Ivan Yates
Question:309 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the proposals he has to improve the quality of house design; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24986/00]
Written Answers. - Housing Design.
To assist designers of social housing, my Department has published social housing design guidelines which provide general design guidance at the levels of both the overall scheme and the individual dwelling unit. The purpose of these guidelines is to identify principles and criteria that are important for the design of social housing and to highlight specific design features, requirements and standards that, from experience, have been found to be particularly relevant. Guidelines for residential developments in areas designated for urban renewal have also been issued by my Department with particular emphasis on apartment developments.
The standards applicable to the planning and design of private housing schemes are governed by the requirements of the development plan for the area in which the housing is to be constructed. Planning permission is required for all private housing developments and, in making its decisions, the planning authority will have regard to the criteria for planning and design of housing developments contained in its own development plan.
The guidelines for planning authorities on residential density, which were published in September 1999, indicate that higher residential densities must not be achieved at an unacceptable amenity cost to the surrounding dwellings and the residents of the proposed development. A high quality of design and layout and a good quality living environment, including the availability of adequate shopping, social, transport and leisure infrastructure, are essential if increased residential densities are to be acceptable.
A joint housing committee, representative of my Department and the Royal Institute of Architects in Ireland, organise periodic national housing conferences. The agenda for the next conference, which is being planned for April of next year, includes issues relating to good planning and design in housing.
In addition, the Government has adopted a policy on architecture and an interdepartmental working group, under the aegis of the Department of the Arts, Heritage, the Gaeltacht and the Islands, is currently examining ways and means of advancing this policy.
Question No. 310 taken with Question No. 152.