Project Ireland 2040 comprises the National Planning Framework (NPF) and the National Development Plan (NDP). One of the key outcomes of both of the NPF and NDP is the compact growth of cities and towns of all sizes, in order to meet sustainability goals and to create more attractive places in which people can live and work. The preferred approach is to focus on greater reuse of previously developed brownfield land and infill sites and the development of sites in locations that are better serviced by existing facilities and public transport. The NPF indicates that there is a need for increased densities in urban areas, while also acknowledging the need for a proportionate and tailored approach, especially in the context of regional cities and towns.
This means that it is necessary to adapt the scale, design and layout of new development according to the type of settlement in which it is located, and its proximity to centres and public transport services. Statutory ‘Section 28’ ministerial guidelines for planning authorities on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas (the ‘Sustainable Residential Development Guidelines’) were last issued in 2009, having been first introduced in 1999. Further related guidance has been subsequently issued in the form of updates to the Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments Guidelines for Planning Authorities, most recently in 2020, and the Urban Development and Building Heights Guidelines for Planning Authorities in 2018.
While the principles, approaches and general requirements of the Sustainable Residential Development Guidelines continue to be applicable to the objectives of the NPF for the development of compact, sustainable and liveable settlements, it is timely that the guidance is updated to respond to the greater range of settlements types defined by the NPF. It is not proposed to review the Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2020) and the Urban Development and Building Heights Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2018) at this time; however some elements of those particular guidelines will be reflected in the updated Sustainable Residential Development Guidelines due to their interrelated nature.
My Department is currently undertaking a practical and targeted review to update the Sustainable Residential Development Guidelines with new Sustainable and Compact Settlement Guidelines (SCSG). A preliminary draft of the new SCSGs is being prepared for the purposes of screening for Appropriate Assessment and Strategic Environmental Assessment. Following the completion of the AA/SEA processes, the Draft SCSGs will be placed on display for a focused period of public consultation. It is envisaged that this will happen in mid-2022. Submissions made during the public consultation period will be reviewed and where appropriate and necessary, amendments will be made to the published Draft. Thereafter, the draft guidelines will be submitted to the Minister for approval and the final Guidelines will be issued under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).
