Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020
882. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if there has been a discussion and review of the disparities in the way that An Bord Pleanála and local authorities have variances in their application of housing densities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11907/20]
View answerUnder Project Ireland 2040, including the National Planning Framework (NPF), the Government has identified the achievement of compact growth as a key mechanism to support the future sustainable development of our cities and towns that will address issues such as regional development, housing supply, climate action, urban sprawl and long-distance commuting.
The compact growth objectives set out in the NPF are in accordance with and underpinned by statutory ministerial planning guidelines on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas, published by my Department in 2009 under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). The Sustainable Residential Development guidelines are applicable to all planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála.
The Guidelines on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas generally require densities in the range of 35-50 dwellings per hectare (dph) on outer suburban/greenfield sites. This has been established Government policy since 1999. The Guidelines, however, also provide scope for densities below 35 dph on more peripheral sites in smaller towns and villages, in particular to assist in delivering more sustainable alternatives to dispersed urban-generated rural houses.
It is important to note that the application of the Sustainable Residential Development guidelines in the assessment of individual planning applications is a matter for each planning authority and/or An Bord Pleanála, on a case-by-case basis. I am precluded from commenting on any specific planning case, in accordance with Section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).
An Bord Pleanála is a statutory independent body, that typically upholds national policy in accordance with established ministerial planning guidance, where there is divergence apparent in local policy.
I am satisfied that the 2009 Guidelines are consistent with supporting the appropriate development of our urban settlements in the context of the compact urban growth objective of the NPF. However, these guidelines will be subject to update to further strengthen the achievement of compact growth objectives, and any such review will include consideration of their application throughout the planning system.
