Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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The National Planning Framework (NPF) is a broad national plan for strategic planning and sustainable development of urban and rural areas, with the objectives of securing balanced regional development and a sustainable approach to the form and pattern of future development (a ‘compact growth’ approach). The NPF informs the preparation of strategies and plans at regional and city/county levels, which in turn informs decision-making in respect of planning applications at a local level.

I published the Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements Guidelines in January 2024 to replace the Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas Guidelines issued in 2009. The Guidelines were issued under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended.

The Guidelines expand on Government policy in the NPF, in particular policies in relation to compact growth and sustainable living spaces. The Guidelines outline density ranges that respond to settlement size and the general locality. This is in recognition of the differences between cities, towns and villages as well as those areas which are located in close proximity to centres and public transport services. The Guidelines recommend a plan-led approach to residential density through the development plan adopted by elected members for each planning authority, thereby providing clarity to developers and communities as to the anticipated scale of development that is likely to take place, depending on its location and context.

The Guidelines also contain new development standards for housing, including specific planning policy requirements (SPPRs) in relation to separation distances and open space, that will allow for greater flexibility and innovation in housing delivery. Together with the refined approach to residential densities, the development standards will support the construction of more compact ‘own-door’ housing, alongside traditional housing and apartment developments.

Section 28 of the Act provides that planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála shall have regard to Ministerial guidelines in the performance of their functions. Where the guidelines contain specific planning policy requirements (SPPRs), planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála are required to apply these requirements in the performance of their functions.