Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 December 2017
268. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when the new section 28 guidelines for apartment developments will be published; his views on whether it was a mistake to announce the intention to change the guidelines so far in advance of their implementation; and if this has had an impact on the number of new planning applications for apartment development being lodged. [52455/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra269. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if his Department, or a body under its aegis, has undertaken research of the effect of changes to section 28 guidelines for apartment standards on planning permission applications for new developments; and if there is evidence that changes to the guidelines, such as those on minimum size standards introduced in December 2015 lead to a number of applications being withdrawn. [52456/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 268 and 269 together.
My Department is not aware of any significant withholding of applications or withdrawals as a result of the introduction of the Guidelines in 2015. The intention of the focussed review of the current Guidelines is to examine the scope for any further planning measures that could be deployed in relation to the viability of apartment development in our cities and towns, in the context of achieving more compact urban development.
I have therefore recently established a working group, whose role is to undertake a focused, time-bound review to ensure the maximum continuity of new apartment proposals coming forward for consideration, commensurate with the need to address technical aspects in need of adjustment in light of the practical experience in the application of existing 2015 Guidelines, with a view to encouraging greater supply. It has held several meetings to date and formed a number of sub-groups to examine specific elements in relation to apartment planning and building height policies.
The work of the group is scheduled to conclude in the coming weeks with the aim to update both the 2015 Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments – Guidelines for Planning Authorities and the 2007 Development Plans - Guidelines for Planning Authorities, both of which are available at the following links:
www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/apartment_guidelines_21122015.pdf. www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/migrated-files/en/Publications/DevelopmentandHousing/Planning/NationalSpatialStrategy/FileDownLoad%2C14468%2Cen.pdf.
