asked the Minister for the Environment if he is satisfied that the powers available to local authorities to enforce completion of privately built housing estates are adequate; if he has any plans to increase the powers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Completion of Private Housing Estates.
24.
The Local Government (Planning and Development) Acts give planning authorities considerable powers to secure the satisfactory completion of private housing estates and I have no proposals to amend the Acts in this respect at the present time. Many of the problems in regard to the completion of estates appear to stem not from defects in the legislation but rather from the operation and implementation of the law. The conditions attached to planning permissions for housing estates and the enforcement of these conditions is of critical importance.
My Department have advised planning authorities as to the type of conditions which should be attached to planning permissions for housing estates and the need for care and precision in drafting such conditions if effective action is to be taken at a later stage. I am satisfied that the powers available to planning authorities can be used effectively to secure the satisfactory completion of housing estates.