Bernard J. Durkan
Question:147 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he commissioned studies on the effect of high density small houses on communities. [12423/04]
View answerThursday, 29 April 2004
Questions (145, 146)
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:148 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether the current policy of housing families in high density developments in a cramped space is socially desirable. [12424/04]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 147 and 148 together.
In 1999, under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act, my Department issued guidelines on residential densities for planning authorities. An Bord Pleanála and planning authorities must have regard to the provisions. Consultants prepared a report, entitled "Planning Issues Relating to Residential Density in Urban and Suburban Locations", on behalf of my Department in advance of issuing the final guidelines. The report examined the promotion of higher residential densities and a copy is available in the Oireachtas Library.
The guidelines emphasise that higher residential densities must be coupled with the highest standards of residential environment. In existing residential areas whose character was established by their current density or architectural form, a balance must be struck between the protection of the amenities and privacy of adjoining dwellings, the protection of established character and the need to provide new residential development. It was noted that there was an ongoing trend towards a smaller household size here with the consequent need for a more varied range of dwelling type and size. The guidelines provide that all schemes on sites in excess of one hectare, approximately 2.47 acres, should be required to have a mix of dwelling types. In other words, they must range between small one and two bedroomed units to large family sized dwellings.
The recent Irish national survey of housing quality 2001-2002 involved obtaining detailed information from a representative sample of over 40,000 householders on their dwellings. It indicated that 93% of dwellings have the requisite bedroom accommodation. Only 13% of householders perceive their accommodation to be too small relative to their accommodation needs.
In September 1999 my Department issued comprehensive guidelines to local authorities on the design of social housing schemes. This included recommended space provision and room sizes for dwellings. In May 2002 my Department issued another circular on floor areas and room sizes due to amendments to part M of the building regulations. All new buildings must now be accessible to people with disabilities.