COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN, NEWCASTLE, RATHCOOLE, SAGGART AND BRITTAS AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

MOTION NO. 7

MOTION: Councillor S. O'Hara

That this Area Committee: noting the high percentage of refusals for one-off rural housing, reiterates its support for H17 Objective 2 and the obligation for planners to adhere to this when making determinations on applications.

REPORT:

The adopted South Dublin County Development Plan 2022-2028 includes H17 Objective 2 which states:

‘To consider persons for a rural house in the RU zone on the basis of their being an intrinsic part of the rural community where such persons have grown up or spent substantial periods of their lives, (12 years), living in the area or have moved away and who now wish to return to reside near to, or to care for, immediate family members and are seeking to build on the family landholding. Immediate family members are defined as mother, father, son, daughter, brother or sister.’

Since the County Development Plan came into effect in August 2022 there have been 12 planning applications for rural houses up to January 2024. Of these, 2 have been granted and 10 refused. Of those refused, 2 were appealed and in each case the decision of the local authority was upheld by the Board.

Planning assessments on planning applications must be, and are, based on the objectives and policy contained in the County Development Plan and relevant guidelines.  Planners continue to apply this policy when assessing planning applications. Where applicants are unhappy with a decision of the local authority there is the provision to appeal to An Bord Pleanala.