COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN MEETING

Thursday, February 04, 2016

MOTION NO. 40

MOTION: Councillor S. Holland

11.3.1

Residential

(iv) Dwelling standards

Table 11.20 Minimum space standards for houses

 - Increase each minimum by 15sq metres - The average home in the UK is 85 square metres compared to 115 square metres in Holland and 137 square metres in Denmark.

Table 11.21 Minimum space standards for apartments

 - Increase each minimum by 15sq metres to be in line with european best practice.

REPORT:

Table 11.20 of the Draft Plan sets out the following minimum sizes for new house.  

Type of Unit

Houses

One Bedroom

50 sq.m

Two Bedroom

80 sq.m

Three Bedroom

92 sq.m

Four bedroom

110 sq.m

These standards are based on those contained within the Quality Housing for Sustainable Communities Guidelines, Department of Community Heritage and Local Government, 2007. The minimum standard contained within the Draft Plan matches or exceeds ‘target gross floor area’ for two storey houses within the Guidelines. 

This will ensure that the basic amenity requirements are provided for occupants.  It should be noted however that in the interests of providing choice and promoting a diverse mix of occupants, Section 11.3.1 of the Draft Development Plan states:

‘The overall dwelling mix in residential schemes should provide for a balanced range of dwelling types and sizes to support a variety of household types’.

The proposed increase in house size will result in less choice as it promote greater uniformity in dwelling sizes (i.e. by reducing the range of dwelling types/sizes).  The increase will also result in a reduction in more affordable accommodation, as the cost of individual dwelling increase.

Concerns in regard to the affordability of housing have been raised by the Minister for the Environment Alan Kelly, T.D  and the Minister for Housing, Planning and Co-ordination of Construction 2020.  Letter have been sent to to Local Authorities advising against increases in standards that adversely impact on ‘the economic viability or commercial investment in and delivery of new housing development’ over the period of a Development Plan.   

Recommendation

It is recommended that this motion is not adopted