The Irish Planning Institute (IPI) notes the publication of new planning guidelines on design standards for new apartments by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government today (21st December).

IPI president Mary Hughes said “Good planning demands that there is a strong link between policy, practice, and implementation and it is necessary that planning authorities across the country understand the impact that additional quantitative standards have on the cost of development. The purpose of a development plan is to react to local circumstance and to tailor housing policies to local needs and demands.  The Guidelines will restrict this approach by imposing a consistent standard across the country irrespective of local need. Whilst this does reduce local autonomy and does reduce apartment standards in many development plans, the need for an affordable housing supply is recognised.  We are in a housing crisis and urgent action is necessary”. 

Hughes said “Minimum apartment sizes mitigate against the worst effects of poor design but they are not the only thing that impacts on the liveability of apartments. All apartments under these standards must continue to  provide for minimum public and private open space and internal storage areas. The requirement for a proportion of units to be dual aspect remains and limits on the apartments per floor per individual stair/lift core is stipulated. There will still be some scope for developments to be tailored to local circumstances. For example the guidelines provide for a mix of units in a scheme along with obligations for units to exceed the minimum standards in larger schemes.”

Hughes continued “The Institute has made it clear that any changes should not reinforce a perception that apartments are for transient accommodation only and we must work to ensure that they provide suitable family accommodation with a sense of community.”

Hughes concluded “The Government has made significant concessions to overcome the misguided perception that the planning system is holding back development. The planning process has played its part in ensuring that an affordable housing supply can be provided.  It is now up to the sector to deliver.”