COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN MEETING

Thursday, June 17, 2021

MOTION NO.

MOTION: Councillor G. O'Connell, Councillor P. Gogarty, Councillor L. O'Toole

Amend H13 Objective 6: To support the subdivision of houses in suburban areas that are characterised by exceptionally large houses on relatively extensive sites where population levels are generally falling and which are well served by public transport, subject to the protection of existing residential amenity and the refurbishment of the completed units to at least A2 standard.

REPORT:

The motion seeks to amend H13 Objective 6 as follows:

From: ‘To support the subdivision of houses in suburban areas that are characterised by exceptionally large houses on relatively extensive sites where population levels are generally falling and which are well served by public transport, subject to the protection of existing residential amenity.’

To: ‘To support the subdivision of houses in suburban areas that are characterised by exceptionally large houses on relatively extensive sites where population levels are generally falling and which are well served by public transport, subject to the protection of existing residential amenity and the refurbishment of the completed units to at least A2 standard.'

The merit of the motion is welcome and it is supported under the Development Plan however it is not a consideration for the Development Plan to explicitly state the BER rating standard which is governed by building regulation.

Notwithstanding, the motion is reflected under Energy Policy 3 which states: Energy Performance in Existing and New Buildings which seeks to ‘Support high levels of energy conservation, energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources in new and existing buildings including the retro fitting of energy efficiency measures in the existing building stock in accordance with relevant building regulations, national policy and guidance and the targets of the National and South Dublin Climate Change Action Plans.’ And specifically; E3 Objective 1 which states: ‘To reduce the need for energy, enhance energy efficiency and secure the use of renewable energy sources in refurbished and upgraded dwellings and other buildings through the design and location of new development, in accordance with relevant building regulations and national policy and guidance.’

Recommendation

It is recommended that this motion is adopted with amendment to reflect that the existing E3 Objective 1 as currently set out in the CE Draft Plan is sufficient to provide for the intent of the motion: ‘To reduce the need for energy, enhance energy efficiency and secure the use of renewable energy sources in refurbished and upgraded dwellings and other buildings through the design and location of new development, in accordance with relevant building regulations and national policy and guidance.’