asked the Minister for the Environment the percentage of appeals for changes in the use of houses under the Planning Acts granted as a percentage of the total appeals submitted and if he would outline his policy in this regard.
Written Answers. - Change of Use of Houses.
100.
I assume that the Deputy is referring to appeals submitted to me under section 4 (6) of the Housing Act, 1969, in relation to the proposed demolition or change of use of habitable houses. Up to 31 August last, 64 per cent of appeals submitted to me under the subsection and relating to proposed changes of use were upheld, either absolutely or subject to conditions provided for in the Act which, in particular, require an equivalent amount of new housing accommodation to be provided by the developer in the area of the housing authority, or else oblige him to make a capital contribution to the authority towards the cost of equivalent residential accommodation. About 56 per cent of the appeals granted had such conditions attached.
My policy in dealing with appeals is governed by the provisions of the Act and by its objective which is to prevent the unwarranted demolition or change of use of habitable dwellings. Subject to this, I give full and careful consideration to the grounds of appeal submitted by each appellant, and to the comments of the housing authority on these representations.