Vol. 508 No. 3
62 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the way in which the recently published planning guidelines on residential density differ from the previous guidelines issued by his Department; the number of houses per acre previously recommended; the number now being recommended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17295/99]
As the question was put down before the issue of the planning guidelines on residential density in final form on Tuesday, 28 September, I assume the question is inquiring as to the difference between my Department's circular letter PD 4/98 on residential density, which issued on 15 May 1998, and the draft planning guidelines on residential density, which were issued for public consultation on 2 March 1999.
Very shrewd, Minister.
Guidelines on residential density were not issued by my Department prior to the issue of circular letter PD 4/98, which issued on foot of a recommendation contained in the first Bacon report, An Economic Assessment of Recent House Price Developments. The circular letter, in a general way, provided advice to planning authorities in relation to promoting increased densities in appropriate locations, the safeguards required and the steps that should be taken, pending the preparation of detailed plan ning guidelines on residential density by my Department.
The draft planning guidelines on residential density, which issued in March 1999, set out in a detailed manner the locations appropriate for higher residential densities, the range of densities appropriate to various locations and the need to achieve a high quality of residential environment. For example, in relation to outer suburban greenfield sites, the guidelines recommend that development at densities of less than 20 dwellings per hectare – eight per acre – should generally be discouraged. On greenfield lands, which are proximate to existing or proposed public transport corridors, densities in excess of 50 dwellings per hectare – 20 per acre – are recommended.
The draft guidelines, which were issued for public consultation, received general support. All comments received were considered in full in preparing the final guidelines. Most of the changes in the final guidelines are changes of emphasis or points of clarification.
Given all the qualifications the Minister has attached to the status and effect of these guidelines, will he agree that the guidelines, as they currently extend, do not refer to the issue of noise insulation, which is likely to be an important factor in higher density residential developments? Will he also agree that if these guidelines are to be put into practice, they will have to be accompanied by far more substantial measures than are currently in force to assist in good estate management?
The guidelines deal with the density of dwellings per acre, not the density of the walls of those dwellings, which will be dealt with under the technical guidance documents and the building regulations. This point in relation to noise was raised previously and it will have to be taken on board in the new guidelines.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.
