Development plan · Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Development Plan 2022–2028 – Written Statement
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards. Variations adopted since are not in this text.
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council · 2022–2028 · 380 pages
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- Density plays an important role in ensuring that the best use is made of land intended for residential development. The Development Plan seeks to maximise the use of zoned and serviced residential land. Consolidation through sustainable higher densities allows for a more compact urban growth that, in turn, more readily supports an integrated public transport system. This together with the ‘10-minute’ neighbourhood concept, has the potential to reduce the urban and carbon footprint of the County. It is acknowledged, however, that higher densities and infill development can result in loss of gardens and green spaces in urban areas and that these spaces can play an important role in climate action. There is, therefore, a requirement to balance higher densities with the provision of green spaces in accordance with Policy Objectives CA18, Chapter 3, and those contained in Chapter 9. The ‘Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas’ Guidelines and the accompanying ‘Urban Design Manual’ include recommendations regarding appropriate densities for various types of locations. Having regard to the Guidelines and consistent with RPO 3.3 and 4.3 in the RSES: M Where a site is located within circa 1 kilometre pedestrian catchment / 10 minute walking time of a rail station, Luas line, Core/Quality Bus Corridor and/or 500 metres / 5 minute walking time of a Bus Priority Route, and/or 1 kilometre / 10 minute walking time of a Town or District Centre, higher densities at a minimum of 50 units per hectare (net density1) will be encouraged. It should be noted that there are a number of existing bus lanes in the County which afford some localised bus priority, however, following the adoption of the Bus Connects Network Redesign they are no longer part of an overall bus priority network. In this regard higher densities can be justified along the proposed Core Bus Corridor routes (existing QBCs on the N11 and Rock Road) and the Kill Lane/Avenue Mounttown route (Bus Priority Route), which is a strategic bus link between Dún Laoghaire and the N11, along which, sections of bus lanes are already in place. As a general rule the minimum default density for new residential developments in the County (excluding lands on zoning Objectives ‘GB’, ‘G’ and ‘B’) shall be 35 units per hectare (net density1). This density may not be appropriate in all instances but should be applied particularly in relation to ‘greenfield’ sites or larger ‘A’ zoned areas. Higher density schemes should offer an exemplary quality of life for existing and future residents in terms of design and amenity. Constraints to Higher Density Consideration in relation to densities and layout may be given where proposals involve existing older structures that have inherent vernacular and/or streetscape value and where retention would be in the interests of visual and residential amenity and sustaining the overall character of the area. Some dispensation in relation to separation distances, open space requirements and density considerations may be appropriate. 1 Includes only those areas which will be developed for housing and directly associated uses as per Appendix A of the ‘Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas’, (2009). Apartments at Honeypark, Dún Laoghaire. Credit: Imageworks Photography on behalf of Cosgrave Group. 83Neighbourhood - People, Homes and PlaceChapter 4
- In some circumstances higher residential density development may be constrained by Architectural Conservation Areas (ACA) and Candidate Architectural Conservation Areas (cACA) designations, Protected Structures and other heritage designations. To enhance and protect ACAs, cACAs, Heritage Sites, Record of Monuments and Places, Protected Structures and their settings, new residential development will be required to minimise any adverse effect in terms of height, scale, massing and proximity. There may be some specific areas of the County where higher densities, which would normally be encouraged by virtue of proximity of the site to high public transport corridors, cannot realistically be achieved as a consequence of other infrastructural shortcomings – such as the capacity of the local road network. The number of such sites would, however, be limited. 4.3.1.2 Policy Objective PHP19: Existing Housing Stock - Adaptation It is a Policy Objective to: M Conserve and improve existing housing stock through supporting improvements and adaption of homes consistent with NPO 34 of the NPF. M Densify existing built-up areas in the County through small scale infill development having due regard to the amenities of existing established residential neighbourhoods. The existing housing stock of the County provides a valuable resource in terms of meeting the needs of a growing population and its retention and management is of considerable importance. Retaining and adapting, as appropriate, existing housing stock is important to stem population loss in these areas by promoting and encouraging additional dwelling units within existing communities, particularly those suited to the emerging demographics of an area. Implementation of this policy will necessitate the use of the Council’s powers under planning - and other associated legislation - to: M Encourage densification of the existing residential areas in order to help retain population levels through ‘infill’ housing. Infill housing should respect or complement the established dwelling type and character of the area (see Section 12.3.7.7). M Actively promote and facilitate: N Adaptation of existing housing stock to accommodate changing household size and needs by: M Subdivision of larger-than-average family houses in well serviced urban areas. M Extension and sub-division or creation of a family unit. (see Section 12.3.7.2). Rosemount Court, Dundrum. 84dlrcoco | County Development Plan 2022-2028
- M Development of mews buildings and other infill accommodation which does not detract from existing buildings and adjoining amenities (see Section 12.3.7.9). N Co-ordinated backland development on suitable sites that can protect adjoining amenities. M Support ‘Living-Over-the-Shop’ schemes. Encourage residential use of the upper floors of existing commercial properties in retail / commercial areas including in the environs of Dún Laoghaire, Glasthule, Dalkey, Sandycove, Blackrock, Monkstown and Dundrum (refer also to Section 12.3.7.8). M Support appropriate change of use of vacant commercial space into residential use in appropriate locations and having regard to the zoning objective of the area. M Prevent any new development or change of use which would seriously reduce the amenity of nearby dwellings. M Prevent dereliction/decay of existing dwellings. M Prevent the inappropriate change of use of existing residential properties to non-residential uses. In terms of protecting residential amenity, the zoning objectives for residential areas are framed so as to exclude non-compatible uses. In older residential areas, infill will be encouraged while still protecting the character of these areas. Any new communities and additional residential units shall have regard to the character of the area and site context. All new development in established residential areas shall be designed to the highest standards, integrate well into the existing streetscape and be capable of adapting to changing household requirements. Retention and adaption of existing housing stock will be further encouraged by facilitating suitably designed domestic extensions (refer also to Section 12.3.7.1). The Planning Authority proposes to produce a specific Design Guide for domestic extensions, within the lifetime of this Development Plan, subject to available resources. The Council will encourage the retention and deep retrofit of structurally sound, habitable dwellings in good condition as opposed to demolition and replacement and will also encourage the retention of existing houses that, while not Protected Structures or located within an ACA, do have their own merit and/or contribute beneficially to the area in terms of visual amenity, character or accommodation type - particularly those in areas consisting of exemplar 19th and 20th Century buildings and estates (see Chapter 3, Policy Objective CA6 and Chapter 12, Section 12.3.9). 4.3.1.3 Policy Objective PHP20: Protection of Existing Residential Amenity. It is a Policy Objective to ensure the residential amenity of existing homes in the Built Up Area is protected where they are adjacent to proposed higher density and greater height infill developments. M On all developments with a units per hectare net density greater than 50, the applicant must provide an assessment of how the density, scale, size and proposed building form does not represent over development of the site. The assessment must address how the transition from low density to a higher density scheme is achieved without it being overbearing, intrusive and without negatively impacting on the amenity value of existing dwellings particularly with regard to the proximity of the structures proposed. The assessment should demonstrate how the proposal respects the form of buildings and landscape around the site’s edges and the amenity enjoyed by neighbouring uses. M On all developments with height proposals greater than 4 storeys the applicant should provide a height compliance report indicating how the proposal conforms to the relevant Building Height Performance Based Criteria “At District/Neighbourhood/Street level” as set out in Table 5.1 in Appendix 5. M On sites abutting low density residential development (less than 35 units per hectare) and where the proposed development is four storeys or more, an obvious buffer must exist from the rear garden boundary lines of existing private dwellings. M Where a proposal involves building heights of four storeys or more, a step back design should be considered so as to respect the existing built heights. 4.3.1.4 Policy Objective PHP21: Development on Institutional Lands It is the Policy Objective to retain the open character and/or recreational amenity of land parcels that are in institutional use (such as religious residential or other such uses) and are proposed for redevelopment. It is recognised that many institutions in DLR are undergoing change for various reasons. Protecting and facilitating the open and landscaped ‘parkland’ settings and the activities of these institutions is encouraged. Where a well-established institution plans to close, rationalise or relocate, the Council will endeavour to reserve the use of the lands for other institutional uses, especially if the site has an open and landscaped setting and recreational amenities are provided. 85Neighbourhood - People, Homes and PlaceChapter 4
- Where no demand for an alternative institutional use is evident or foreseen, the Council may permit alternative uses subject to the zoning objectives of the area being adhered to and the open character and recreational value of the lands being retained. Where institutional lands – identified by an ‘INST’ objective on Development Plan Maps – are proposed to be developed: M A minimum of 25% of the entire INST land parcel, as determined by the Planning Authority, will be required to be retained as accessible public open space. In determining the area to which the “INST” objective applies the planning authority shall have regard to the existing and historical land use and associations between land uses, and the extent to which any lands contribute to the open character and setting of the core institutional function. M This provision must be sufficient to maintain the open character of the site with development proposals structured around existing features and layout, particularly by reference to retention of trees, boundary walls and other features as considered necessary by the Council (refer also to Section 12.3.7.10). M The provision must be sufficient to maintain and/or improve the recreational value of the site particularly with regard to adding to the sustainable neighbourhood infrastructure of the area. M Any proposal for development other than that directly related to an existing social infrastructure and/or institutional uses, will require the preparation and submission of a masterplan. M Average net densities should be in the region of 35 - 50 units p/ha. In certain instances, higher densities may be permitted where it can be demonstrated that they can contribute towards the objective of retaining the open character and/or recreational amenities of the lands. In cases of rationalisation of an existing institutional use, as opposed to the complete cessation of that use, the future anticipated needs of the existing use, including extensions or additional facilities related to the residual institutional use retained on site should be taken into account and accounted for in the master plan for development on the lands in question. 4.3.1.5 Policy Objective PHP22: Mews Lane Housing It is a Policy Objective to facilitate measured and proportionate mews lane housing development in suitable locations. Mews development will be strictly limited to specific locations where it can be demonstrated that proposals respect and do not injure the existing built form, scale, character, finishes and heritage of the area, subject to both the provisions of legislative The Brambles, Sallynoggin 86dlrcoco | County Development Plan 2022-2028
- heritage protection and the protection of the built and natural heritage prescribed in this Development Plan. Many of the existing mews lanes (historic stable lanes) in DLR are capable of providing interesting and attractive residential environments. Their development could make a useful, if limited, contribution to the overall housing stock, help prevent the emergence of obsolete backland areas, and assist densification of established areas in accordance with the principles of sustainable development. (Refer also to Section 12.3.7.9). The design and finish of mews lane developments should have regard to site specific parameters and reflect the characteristic features of the surrounding area taking into account local materials as appropriate. The Council will evaluate development proposals in accordance with the criteria set out in Chapter 12 Development Management, Section 12.3.7.9. 4.3.1.6 Policy Objective PHP23: Management of One-off Housing It is a Policy Objective to restrict the spread of one-off housing into the rural countryside and to accommodate local growth into identified small villages subject to the availability of necessary services. One-off housing will only be acceptable where it is clearly shown that it is not urban-generated, will not place excessive strain on services and infrastructure, or have a serious negative impact on the landscape and where there is a genuine local need to reside in a rural area due to locationally-specific employment or local social needs (subject to compliance with the specific zoning objectives). (Consistent with NPO 19 of the NPF and RPO 4.80 of the RSES) It is recognised that much of the demand for one-off housing is urban-generated resulting in an unsustainable pattern of development, placing excessive strain on the environment, services, and infrastructure. In order to protect the rural character of the countryside and foster sustainable development it is necessary to restrict the growth of urban-generated ‘one-off’ housing and only facilitate genuine and bona fide cases for new residential development within the County’s rural areas. Development proposals will be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of the ‘Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines for Planning Authorities’, 2005 (and any amendment thereof), Circulars SP 05/08 and PL 2/2017, and the following criteria: High Amenity Zone Objective ‘G’ Within areas designated with zoning Objective ‘G’ (“to protect and improve high amenity areas”) dwellings will only be permitted on suitable sites where the applicant can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Planning Authority that: M There is genuine requirement for housing in the area because their principal employment is in agriculture, hill farming or a local enterprise directly related to the area’s amenity potential. M The proposed development will have no potential negative impacts for the area in such terms as visual prominence or impacts on views and prospects, or the natural or built heritage. Rural Amenity Zone Objective ‘B’ Within areas designated with zoning Objective ‘B’ (“to protect and improve rural amenity”) dwellings will only be permitted on suitable sites where: M Applicants can establish to the satisfaction of the Planning Authority a genuine need to reside in proximity to their employment (such employment being related to the rural community); or, M Applicants can establish to the satisfaction of the Planning Authority a genuine need for an additional dwelling in the rural area and who are native to the area due to having spent substantial periods of their lives living in the area as members of the rural community and have close family ties with the rural community (in accordance with Section 3.2.3 ‘Rural Generated Housing’ of the ‘Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ (2005)). Refer also to Chapter 12 ‘Development Management’, Section 12.3.10. Glencullen Local Area Plan A new Local Area Plan (LAP) will be prepared for Glencullen Village and its environs during the lifetime of this Plan. The 2007 and 2013 update to the LAP set out criteria and a framework for development within this very sensitive landscape, much of which remains robust and relevant. In this regard, any development within the Glencullen LAP are should take account of the 2007/2013 LAP until such time that a new Plan is adopted. In evaluating development applications in other rural parts of the County regard should be had to the guiding principles set out in the Glencullen Design Guide. 87Neighbourhood - People, Homes and PlaceChapter 4
- 4.3.1.7 Policy Objective PHP24: Housing in Green Belt Areas It is a Policy Objective to protect the green belt areas and restrict residential development. The value of green belt areas as enabling longer term strategic expansion of urban areas is set out in NPO 62 of the NPF. In order to ensure that such lands are protected, particularly those identified as strategic land reserves, development in green belt areas will be restricted. Development will only be considered subject to: M The overall objective of maintaining the open character of the lands. M Proposals for new dwellings must demonstrate a genuine need to reside in the green belt area. M Individual dwellings being on lands comprising at least 4 hectares per dwelling. M Demonstrating to the satisfaction of the Planning Authority that proposed development will not undermine the future development potential of lands identified as a Strategic Land Reserve. Any development proposed in green belt lands which are also subject to a Strategic Land Reserve Objective shall accord with Policy Objective CS5, Chapter 2. The use of lands in green belt areas for outdoor recreational purposes is permitted in principle. (Refer also to Chapter 2, Policy Objective CS5 and Section 8.7.11, Policy Objective GIB27) 4.3.2 Housing Choice In tandem with a need to increase housing supply, is the need to facilitate improved housing choice to cater for evolving demographics across the County as analysed in the Housing Needs Demand Assessment (see Appendix 2). By providing good housing choice existing residents can remain within their local communities and new residents to the County will have better housing options to choose from. The RSES notes that the provision “of affordable, appropriate and adaptable accommodation is a key challenge facing the State and the Region”. Changes to legislation and guidance have provided for new housing options in the form of Build-to-Rent (BTR) and the ‘Affordable Housing Act 2021’ sets out legislation with regard to the provision of affordable housing. The legislation does not contain a specific use class for specific house types or tenures including BTR. In terms of housing mix, pending the preparation of a Regional Housing Needs Demand Assessment (HNDA), a HNDA as required by NPO 37 and RPO 9.5, has been prepared as part of this Plan so as to allow the Planning Authority address housing mix (see Appendix 2). Government policy, as per “Housing for All – A new Housing Plan for Ireland, 2021”, favours the use of publicly owned lands in the delivery of a mix of tenures, including private housing, social housing, affordable purchase and affordable rental housing. Under “Housing for all” the Land Development Agency (LDA) will play a key role in provision of affordable housing on both private and public lands. This Plan will encourage residential developments to contribute to improving mix within the County. A Housing Strategy and HNDA for the County has been prepared and is set out in Appendix 2. The Housing Strategy and HNDA addresses the provision of housing for the existing and future population of DLR and takes account of: M The existing need and likely future need for housing for the purposes of the provision of social housing support and; of housing for eligible households; M The need to ensure that housing is available for persons who have different levels of income; M The need to ensure that a mixture of house types and sizes is developed to reasonably match the requirements of the different categories of households, as may be determined by the planning authority, and including the special requirements of older people and persons with disabilities; M The need to counteract undue segregation in housing between persons of different social backgrounds; and, M The provision of good housing mix in all developments will be encouraged to ensure that residents have access to a range of house types and tenures. For the purposes of this Plan the Housing Strategy and HDNA is the HNDA. 4.3.2.1 Policy Objective PHP25: ‘Housing for All – A new Housing Plan for Ireland, 2022’ It is a Policy Objective to support as appropriate the delivery of the actions set out in the 4 pathways contained in ‘Housing for All – A new Housing Plan for Ireland, 2021’. 4.3.2.2 Policy Objective PHP26: Implementation of the Housing Strategy It is a Policy Objective to facilitate the implementation and delivery of the Housing Strategy and Housing Need Demand Assessment (HNDA) 2022 - 2028. 88dlrcoco | County Development Plan 2022-2028
- The Housing Strategy and HNDA in Appendix 2 provides a detailed analysis of the County’s existing housing profile which forms a basis for housing demand generally and social housing provision. The provisions of the Housing Strategy and HNDA will guide new residential developments in terms of the form of housing that may be required within the County. Not more than 20 per cent, of (i) the land zoned for residential use, or for a mixture of residential and other uses, and (ii) any land which is not zoned for residential use, or for a mixture of residential and other uses, but in respect of which permission for the development of houses is granted, shall be reserved for the provision of housing in accordance with Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). In this regard, an Applicant will be required to engage with the Planning Authority at an early stage to ascertain any specific requirements in relation to their Part V obligation. Specific exemptions to Part V where no or a reduced social element may be acceptable are: M Purpose built and professionally managed student accommodation (refer also to Policy Objective PHP29); M Semi-independent or supported living accommodation for older people or persons with a disability (refer also to Policy Objective PHP30). All proposed residential development, or mixed use development with a residential component, shall clearly demonstrate how the resultant mix of house type proposed has had due regard to the Housing Strategy and HNDA and complies with the policies set out hereunder with regard to providing appropriate housing choice. 4.3.2.3 Policy Objective PHP27: Housing Mix It is a Policy Objective to encourage the establishment of sustainable residential communities by ensuring that a wide variety of housing and apartment types, sizes and tenures is provided throughout the County in accordance with the provisions of the Housing Strategy and Housing Need Demand Assessment (HNDA) and any future Regional HNDA. The Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, requires Development Plans to take into account the need to ensure that an appropriate mixture of house types, sizes and tenures is developed to reasonably match the requirements of different categories of households and the demographics of an area. The detailed analysis carried out as part of the Housing Strategy and HNDA (see Appendix 2) has indicated that in terms of age group and family type, while the County has a high level of retired families, DLR displayed an increase in the intercensal period 2011 – 2016 in population in the 40 - 46 age category, an increase in children under five and concentrations of what are called pre family households in Dún Laoghaire Town and in the Sandyford Urban Framework Plan area. This indicates that there is a requirement for a wide variety of residential types and sizes in order to give a real choice of homes and also to build sustainable neighbourhoods. Rochestown House, Sallynoggin 89Neighbourhood - People, Homes and PlaceChapter 4
- Informed by the demographic and housing analysis carried out as part of the HNDA it is a Policy Objective of this Plan that all residential developments, including apartment developments, in the existing built up area and new residential communities (as set out in Figure 2.9, Core Strategy Map) should provide for a mix of unit types and sizes (see Section 12.3.3.1 for detailed requirements at application stage). Schemes should contain an acceptable proportion of larger flexible housing units to ensure that such developments provide suitable and viable long term adaptable options for families. Housing mix in any new development should also have regard to the provisions of ‘Housing Options for Our Ageing Population, Policy Statement’, (2019) and seek to provide suitable accommodation for older people. For Council own Part 8 or Part 10 schemes, the Planning Authority shall have regard to the needs of the social housing list of the Council when assessing mix requirements. The concept of lifetime adaptable and/or multi-generational homes will be promoted in all new residential developments. Such dwellings can be readily adapted to suit the changing needs of the resident(s) and/or facilitate multi-generational living arrangements within one building envelope. In order to mitigate against undue segregation of tenure type, new developments should avoid an over proliferation of a single housing tenure to accommodate the needs of a mixed and balanced community. In this regard, a developer shall be required to have regard to both the existing and permitted house types and tenures within the surrounding and adjoining neighbourhoods and/or district and clearly demonstrate how their proposed development will add to the housing mix of the area. Providing a good mix of house types creates neighbourhoods for people of different ages and lifestyles and promotes inclusion and quality of life. Encouraging good housing mix also allows people the choice and opportunity to remain in a given area while availing of accommodation that caters to their changing needs at particular stages of their life. This concept is explained as the ‘Lifecycle Approach’ and is a core objective underpinning the guidelines ‘Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities’ (2007). This approach helps foster a greater sense of community and allows for increased social inclusion. 4.3.2.4 Policy Objective PHP28: Build-to Rent and Shared Accommodation/ Co-living Developments It is a Policy Objective to facilitate the provision of Build-to-Rent in suitable locations across the County and accord with the provisions of ‘Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments’, 2020 (and any amendment thereof). Proliferation of Built to rent should be avoided in any one area. As the HNDA does not support provision of shared accommodation there shall be a presumption against granting planning permission for shared accommodation/coliving development. The Grange, Stillorgan. Credit: OMP Corocam and Kennedy Wilson 90dlrcoco | County Development Plan 2022-2028
- Provision of ‘Build-to-let’ accommodation was first introduced in 2015 under the provisions of the ‘Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments’. The amended Apartment Guidelines issued in 2018 expanded upon the ‘new’ housing tenure typologies by introducing Specific Planning Policy Requirements (SPPR’s) for Build-To- Rent (SPPR 7 and 8) and Shared Accommodation (SPPR 9). Both housing tenures offer centrally managed rental options to the market and add to the mix of accommodation that could be provided for in certain areas. Subsequent guidance in December 2020 updated the Apartment Guidelines by way of a different SPPR which states that: “There shall be a presumption against granting planning permission for shared accommodation/ co-living development unless the proposed development is either:- (i) required to meet specific demand identified by a local planning authority further to a Housing Need and Demand Assessment (HNDA) process; or, (ii) on the date of publication of these updated Guidelines, a valid planning application to a planning authority, appeal to An Bord Pleanála, or strategic housing development (SHD) planning application to An Bord Pleanála, in which case the application or appeal may be determined on its merits.” The HNDA (See Appendix 2) has not identified any specific demand for shared living accommodation, there is, therefore a presumption against provision of same. Build-to-rent (BTR) accommodation will be facilitated at appropriate locations across the County in accordance with land use zoning objectives. For the avoidance of doubt, BTR is: M permitted in principle in areas zoned objective MTC (major town centre) and DC (district centre) M open for consideration in areas zoned objective NC (subject to retaining an appropriate mix of uses), A, A1, and A2. BTR shall be located within a 10 minute walking time from high frequency public transport routes. BTR will be considered as a component part of achieving an appropriate mix of housing, however, a proliferation of Build to Rent in any one area shall be avoided. 4.3.2.5 Policy Objective PHP29: Provision of Student Accommodation It is a Policy Objective to facilitate increased provision of high-quality, purpose built and professionally managed student accommodation in line with the provisions of the National Student Accommodation Strategy (2017). Purpose built student accommodation should be provided on campus or in suitable locations which have convenient access to Third Level colleges (particularly by foot, bicycle and high quality and convenient public transport) in a manner compatible with surrounding residential amenities avoiding overprovision of student accommodation in any one area. In considering planning applications for student accommodation the Council will have regard to: M The ‘Guidelines on Residential Developments for Third Level Students’ (2005), and any amendment thereof. M The provisions of The National Student Accommodation Strategy (2017). M Circular PL 8/2016 APH2/2016. M Circular NRUP/05/2021. No social/affordable housing will be required with regard to a bona fide purpose built and professional managed student accommodation (refer also to Section 12.3.7.11). 4.3.2.6 Policy Objective PHP30: Housing for All It is a Policy Objective to: M Support housing options for older people and persons with disabilities/mental health issues consistent with NPO 30 in the NPF, RPO 9.1 and 9.12 of the RSES. M Support the provision of specific purposebuilt accommodation, including assisted living units and lifetime housing, and adaptation of existing properties. M Promote ‘aging in place’ opportunities for ‘downsizing’ or ‘right sizing’ within their community. (i) Housing for Older People As demonstrated in the Housing Strategy (Appendix 2), the demographics for the County show a continued ageing of the population in excess 91Neighbourhood - People, Homes and PlaceChapter 4
- of national ageing population trends. Ageing population and the need to provide suitable accommodation for older people has been recognised in the NPF and the RSES. In response to this, the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and the Department of Health published a Policy Statement in 2019 – ‘Housing Options for Our Ageing Population’. The Council will facilitate the implementation of the Policy Statement and promote the appropriate provision of housing for older people in DLR. While the majority of older people own their own homes, some may find that their accommodation is not entirely suitable to their needs. For those who wish to continue to live independently, it is important that the opportunities exists to trade down / downsize, or ‘right size’ within their community or, alternatively, there may be opportunity to adapt their existing home to suit their needs e.g. by creating a family unit. The Council will place a strong emphasis on developments that will encourage the older population the County to downsize, while being also afforded the opportunity to live in their community. It is Council policy that proposals for accommodation for older people should be located in existing residential areas well served by social and community infrastructure and amenities such as footpath networks, local shops and public transport in order not to isolate residents and allow for better care in the community, independence and access. This preference and presumption towards convenient locations applies to any scheme whether provided by communal set-ups or similar, facilities providing higher levels of care, self-contained units or a mix of these (refer also to Section 12.3.8). Where it is proposed to redevelop a site where an existing nursing home or other form of accommodation for older people exists, to an alternative use or residential type, the developer shall be required to justify the removal of the existing accommodation having regard to the demographics of the area. Such a development should also seek to provide for suitable alternative housing options for older people. In instances where it is proposed that the site or a portion of a site be developed for assisted living units, a reduction in the required percentage of social and affordable housing on site may be accepted. This is to encourage the development of these types of residential units. In order to provide appropriate housing for older people throughout the County, the Council will work closely with other housing bodies and agencies associated with the provision of housing for older people and/or assisted living accommodation and will have regard to provisions set out within the DLR Age Friendly Strategy. (ii) Housing for Persons with a Disability The vision of the ‘Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Strategic Plan for Housing Persons with Disabilities’ is to “facilitate access, for people with disabilities, to the appropriate range of housing and related support services, delivered in an integrated and sustainable manner, which promotes equality of opportunity, individual choice and independent living”. It is an objective of the Council to encourage the provision of suitable housing for people with a sensory disability, mental health disability, physical disability and intellectual disability. Location is critical when considering housing for persons with a disability. Access to public transport, local community services and facilities are significant factors in improving quality of life. In terms of housing design, compliance with Part M of the Building Regulations expands options available to persons with a disability. Support is needed for the concept of independent and/or assisted living for those with a disability, and consideration should be given to the fact that some people require live-in care, when designing adapted housing units. The Council will support development which provides respite and/or residential care at appropriate locations and zonings throughout the County. In all cases, development must be in accordance with the principles of Universal Design and the National Disability Authority’s publication ‘Building For Everyone: A Universal Design Approach’ and shall have regard to the Government’s ‘National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021’. 4.3.2.7 Policy Objective PHP31: Provision of Social Housing It is a Policy Objective to promote the provision of social housing in accordance with the Council’s Housing Strategy and Government policy as outlined in the DoHPLG ‘Social Housing Strategy 2020’. The Affordable Housing Act 2021 provides for 20% for social and affordable homes. Government policy seeks to ensure that each household has accommodation appropriate to its needs at a price or rent it can afford, and to provide for persons who are unable to provide accommodation from their own resources. “Housing for All – A new Housing Plan for Ireland, 2021” sets ambitious targets for the delivery of social housing and puts in place the mechanisms to support the increased supply of housing. 92dlrcoco | County Development Plan 2022-2028
Source Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council: Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Development Plan 2022–2028 – Written Statement (2022–2028) · Licence the publisher's termsText read from the publisher’s PDF; tables, maps and drawings do not survive as text, and page numbers are the PDF’s (its first page is 1). Check the original before relying on a passage.