asked the Minister for Local Government if he has examined proposals from Mallow UDC, County Cork for the provision of dividing walls and gates at Sandfield Estate, Mallow; and, if so, when he proposes to sanction the scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Housing Schemes.
37.
These proposals are being examined by my Department's technical advisers. I will give my decision on them as soon as possible.
38.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will make a statement on the minimum open space allocations required by his Department in housing schemes in towns with a population of 1,000 or more.
As regards local authority housing, the amount of open space to be provided in a scheme is decided by the local authority. I have exhorted housing authorities, in the design of new schemes, to give greater attention than in the past to environmental aspects and to plan for the adequate provision of open spaces, landscaping and community facilities. A minimum provision of 7 acres per 1,000 population, where playgrounds and open spaces are not already available in reasonable proximity to the scheme has been recommended to local authorities.
The extent of open space in new private housing developments is a matter for regulation by the local planning authorities whose general requirements are usually set out in their development plans. The local authority in granting planning permission for private schemes would have to consider the extent of such schemes and of the ultimate development envisaged for the area.