The process to prepare a new Development Plan for County Monaghan and the towns of Monaghan, Carrickmacross, Castleblayney, Clones and Ballybay, is now underway. The new Plan will set out the development framework and land use zoning for the period from 2013 to 2019. Submissions can now be made to Monaghan County Council and the local Town Councils.
The current Monaghan County Development Plan was adopted in 2007 and is due to expire in 2013. Planning legislation requires a new Development Plan to be prepared every six years and Monaghan County Council along with the local Town Councils, has now announced its intention tom prepare a new County Development Plan for the period 2013-2019.
The new Plan will incorporate a “Core Strategy”, which should provide a clear evidence-based development framework for are area, having regard to the National Spatial Strategy and the Border Regional Planning Guidelines. An issues paper has been prepared to stimulate public consultation in the review of the County Development Plan, examining some recent trends and developments in the county and the strategic issues to be addressed. More information is also available on Monaghan County Council’s website.
The statutory procedure for the new Development Plan allows public consultation at this early stage, prior to preparation of a Draft Plan. Whilst submissions should not relate to the details of land use zoning at this stage, they can address the overall vision, development framework and settlement strategy for the County. The deadline for submissions at this early stage in the process is Friday 6th May 2011.