Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 September 2021
102. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on An Bord Pleanála’s decision to grant student accommodation change of use given the ongoing student accommodation crisis; if he is planning to ban the practice and provide updated guidance to planning authorities regarding this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46463/21]
View answerUnder Section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (the Act) I am unable to exercise any power or control in relation to any particular case with which a planning authority or the Board is or may be concerned. Therefore, I cannot comment on any specific decisions concerning An Bord Pleanála.
On the generalities of the Board performing its functions, when making a decision, the Board in accordance with Section 143 of the Act, shall have regard to the policies and objectives of the Government, a State authority, the Minister, planning authorities and any other body which is a public authority whose functions have, or may have, a bearing on the proper planning and sustainable development of cities, towns or other areas, whether urban or rural. This includes guidance issued by my Department regarding student accommodation.
In the Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016, student accommodation was defined as SHD for developments of more than 200 units. As of end August 2021, the Board had received SHD applications in respect of 15,684 student bed spaces. 13,660 student bedspaces have been granted planning permission to that date.
My Department issued Circular PL 8 of 2016 regarding the identification of planning measures to enhance housing supply. This included the consideration of the student accommodation to help ease the housing crisis. My colleague the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science has contacted my Department concerning the recent issues regarding student accommodation. An updated circular has issued indicating that in considering planning applications for the change of use of student accommodation for a temporary period, planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála must be satisfied that there are compelling non-Covid related grounds to grant permission for any such proposed change of use, while demand for student accommodation remains high.
