COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SDZ, LAPS AND PLANNING PROJECTS

Friday, January 26, 2018

MOTION NO. 66

MOTION: Councillor G. O'Connell

Section 2.1.6 Given the demographics and the emerging demand in the County for “step-down” accommodation, the SDZ shall, in addition to the provision for both social housing and affordable housing, provide for 3% “step-down” housing in a mixture of independent and semi-independent living within or close to the Kishogue and Clonburris Urban Centres and nodes and South Dublin County Council shall be responsible for the delivery either on its own and/or in collaboration with Approved Housing Agencies. Councillors Guss O’Connell, Liona O’Toole, Paul Gogarty and Francis Timmons

REPORT:

The Draft Planning Scheme accords with the subject motion in relation to the provision of housing for older people within the Clonburris and Kishoge Urban Centres including their surrounding areas and this is covered under various sections (dwelling mix, residential density and dwelling size) of the scheme. The specification of a minimum quantum in relation to accommodation is not considered appropriate in the absence of official guidance/research.

Further to Section 2.1.6 of the Draft Planning Scheme (Dwelling Mix) the range of dwellings permitted under the Draft Scheme include townhouses, duplex units, maisonettes and apartments. These permissible dwelling typologies provides the opportunity to accommodate older person households. The densities prescribed under Section 2.1.5 (Residential Density) for the two urban centres and their contiguous higher density Sub Sectors are suited to a mix of apartments, duplexes and maisonettes that can cater for older person households. Further to this, the minimum required floor areas for studio, one bedroom and two bedroom accommodation as set out under Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments (December, 2015) are reiterated under Table 2.1.10 of the Draft Planning Scheme in a manner that promotes such dwelling typologies.

The specification of a minimum quantum in relation to accommodation for students and older people, which could undermine the viability of development in areas of the SDZ Lands where there is no demand for such accommodation, is not considered appropriate in the absence of official guidance/research.

Mechanisms for the delivery of housing for older people are beyond the scope of an SDZ Planning Scheme and would be prejudicial.

Recommendation

It is recommended that this motion is not adopted.

Strategic Environmental Assessment of Chief Executive’s Recommendation

No interaction with Strategic Environmental Objectives.

Appropriate Assessment Screening of Chief Executive’s Recommendation

No likely significant effects on European sites within the SDZ’s zone of influence are predicted.