Planning Permission Unlocks Intergenerational Homes
Struggling with housing options for ageing loved ones? A new report reveals how innovative planning permission transformed a Dublin brownfield site into a thriving intergenerational community.
The Housing Agency released a detailed report examining intergenerational living benefits, spotlighted by a 61-home development in Ballyfermot, Dublin. Dublin City Council delivered the project on a former industrial site, securing planning permission that blended family houses with senior apartments. This setup supports older residents’ independence while promoting community bonds, setting a blueprint for future housing schemes.
The scheme features 28 houses and duplexes for families at ground level, paired with 33 upper-floor apartments tailored for seniors. Most senior units offer one-bedroom spaces for two people, with some two-bedroom options for those needing live-in carers. Its prime location near schools, churches, shops, library, and community facilities enhances accessibility and security, ensuring privacy alongside social interaction.
Many original residents hailed from the local area, quickly forging strong neighbourhood ties. They chose Cornamona Court to remain in Ballyfermot without entering age-segregated facilities or nursing homes. Funded by the Department of Housing, with Dublin City Council as sponsor, the project incorporated Age Friendly principles and Universal Design standards from the outset.
Key takeaways from the Housing Insights report stress early community engagement during construction, awareness of unforeseen expenses, and forming a residents’ committee for ongoing management. The development earned accolades, including a national Age Friendly Housing Award, shortlisting for the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland Public Choice Award 2024, and the Irish Council for Social Housing’s Public Choice Award 2025. These recognitions affirm its role as a replicable model amid Ireland’s housing challenges.
Planning permission played a pivotal role, navigating requirements akin to housing scheme approvals while addressing site-specific issues. The report advocates wider adoption, potentially influencing An Bord Pleanála decisions on similar flood-risk developments or those seeking material contravention. Developers eyeing environmental impact assessments could draw lessons here for sustainable, inclusive projects.
This approach counters broader trends, offering practical solutions as Ireland grapples with intergenerational housing needs. Local authorities and planners now view it as a scalable option, encouraging applications that balance family and senior living without isolation.
Originally reported in RTE.ie on Mon, 05 Jan 2026 01:42:14 +0000. Full story
