Development plan amended to protect city’s green spaces

CORK’S city development plan was tightened last night to protect all open green spaces from development.

The move was welcomed by a group of residents from the Bishopstown area who provided the impetus for the move.

They mounted a huge campaign after the 1.6 acre green in Bishopscourt estate, which had been used for decades as a public open space, was put up for sale as part of the sale of house which stands on its corner.

Residents were shocked to learn that title to the green was included in the title to the house.

The house and green were subsequently sold and the site is now the subject of a planning application for four houses, which if granted, will result in the loss of a large part of the green.

Following pressure from residents and public representatives, who claimed that all of the city’s green spaces faced a similar risk, city officials moved swiftly. They prepared an amendment to the city development plan seeking to change a policy which provides protection to greens and small open space areas within private and public housing estates.

Following its public advertisement, it attracted 77 submissions — 72 of which were in favour of the variation.

One of those against was the new owner of the green.

The wording of the variation was presented to full meeting of the city council last night and was unanimously agreed.

The new policy now “indicates clearly that all open space in residential estates in the city, along with any green area that formed part of a planning application and was identified for the purposes of recreation/amenity/open space is deemed to benefit from a ‘public open space’ zoning objective”.

Until now there was simply a presumption against development on such areas.

Despite concerns from Cllr Tim Brosnan, FF, about including the word ‘amenity’, city manager Joe Gavin said the wording was appropriate.

“We have given this wording some considerable time. Councillors should have no concerns,” he said.

Bishopstown-based Cllr Mary Shields, FF, welcomed the move.

“There was an urgency regarding this issue. This new wording now strengthens the development plan,” she said.

The move comes at a time when the city’s sports grounds are coming under increasing pressure from developers.

Councillors have consistently sent out the message that land zoned for sport stays as sports zoning.

Mr Gavin told last night’s meeting that he has had to convey that stance to several developers on several occasions.