Builders rejected for planning too few homes in urban areas

DEVELOPERS are being slapped down for trying to capitalise on building spacious homes with large gardens on prime sites in urban areas.

The State needs to build at least 25,000 homes every year to meet demand, but planning applications from builders are being rejected because they are failing to make best use of land in urban areas.

Dr Mary Kelly, chair of An Bord Pleanála, has previously said the board has been forced to refuse permission for housing developments because the densities proposed – or number of homes planned for sites – was too low and contrary to national policy.

An examination of planning files reveals that some 1,500 units have been refused permission by the board since January last year.

In its latest decision, the board ruled that an application to build 113 homes on a seven hectare site at Bearna in Galway, which is on the outskirts of the city, failed to comply with the rules.

In refusing permission, the board said the density of the proposed development was not sufficiently high. The scheme was proposed by Burkeway Homes Limited.

In all, eight two-bed homes, 33 three-bed units and 72 four-beds were proposed, prompting concerns there was an inadequate mix of housing types.

Permission was refused. Government guidelines require that at least 30 homes be provided to make best use of land. The planning inspector said the scheme proposed 20.

Other schemes rejected by the board over the last year include one of 285 homes in Waterford, 34 units in Cabinteely, Co Dublin, and 290 units in Wexford.

Concerns about density were also raised in other schemes refused permission.