Draft Dublin City Development Plan 2022 – Proposed Changes to Z15 Zoning Submission Deadline 14th February
The planning system in Ireland is currently undergoing a raft of proposed changes with more changes likely to come in the coming years as the Government seeks to implement its ‘Housing for All’ strategy. While these changes will seek to address the constraints being experienced by the planning system, and which in turn impacts on housing output, new Development Plans being put forward by some Local Authorities are likely to have a detrimental impact on housing delivery.
The recently published Draft Dublin City Development Plan 2022-2028 proposes significant changes to lands which are zoned ‘Z15 – Institutional and Community’. Lands with this use designation typically relate to properties such as colleges, residential institutions, and healthcare facilities such as hospitals. Within the previous Development Plan, residential uses were open for consideration on Z15 lands subject to certain criteria such as the provision of 25% public open space and the preparation of an overall masterplan.
However residential uses will no longer be open for consideration under the new Draft Plan and will only be considered in “highly exceptional circumstances”. It is estimated that there are some 1,833 acres within the Dublin City Council administrative area with a Z15 land use zoning. While a large proportion comprise schools and educational facilities there is a significant portion occupied by religious institutions and bodies. With the decline in vocations over the past number of decades and the ageing profile of the members of most religious orders, a number of them have taken the decision to rationalise their property footprints and release their lands for residential development. This trend is likely to continue over the coming years. High profile examples of residential developments on Z15 lands include Marinella in Rathgar, Ardilaun Court in Raheny, Hampton and Grace Park Wood both in Drumcondra.
If Local Authorities are serious about delivering on the Government’s ‘Housing for All’ plan then all potential options for the delivery of housing should be maintained, including on Z15 lands, particularly when this zoning has successfully delivered quality housing projects in the past.
Submissions on the Draft Development Plan are being invited on or before next Monday, 14th February 2022.
Author: Niall Brereton, Director of Professional Services, Bannon
Date: 8th February 2022
