COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN MEETING

Thursday, June 17, 2021

MOTION NO.

MOTION: Councillor William Joseph Carey, Councillor Derren Ó Brádaigh

Page 170, Housing (H) Policy 15, insert new objective 'H15 Objective 2: To favourably consider single story free standing units in back gardens of existing residential developments where the Council is satisfied that there is a valid need for accommodation for an immediate family member, subject to appropriate design criteria and planning approval.'

REPORT:

The motion seeks to include a new objective under policy H15 which states: ‘Support family flat development subject to the protection of residential and visual amenities.’.

The new objective seeks: ‘To favourably consider single story free standing units in back gardens of existing residential developments where the Council is satisfied that there is a valid need for accommodation for an immediate family member, subject to appropriate design criteria and planning approval.’

The merit of the motion is noted and broadly aligns with H15 of the Draft Plan. However, family flats are not considered to represent an independent dwelling unit. To set policy for a particular development form – in this case a single storey free standing unit in the back garden – would suggest a countywide principle of approval of such a development form thus prejudicing that each site must be considered on a case-by-case basis as part of a proper planning assessment.

There is sufficient policy in the Plan on infill development to allow for an assessment of such development in the normal way.

Recommendation

It is recommended that this motion is not adopted