11.1.5.4 policy of dcc2