Vol. 522 No. 4
41 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if, in regard to his Department's document, Action on Housing, he will outline the specific steps he intends to take to increase available resources in the planning system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18645/00]
I made the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 2000 (S.I. No. 181 of 2000) on 22 June 2000. The new regulations increase, subject to certain conditions, the size of extensions to the rear of houses which are exempt from the requirement to obtain planning permission, from 23 square metres to 40 square metres, where the house has not been extended previously. The new regulations have immediate effect. The purpose of this regulation is to relieve pressure on the planning system by reducing the number of planning applications for extensions, while ensuring that by reason of its effect on its surroundings, such development would not be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
My Department's circular letter to planning authorities advising them of the new regulations also asked planning authorities to review the efficiency of their current operations. Planning authorities have been asked to examine the scope for efficiency gains through the use of standardised reports and conditions. The circular letter also advised planning authorities to adopt a more structured approach to pre-planning discussions, including planning authorities assigning experienced personnel to pre-planning discussions to ensure the best advice is given to applicants early on.
My Department will also promote more widespread use of UK-EU consultants for forward planning, emphasising expertise in high density design. Consideration will also be given to the use of suitable private sector planning consultants to carry out development control on a fee per case basis.
My Department is in contact with the Department of Education and Science and the third level education sector on ways of producing more planners through the education system, including the current planning courses in University College Dublin and new courses under development by Dublin Institute of Technology, Bolton Street.
