COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SDZ, LAPS AND PLANNING PROJECTS

Friday, January 26, 2018

MOTION NO. 21

MOTION: Councillor P. Gogarty

REPORT:

Response

It is accepted that the Draft Planning Scheme should be amended with reference to housing for people with disabilities. 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 of the scheme. The specification of a minimum quantum in relation to accommodation is not considered appropriate in the absence of official guidance/research and the wording of the motion would undermine the objective to locate housing for older people in areas that have access to services.

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 and those with disabilities.

The densities prescribed under Section 2.1.5 (Residential Density) for the two urban centres and their contiguous higher density Sub Sectors are also suited to a mix of apartments, duplexes and maisonettes that can cater for older person households and those with disabilities. 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.

As recognised under the subject motion 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 intention of this is twofold; provide accommodation for older people in suitable locations and allow downsizing to suitable accommodation in a manner that frees up larger homes.

It is accepted that Section 2.1.6 should be amended to also support accommodation for persons with disabilities in suitable locations. Reference to promoting such accommodation over institutional care in a Planning Scheme is considered inappropriate particularly in the absence of official guidance/research on such.

The proposed minimum quantum of units for older persons would be at variance with the objectives of the draft planning scheme in terms of concentrate such accommodation within the Kishoge and Clonburris Urban Centres and contiguous areas that are proximate to (inter alia) public transport services. The specification of a minimum quantum, which could undermine the viability of development in areas of the SDZ Lands where such accommodation is not suitable, is not considered appropriate in the absence of official guidance/research.

Recommendation

It is recommended that this motion is adopted with amendment.

Include the following additional text under Section 2.1.6 (Dwelling Mix) as follows:

The provision of accommodation for students and older people

(independent and semi-independent living) is encouraged both within the

Kishoge and Clonburris Urban Centres and their contiguous Development

Areas that are proximate to (inter alia) public transport services. The provision of accommodation for people with disabilities is also encouraged in suitable locations.

Strategic Environmental Assessment of Chief Executive’s Recommendation

No interaction with most Strategic Environmental Objectives; positive interactions in terms of population and human health SEOs.

Appropriate Assessment Screening of Chief Executive’s Recommendation

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