Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 April 2004
806 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if planners of Dublin City Council and An Bord Pleanála will adhere to 3.3.1, page 11, of the residential density guidelines for planning authorities published by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11627/04]
View answerSection 3.3.1. of the guidelines for planning authorities on residential density deals with the subject of infill residential development. The guidelines indicate that in residential areas whose character is established by their density or architectural form a balance has to be struck between the reasonable protection of the amenities and privacy of adjoining dwellings, the protection of established character and the need to provide residential infill.
The guidelines state that the design approach in such cases should be based on a recognition of the need to protect the amenities of directly adjoining neighbours and the general character of the area and its amenities, i.e. views, architectural quality, civic design, etc. However, subject to reasonable conformity with these, developments on infill sites, particularly those in excess of 0.5 hectares, 1.2 acres, should be capable of proposing their own density and character.
The guidelines in question were issued in September 1999 in accordance with section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. All planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála must have regard to the provisions of such section 28 guidelines in exercising their planning functions.
