Section 10.0 Architectural Conservation Areas (ACA’s)

External Walls

The majority of buildings within ACA’s in Waterford have a rendered finish, and many of the 19th Century buildings have robust plaster work detailing around the window and door opes. These original historic external finishes should be retained^[1]. Therefore, any proposal for the material alteration/removal of the existing finishes or changes that affect the special character of an area will require planning permission. Likewise, in cases where historically the finish is ashlar stone or red brick, the plastering/ rendering of the external walls is not acceptable.

The following works require planning permission:

• Any proposal for the material alteration/removal of the existing finishes or changes that affect the special character of an area.
• The erection of, or alterations to, externally mounted signs and advertisements.
• The erection of solar panels or TV satellite dishes on the front elevation of buildings, and the erection of communication antennae and/or support structures which are visible from the public realm.
• Where existing aerials have become redundant, they should be removed.

Roofs

Historic roofs in urban centres in Waterford were mainly pitched slate, usually Bangor Blue. Exceptions to this are examples of thatch in Ardmore, Dunmore East, Dunhill, Kilmeaden and Stradbally, and the barrel shaped tarred calico (now felt) roofs of Portlaw.

Original elements of the historic roofs should be retained where possible, and repaired and reused rather than replaced. The following works require planning permission:

• The removal of original roofing material such as natural slate, parging, clay ridge tiles and thatch. Their replacement with modern materials like fibre-cement tiles will not be considered by the Planning Authority.

The removal of existing chimney stacks, early terracotta or clay pots or other features of the roofscape such as cast-iron gutters and down-pipes.

• The removal of timber bargeboards and other eaves details and their replacement in a material other than the existing.
• The installation of roof lights on the front elevation or otherwise prominent elevations of a structure, or on elevations visible from the public realm.
• The erection of, or alteration to, externally mounted signs and advertisements at roof level.
• The erection of solar panels or TV satellite dishes on the front elevation of buildings, and the erection of communication antennae and/or support structures which are visible from the public realm. Where existing aerials have become redundant, they should be removed.

Windows & Doors

Many of the historic buildings in Waterford retain original windows and doors. However, in some areas, these features have been replaced with u.P.V.C aluminium or timber windows of inappropriate design. This has the potential to significantly alter the architectural character or the structure and affects its visual integrity, particularly in a terrace or streetscape. Dungarvan for example, also has some fine ironwork, in the form of railings such as those at St. Mary’s gate, the Bandstand in the Park, window cill guards and bollards on the quays. Original elements should be retained where possible, and repaired and reused rather than replaced.

The following works require planning permission:

• The alteration or enlargement of original openings;
• The removal of original timber and metal windows, and their replacement with modern, artificial materials such as u.P.V.C and aluminium;
• The removal of stone sills and doorsteps;
• The removal of fanlights and original timber doors, pilasters and their replacement with modern, artificial materials such as UPVC and aluminium; and
• The erection of porches and front facades.

Streetscape

Where there are streets, such as around Grattan Square, Dungarvan, and some of the surrounding streets, with access/windows opening at street level from the public footpath to a basement, these areas are usually covered by a grill. It is an objective of the Council to maintain these access points, as they are invaluable for the ventilation of the building.

Vernacular Houses and Alterations

Traditional terraced houses, such as the single-storey workers houses such as those in Shandon Street, Dungarvan, New Street, Lismore, two-storey houses in Griffith Place, Waterford City, or the two/three-storey houses of Passage East, are built of simple materials in modest style, and are an important component of urban streetscapes. In some cases, the front elevations have been compromised by the modification of original openings or the replacement of historic materials with inappropriate u.P.V.C and aluminium substitutes. Reinstatement of traditional vernacular features such as thatch roofs,  lime-washed external walls, timber sheeted doors and sash windows will be encouraged and should conform to correct historic detail in form, material and technique.

The following works require planning permission:

• The raising of eaves levels, alteration of roof pitches or insertion of dormer windows can negatively impact on the character of vernacular streetscape.
• Alterations or extensions to provide modern facilities.  Such work should be carried out in a sympathetic manner which respects the form and function of the existing building.
• Proposed extensions to the rear. The ridge height of extensions to the rear should not extend over the existing ridge height of the original building.
• Reinstatement of traditional vernacular features such as thatch roofs, lime-washed external walls, timber-sheeted doors and sash windows will be encouraged and should conform to correct historic detail in form, material and technique.

Shop Fronts, Advertising and Commercial Buildings and Commercial Buildings

Many traditional shop fronts still remain, mainly in the City and towns such as Cappoquin, Lismore and Tallow, and assist in providing these towns with their unique character and identities. The council wish to maintain the historic character of commercial buildings whilst ensuring their economic viability.

Planning permission is required for the material alteration of commercial frontages whether the structure is within an ACA or not. Advice on repairs to traditional shop fronts can be obtained from the Conservation Officer of Waterford City & County Council.

• Separate access to the upper floors of the buildings should  be maintained where existing. Reuse of the upper floors is encouraged.
• Lighting details, i.e. type of fitting, fixing method and type of light, should be specified in any application for permission and should be designed such that it does not result in light pollution or negatively impact on the building or other structures in the streetscape.
• Any lighting and cabling should be discreet, modest and subtle and not distract from the building. “Swan Neck” projecting lighting, illuminated projecting signs or neon and flashing lights to the interior are not considered acceptable.
• The design of new shop fronts should endeavour to reinforce  the unity and integrity of the whole elevation of the building and the streetscape in general.
• New signage should not detract from the special character and visual amenity of the streetscape.

• The tradition of signwriting and use of traditional materials in advertising is to be encouraged.
• Large expanses of glass and long runs of horizontal facades should be broken up by elevation modelling and vertical proportioning within the ACA.
• Advertising signs should be sympathetic in scale, design, material and colour to the building and its character, on which they are displayed.
• The number of signs on a building shall be limited to prevent the impression of clutter.

• If roller shuttering is to be provided, it should be located behind the line of glazing.

Demolitions

Planning permission will be required for the demolition of habitable dwellings, protected structures and any structures within the ACA which are on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage^[2]. Where planning permission is sought for demolition of a structure on the grounds of structural defects or failure, a report containing photographs and drawing(s), either captioned to clearly identify the location, or cross-referenced to plans, prepared by a suitably qualified and experienced professional regarding the existing condition, should be submitted. The applicant will have to demonstrate why repairs/ remedial works are not possible.

• Where buildings have a negative impact on the character of an ACA, demolition of existing and replacement with buildings of more appropriate design may be desirable, and will be encouraged.
• Where the poor condition of a building is due to lack of maintenance, renovation will be encouraged.

Replacement Dwellings

Where replacement buildings are deemed acceptable in towns or villages, new buildings should consider existing plot size, where possible, in order to retain the existing grain, character and setting of the streetscape.

New Buildings

All new buildings should contribute to the visual enhancement of the area while respecting its physical character.

• Pastiche or replication of historic design is not always appropriate, and high quality contemporary architectural design is acceptable in some cases.
• The elevation treatment of the new development should be well proportioned and built having respect to its context.
• Buildings should follow the eaves heights, roof pitches and building lines which predominate in the streetscape and should employ windows of matching proportions and alignment. Materials should be of good visual quality and durability.

Developments in Long Gardens or Curtilages

New development within these sites should be subsidiary to the main building on site, and should respect the pattern of the historic urban grain.

Boundary Walls

Historic boundary walls are an integral part of the City, villages and towns in Waterford.  Walls such as those in Lismore, Dunmore East, Stradbally and Tramore, add to their special character. Their removal can be detrimental to the character and therefore is discouraged. Planning permission will be required for their removal and/ or interference with same.

Internal Alterations

Internal changes or re-arrangements to structures which are not listed as protected structures, or buildings which are not RMPs (protected under the National Monument Act 1930 – 2004), do not require planning permission, provided that these changes do not impact on the exterior of the structure.

General Maintenance

Planning permission is not required for regular maintenance works and genuine repairs to buildings. These works include repairs on roofs rainwater gutters or window repairs, provided original materials are retained where they exist, or where replacement is necessary, that is on a ‘like for like’ basis.