COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SDZ, LAPS AND PLANNING PROJECTS

Friday, January 26, 2018

MOTION NO.20

MOTION: Councillor M. Ward

Page 21, under Dwelling Mix insert a new sentence at the end of the final paragraph: “The provision of step down accommodation to facilitate downsizing should be encouraged.”

Louise Dunne, Cathal King, Danny O’Brien, Mark Ward

REPORT:

Response

The Draft Planning Scheme accords with the subject motion in relation to the provision of housing for older people and this is covered under various sections (dwelling mix, residential density and dwelling size) of the scheme.

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 provision of accommodation for older people (independent and semi-independent living) is also specifically encouraged under Section 2.1.6 both within the Kishoge and Clonburris Urban Centres and their contiguous Development Areas that are proximate to (inter alia) public transport services.

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 intention of the Draft Planning Scheme is to provide choice for all household types including for older people and those wishing to downsize. It is not considered necessary to explain this intension and add to the text in the Draft Planning Scheme. Furthermore, the term ‘step down accommodation’ is not reflected in the relevant official guidelines on housing.

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.