Michael Noonan
Ceist:83 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will withdraw the two year planning permission rule. [19662/01]
Written Answers. - Planning Applications.
Section 96(15) of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 provides that permissions for residential development granted after 25 August 1999 but before the housing strategy is included in the relevant development plan in accordance with the Act, will last until 31 December 2002 or for two years, whichever is longer. This provision was included in Part V of the Act to prevent developers ‘stockpiling' planning permissions which would not be subject to the requirement to reserve land-houses for social and affordable housing. It will therefore ensure that the Act applies fairly and equally to developers as soon as possible.
Once housing strategies have been incorporated in development plans, planning permissions will be granted for five years. Land authorities are required to make their housing strategies by end July 2001. I do not propose to amend Part V of the Act.
Question No. 84 answered with Question No. 79.