COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN MEETING

Thursday, June 18, 2015

MOTION NO. 57

MOTION: Councillor C. Brophy

To amend H3 Objective 2 to delete the promotion of sub division and replace with the following  to allow for sub division of large houses only in exceptional circumstances.

Co sponsor Cllrs. Paula Donovan & William Lavelle

REPORT:

Response

Provision under Current Development Plan 2010 - 2016

The South Dublin County Council Development Plan (2010 – 2016) already provides for the subdivision of existing dwellings under Sections 1.2.33 and 1.2.34. Policy H19 of the current Plan states that the subdivision of houses into a number of units is acceptable in on large sites in suburban areas where populations are generally falling and which are well served by public transport. The Draft County Development Plan generally reiterates the current policy.

Aging Population & Limited Housing Choice

The Pre-Draft Public Consultation Background Issues Papers identify that the population of communities in the established areas of the County are growing older. Such demographic changes are known to adversely impact on the viability of existing physical and community services, facilities and infrastructure including schools, community centres, public transport and shops.

The choice of housing for older people in established communities is also extremely limited. The limited subdivision of large houses in established areas will help to provide more housing choice for older people including family flat development. Family flat development is long established within the County and would not be considered to comprise an exceptional circumstance.

Safeguards

Policy H3 Objective 2 of the Draft Plan would only allows for the subdivision of large houses within established areas. Such housing subdivision would be subject to the safeguards and standards set out under Chapter 2 Housing and Chapter 11 Implementation including those that relate to:

-          Residential consolidation – dwelling subdivision

-          Minimum floorspace standards

-          Minimum private open space standards

-          Car parking

-          Privacy

-          Architectural Conservation Areas

-          Protected Structures

The above standards will limit the circumstances in which housing sub-division can occur and will also help to ensure that, where such development does occur, that it is carried out to a high standard and in an appropriate manner.

Recommendation

It is recommended that this motion is adopted with amendment.

To amend H3 Objective 2 to delete the "promotion of sub division" and replace with "to provide for sub division of large houses".