COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SDZ, LAPS AND PLANNING PROJECTS

Friday, January 26, 2018

MOTION NO.23

MOTION: Councillor P. Gogarty

Clonburris SDZ

Amend section 2.16 Residential Development Standards reading "Individual dwelling units should also be capable of adaptation to meet the changing needs of residents during the course of their lifetime based on the guidance set out under Quality Housing for Sustainable Communities (2007). The need for later extensions or attic conversions should therefore be considered. The provision of live-work units and accommodation of small home based economic activities should also be considered (see Section 2.6 – Economic Development)" to read:

"Individual dwelling units should also be capable of adaptation to meet the changing needs of residents during the course of their lifetime based on the guidance set out under Quality Housing for Sustainable Communities (2007). The need for later extensions or attic conversions should therefore be considered, as well as the potential for one residential unit to be scaled down by up to two rooms and one unit to upsize by a similar amount through the purchase of room space through suitable adjoining party walls designed to make such a purpose possible. The provision of live-work units and accommodation of small home based economic activities should also be considered (see Section 2.6 – Economic Development).

Cllrs G. O'Connell, L. O'Toole and F. Timmons

REPORT:

Response

The Draft Planning Scheme accords with the principle of the subject motion in relation to promoting dwelling design that is capable of adaptation. As referenced under the Draft Planning Scheme, detailed guidance on the design of adaptable homes is set out under the Quality Housing for Sustainable Communities (2007) and these are the authoritative guidelines in relation to such. It is not considered necessary to repeat the contexts of said guidelines under the Draft Planning Scheme.

The promotion of extension of dwellings through party walls does not to take potential conflicts into consideration including those that relate to:

• Building Regulations;
• The engineering requirements/structural stability of buildings;
• Compliance with internal floorspace and private amenity standards that have been set out under the Draft Planning Scheme in accordance with the relevant guidelines; and
• Implications in relation to the management of apartment buildings.

The wording of the subject motion could be interpreted to suggest that extending dwellings through party walls is promoted by the Quality Housing for Sustainable Communities (2007), which is not correct.

The intent of the aspect of the subject motion in relation to promoting dwelling design that is capable of adaptation has been fulfilled by the Draft Planning Scheme and no amendment to the Planning Scheme is required it this regard.

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.