Over the past number of years Bray has seen a lot of development and a large number of planning applications submitted for schemes throughout the town. At the same time there has been a lack of development in certain areas and the absence of incentives to encourage progress.
The shortage of available land to meet the many demands of people in the town, such as new housing for young people starting out on the property ladder, the need to provide locations in which employment can be concentrated, the pressure to provide more open space and well resourced recreational facilities and the importance of expanding the retail and tourist related opportunities.
The desire to meet these demands must not be off set with an acceptance of lower standards in design or quality. Any development must to be the highest standard possible and provide a balance within the town that meets the needs of the local community.
Bray Town Council must also be proactive in encouraging development and work with property owners, developers and local residents.
The Development Contribution Scheme, which sets out the charges levied on all new developments, must be constantly kept under review and amended where necessary. This financial tool should be directed towards encouraging and incentivising development that meets the Council’s criteria and fulfils the objective of creating jobs, improving the environment and adding to the social aspects of the community.
Progress that is to be made in the future must also be accompanied by sustainability. Emphasis must be placed on delivering important pieces of infrastructure, such as transport, water and waste water systems, green technology, lower carbon emissions and broadband standard communications.
Action must also be taken in respect of derelict and run down sites and buildings which are causing a nuisance to local residents, housing estates not yet taken in charge must be finished to standard that would allow the Council to do so, planning conditions must be rigorously enforced and all necessary action taken to ensure developments are completed in accordance with the planning permission granted and there must be a clamp down on rouge developers and builders.
All developments that take place in the town, either public, private or a combination of both must have the highest standards in regard to providing access for people with disabilities. Services provided within buildings must take into account the needs of those with special needs and where necessary allow for easy adaptation to allow for changes in life circumstances.