A SOUTH Dublin local authority has said it has been unable to sell “affordable housing” valued at €27.5 million.
At a meeting of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council last night, councillors were told 120 affordable properties in Ballinteer, Sandyford, Stepaside, Loughlinstown, Dún Laoghaire, Leopardstown and Dundrum could not be sold despite price reductions.
The properties were acquired by the council under the Planning and Development Acts which required developers to provide 20 per cent of any development to local authorities for social and affordable housing.
The one- and two-bedroom apartments cost €132,000- €180,000, and had been offered to all 1,900 applicants on the affordable housing waiting list. They had also been reduced in price to keep them 20 per cent cheaper than open market value.
The council had subsidised the cost of each unit by €15,000-€30,000 and could not afford to reduce prices any further, councillors were told.
Director of housing Charles McNamara said every effort had been made by staff to increase sales and fast-track closings. But a number of factors were preventing sales. These included difficulties for potential purchasers in securing sufficient, or any, funding from mortgage lenders. The drop in house prices on the open market had also caused problems and applicants were reluctant to commit to a purchase because of uncertainty of employment or because they were waiting to see if market prices dropped further.
“It is now clear there is no interest from affordable [housing] applicants for these units,” Mr McNamara said.
He said the council could consider four options to deal with the unsold homes, including renting the properties to social housing applicants, selling them to a voluntary housing body on the open market, or offering them to affordable housing applicants on a “let-to-buy” basis.
While conscious that no single solution would be suitable to deal with all the unsold properties, Mr McNamara said he was eager to try the let-to-buy option on a pilot basis with up to 20 units. He cautioned councillors that options open to them now might not be available in the future.
Following debate, councillors agreed to consider the council’s proposals at the housing strategic policy committee.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Showing posts with label part v. Show all posts
Showing posts with label part v. Show all posts
Wednesday, 10 February 2010
Sunday, 23 November 2008
The Grange to open its doors to Part V owners
WHEN they first came on the market in 2005, apartments at the Grange in the fashionable south Dublin suburb of Stillorgan offered location, luxury and lifestyle to rival anything found in Paris or New York.
Boasting a 24-hour concierge service to take care of matters such as dry cleaning, ironing, or ordering a taxi, the Grange promised an exotic lifestyle for residents of the development near Stillorgan in south Dublin. With prices for one-bed apartments starting at €435,000 and €575,000 for two-bedroom units, the mortgage payments alone were enough to put paid to the dreams of many.
Three years on, some of those who once had their noses pressed against the polished windows are daring to dream again.
But in the cruelest of ironies for those who secured an expensive foothold at the Grange at the height of the boom, it is the fallout from the bust that will let their new -- and poorer -- neighbours in.
Having failed in their legal challenge to prevent the imposition of Part V of the 2000 Planning Act which insists that 20 per cent of any development must be devoted to social and affordable housing, the Grange's developer, Glenkerrin Homes, have agreed to sell 75 apartments to Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council at a massive discount. The Sunday Independent understands 38 of these units will be placed on the market by the developer under the terms of the Affordable Housing scheme with prices ranging between €213,755 and €305,000 depending on the size of the apartment. All apartments will come with one parking space included in the price.
While the cut-price apartment offer may well upset those Grange residents who paid through the nose for their homes they will at least console themselves with the knowledge that their prospective neighbours are contributing to the economy, as mortgages will have to be taken out on these units. Under the terms of the scheme, anyone earning up to €58,000 as a single person is entitled to apply. For couples submitting a joint application, the income limit is €75,000.
The Council's plans for the 37 other units it intends to purchase at the exclusive development will be reserved for social housing . According to a spokesperson for Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, these units will be used "for the purpose of providing rental accommodation to persons on the council's social housing list". The Sunday Independent understands that a number of residents -- many of whom paid in excess of €620,000 for their homes in 2006 have contacted Glenkerrin Homes to express their anger at the news of the impending arrival of social and affordable housing.
Asked by the Sunday Independent for its response to the concerns of the Grange residents, a spokesperson for Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said: "This agreement is one of many entered into by the council to date, which will provide in excess of 1100 much needed social/affordable homes within residential developments throughout the County which have a Part V requirement."
RONALD QUINLAN
Sunday Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
Boasting a 24-hour concierge service to take care of matters such as dry cleaning, ironing, or ordering a taxi, the Grange promised an exotic lifestyle for residents of the development near Stillorgan in south Dublin. With prices for one-bed apartments starting at €435,000 and €575,000 for two-bedroom units, the mortgage payments alone were enough to put paid to the dreams of many.
Three years on, some of those who once had their noses pressed against the polished windows are daring to dream again.
But in the cruelest of ironies for those who secured an expensive foothold at the Grange at the height of the boom, it is the fallout from the bust that will let their new -- and poorer -- neighbours in.
Having failed in their legal challenge to prevent the imposition of Part V of the 2000 Planning Act which insists that 20 per cent of any development must be devoted to social and affordable housing, the Grange's developer, Glenkerrin Homes, have agreed to sell 75 apartments to Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council at a massive discount. The Sunday Independent understands 38 of these units will be placed on the market by the developer under the terms of the Affordable Housing scheme with prices ranging between €213,755 and €305,000 depending on the size of the apartment. All apartments will come with one parking space included in the price.
While the cut-price apartment offer may well upset those Grange residents who paid through the nose for their homes they will at least console themselves with the knowledge that their prospective neighbours are contributing to the economy, as mortgages will have to be taken out on these units. Under the terms of the scheme, anyone earning up to €58,000 as a single person is entitled to apply. For couples submitting a joint application, the income limit is €75,000.
The Council's plans for the 37 other units it intends to purchase at the exclusive development will be reserved for social housing . According to a spokesperson for Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, these units will be used "for the purpose of providing rental accommodation to persons on the council's social housing list". The Sunday Independent understands that a number of residents -- many of whom paid in excess of €620,000 for their homes in 2006 have contacted Glenkerrin Homes to express their anger at the news of the impending arrival of social and affordable housing.
Asked by the Sunday Independent for its response to the concerns of the Grange residents, a spokesperson for Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said: "This agreement is one of many entered into by the council to date, which will provide in excess of 1100 much needed social/affordable homes within residential developments throughout the County which have a Part V requirement."
RONALD QUINLAN
Sunday Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
Thursday, 13 November 2008
Council spending €10 million at The Grange
It looks like some lucky council tenants could be in line for 37 one and two-bed apartments at the upmarket Grange development in Stillorgan which Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is acquiring for social housing under Part V of the planning and development act for over €10.26 million.
The council has signed contracts with the developer Ray Grehan of Glenkerrin Homes and is looking for a loan from the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to fund the 12 one-beds and 25 two-beds - at an average of €277,240 per unit.
Two months ago Grehan was offering buyers a 15 per cent interest-free loan for luxury two-bed private apartments at the Grange so that they would only have to come up with a 5 per cent deposit. The apartments were being sold at 2005 prices of €525,000.
The council is proposing the €10.26 million would go to BIH Housing Association (Ireland) Ltd, an approved voluntary body that provides accommodation to meet a range of housing needs for single people and families.
A spokesperson for Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said the units at the Grange were allocated to social housing - along with another 38 affordable housing units - prior to the downturn and have been a long time in negotiation.
They did acknowledge, however, that in more buoyant times "there's no doubt that developers preferred to make financial contributions rather than allocate units although this was always our least preferred option", but added that this was never the case at the Grange.
The council has either agreed to acquire units or has already acquired them in a long list of salubrious and high profile south Dublin developments, including 24 social units and 36 affordable units at the Gallops in Leopardstown, and 34 social and 70 affordable units at Beacon South Quarter in Sandyford.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The council has signed contracts with the developer Ray Grehan of Glenkerrin Homes and is looking for a loan from the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to fund the 12 one-beds and 25 two-beds - at an average of €277,240 per unit.
Two months ago Grehan was offering buyers a 15 per cent interest-free loan for luxury two-bed private apartments at the Grange so that they would only have to come up with a 5 per cent deposit. The apartments were being sold at 2005 prices of €525,000.
The council is proposing the €10.26 million would go to BIH Housing Association (Ireland) Ltd, an approved voluntary body that provides accommodation to meet a range of housing needs for single people and families.
A spokesperson for Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said the units at the Grange were allocated to social housing - along with another 38 affordable housing units - prior to the downturn and have been a long time in negotiation.
They did acknowledge, however, that in more buoyant times "there's no doubt that developers preferred to make financial contributions rather than allocate units although this was always our least preferred option", but added that this was never the case at the Grange.
The council has either agreed to acquire units or has already acquired them in a long list of salubrious and high profile south Dublin developments, including 24 social units and 36 affordable units at the Gallops in Leopardstown, and 34 social and 70 affordable units at Beacon South Quarter in Sandyford.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Tuesday, 14 October 2008
Builders say council owes them €6.2m on Part V
TWO CONSTRUCTION companies have brought Commercial Court proceedings aimed at compelling Cork County Council to pay €6.2 million arising from a social housing agreement.
Diamond Developments Ltd and Bride View Developments Ltd, both with registered offices at Dundanion House, Blackrock, Cork, claim the money is due under an agreement of October 2007 for the transfer of two apartment blocks, comprising 24 units, and a community centre premises at a development at Bridgefield, Curraheen, Co Cork.
The companies say the agreement provided for the transfer of the apartments and community centre to the Respond Housing Association, a voluntary housing body nominated by the council, under the social housing provisions of part V of the Planning and Development Act.
The companies claim the two apartment blocks are substantially complete, but further costs of some €150,000 were required to complete the development.
The council had failed to make any stage payments under the contract and had evinced an intention not to be bound by the terms of the agreement, they claim. In light of that, the companies say they have not done the completion works although they are able and willing to do so.
They claim some €6.2 million is due and owing.
The council had told them in correspondence it had made a recommendation to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government concerning the October 2007 social housing agreement.
The companies say they were never told their agreement with the council in relation to their part V obligations was conditional on the department's approval. There appeared to be a significant obstacle in getting that approval, but that was not a matter which concerned the companies, they claim.
In an affidavit, Declan O'Mahony, a director of the companies, said that, given the downturn in the construction industry, the companies were coming under significant financial pressure.
He said it was essential for their financial viability that the proceedings were determined as speedily as possible.
In those circumstances, the companies applied to have the case fast-tracked in the Commercial Court and Mr Justice Peter Kelly yesterday admitted the case to that court's list.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Diamond Developments Ltd and Bride View Developments Ltd, both with registered offices at Dundanion House, Blackrock, Cork, claim the money is due under an agreement of October 2007 for the transfer of two apartment blocks, comprising 24 units, and a community centre premises at a development at Bridgefield, Curraheen, Co Cork.
The companies say the agreement provided for the transfer of the apartments and community centre to the Respond Housing Association, a voluntary housing body nominated by the council, under the social housing provisions of part V of the Planning and Development Act.
The companies claim the two apartment blocks are substantially complete, but further costs of some €150,000 were required to complete the development.
The council had failed to make any stage payments under the contract and had evinced an intention not to be bound by the terms of the agreement, they claim. In light of that, the companies say they have not done the completion works although they are able and willing to do so.
They claim some €6.2 million is due and owing.
The council had told them in correspondence it had made a recommendation to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government concerning the October 2007 social housing agreement.
The companies say they were never told their agreement with the council in relation to their part V obligations was conditional on the department's approval. There appeared to be a significant obstacle in getting that approval, but that was not a matter which concerned the companies, they claim.
In an affidavit, Declan O'Mahony, a director of the companies, said that, given the downturn in the construction industry, the companies were coming under significant financial pressure.
He said it was essential for their financial viability that the proceedings were determined as speedily as possible.
In those circumstances, the companies applied to have the case fast-tracked in the Commercial Court and Mr Justice Peter Kelly yesterday admitted the case to that court's list.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Saturday, 28 June 2008
Funding shortfall halts social housing scheme
FUNDING FOR voluntary social housing in Dublin has been suspended because the city council has used up its annual allocation under the main scheme operated by the Department of the Environment.
A department spokesman said the council had reached its allocated borrowing level for the year and, as a result, no further social housing projects would be sanctioned under the scheme.
Dublin City Council’s allocation under the Capital Loan and Subsidy Scheme is €29 million out of a total of €160 million nationally. It had planned to spend over €87 million.
The funding crisis has arisen because of a glut in completions of Part V housing units; these are units built by developers to meet their obligations to provide 20 per cent social and affordable housing, and which are then sold to local authorities.
After a slow start, the number of Part V completions has soared and, with it, the bill payable by county councils. This has drawn funds away from traditional projects undertaken by housing associations and charitable groups.
The department spokesman said the Part V housing scheme gets priority because the houses are built.
Another factor prompting councils to divert money to Part V housing is believed to be the fear of litigation if developers are not paid.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
A department spokesman said the council had reached its allocated borrowing level for the year and, as a result, no further social housing projects would be sanctioned under the scheme.
Dublin City Council’s allocation under the Capital Loan and Subsidy Scheme is €29 million out of a total of €160 million nationally. It had planned to spend over €87 million.
The funding crisis has arisen because of a glut in completions of Part V housing units; these are units built by developers to meet their obligations to provide 20 per cent social and affordable housing, and which are then sold to local authorities.
After a slow start, the number of Part V completions has soared and, with it, the bill payable by county councils. This has drawn funds away from traditional projects undertaken by housing associations and charitable groups.
The department spokesman said the Part V housing scheme gets priority because the houses are built.
Another factor prompting councils to divert money to Part V housing is believed to be the fear of litigation if developers are not paid.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Friday, 16 May 2008
Planners focus on Part V
A SUBJECT surrounded by great mystery and confusion, maybe Ireland's planners will finally get to the bottom of how Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 actually works.
They will be out in force on May 22nd for an IPI members only conference on Part V, "Lessons learnt, future directions".
Part V requires builders to set aside a percentage of new homes developments for social and affordable housing. So far, so straightforward, but some developers have been allowed give financial contributions to the local authorities in lieu of housing units or ignore the rule in swanky developments, offering alternative units in their less, shall we say, salubrious developments instead.
Speakers at the conference will include Nicholas Mansergh, who was involved in a recent court case relating to Part V. Barrister Brian Conroy will talk about recent case law relating to Part V and IHBA director Hubert Fitzpatrick will give the construction industry's perspective on how it will be implemented.
According to Dr Diarmuid O'Grada, planning consultant and lecturer in planning in UCD, another Part V issue is the "growing anomaly between the urban and rural contributions to Part V" and he says it has essentially become "a levy on apartments. The threshold is set at four units so it is predominantly apartments, and Dublin is making an inordinate contribution.
In rural areas where there is more one-off housing, there is a much lower contribution with Roscommon and Leitrim making zero contribution to Part V last year." He says the property tax was abolished because of similar inequities.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
They will be out in force on May 22nd for an IPI members only conference on Part V, "Lessons learnt, future directions".
Part V requires builders to set aside a percentage of new homes developments for social and affordable housing. So far, so straightforward, but some developers have been allowed give financial contributions to the local authorities in lieu of housing units or ignore the rule in swanky developments, offering alternative units in their less, shall we say, salubrious developments instead.
Speakers at the conference will include Nicholas Mansergh, who was involved in a recent court case relating to Part V. Barrister Brian Conroy will talk about recent case law relating to Part V and IHBA director Hubert Fitzpatrick will give the construction industry's perspective on how it will be implemented.
According to Dr Diarmuid O'Grada, planning consultant and lecturer in planning in UCD, another Part V issue is the "growing anomaly between the urban and rural contributions to Part V" and he says it has essentially become "a levy on apartments. The threshold is set at four units so it is predominantly apartments, and Dublin is making an inordinate contribution.
In rural areas where there is more one-off housing, there is a much lower contribution with Roscommon and Leitrim making zero contribution to Part V last year." He says the property tax was abolished because of similar inequities.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Tuesday, 4 March 2008
Green U-turn on social housing law
GREEN leader John Gormley has performed another U-turn on a key party policy.
The Environment Minister's department has insisted a controversial clause in the planning law which the Greens had promised to amend, will remain unchanged.
The clause allows developers buy their way out of obligations to build social and affordable housing.
Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 required developers to ensure 20% of all new estates contained social and affordable housing.
But in 2002, the Government amended the act, allowing developers to give money or land to local authorities in lieu of housing. Developers can also provide houses built elsewhere to meet their obligations.
Critics argue the opt-out clause is damaging on several fronts. One criticism is that it encourages segregation. Another is that in cases where developers provide money or land, local authorities take time to use it, thus delaying the provision of social and affordable housing.
The current Green Party housing policy, updated last December, promises to "amend" Part V by requiring developers to produce an equal quantity of affordable and social housing in "all" residential schemes.
"The Green Party will also tighten the social housing opt-out provisions of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2002," the policy states.
"We will place restrictions on the use of land transfer, which delay the delivery of ready-made houses, and place limits on the use of the measures that allow developers to fulfil Part V obligations ‘off-site' and pay cash contributions instead of ready-made units."
But Mr Gormley appears to have decided the changes recommended in his party policy are no longer required.
Fine Gael TD Lucinda Creighton recently tabled a parliamentary question to Mr Gormley, asking him if he would amend the law.
Mr Gormley left it to his junior minister, Fianna Fáil TD Batt O'Keeffe, to give the formal answer, which made clear the department will not make changes.
"I am satisfied that Part V is operating effectively, evidenced by its increased delivery of both social and affordable housing. Accordingly, I have no plans to amend the legislation," the answer stated.
Meanwhile, Mr Gormley and his fellow Green ministers, Eamon Ryan and Trevor Sargent, will travel abroad to represent Ireland on St Patrick's Day, a party spokesman confirmed yesterday, without revealing their destinations.
When in opposition, the Greens had criticised ministers travelling for St Patrick's Day.
In 2006, for example, Mr Sargent said: "This Dáil should start to recognise that, outside this House, it is completely unacceptable, regardless of the explanations being put out, that some members are going to be on the other side of the world and therefore, we all have to mark time."
Paul O'Brien
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
The Environment Minister's department has insisted a controversial clause in the planning law which the Greens had promised to amend, will remain unchanged.
The clause allows developers buy their way out of obligations to build social and affordable housing.
Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 required developers to ensure 20% of all new estates contained social and affordable housing.
But in 2002, the Government amended the act, allowing developers to give money or land to local authorities in lieu of housing. Developers can also provide houses built elsewhere to meet their obligations.
Critics argue the opt-out clause is damaging on several fronts. One criticism is that it encourages segregation. Another is that in cases where developers provide money or land, local authorities take time to use it, thus delaying the provision of social and affordable housing.
The current Green Party housing policy, updated last December, promises to "amend" Part V by requiring developers to produce an equal quantity of affordable and social housing in "all" residential schemes.
"The Green Party will also tighten the social housing opt-out provisions of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2002," the policy states.
"We will place restrictions on the use of land transfer, which delay the delivery of ready-made houses, and place limits on the use of the measures that allow developers to fulfil Part V obligations ‘off-site' and pay cash contributions instead of ready-made units."
But Mr Gormley appears to have decided the changes recommended in his party policy are no longer required.
Fine Gael TD Lucinda Creighton recently tabled a parliamentary question to Mr Gormley, asking him if he would amend the law.
Mr Gormley left it to his junior minister, Fianna Fáil TD Batt O'Keeffe, to give the formal answer, which made clear the department will not make changes.
"I am satisfied that Part V is operating effectively, evidenced by its increased delivery of both social and affordable housing. Accordingly, I have no plans to amend the legislation," the answer stated.
Meanwhile, Mr Gormley and his fellow Green ministers, Eamon Ryan and Trevor Sargent, will travel abroad to represent Ireland on St Patrick's Day, a party spokesman confirmed yesterday, without revealing their destinations.
When in opposition, the Greens had criticised ministers travelling for St Patrick's Day.
In 2006, for example, Mr Sargent said: "This Dáil should start to recognise that, outside this House, it is completely unacceptable, regardless of the explanations being put out, that some members are going to be on the other side of the world and therefore, we all have to mark time."
Paul O'Brien
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Green U-turn on social housing law
GREEN leader John Gormley has performed another U-turn on a key party policy.
The Environment Minister's department has insisted a controversial clause in the planning law which the Greens had promised to amend, will remain unchanged.
The clause allows developers buy their way out of obligations to build social and affordable housing.
Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 required developers to ensure 20% of all new estates contained social and affordable housing.
But in 2002, the Government amended the act, allowing developers to give money or land to local authorities in lieu of housing. Developers can also provide houses built elsewhere to meet their obligations.
Critics argue the opt-out clause is damaging on several fronts. One criticism is that it encourages segregation. Another is that in cases where developers provide money or land, local authorities take time to use it, thus delaying the provision of social and affordable housing.
The current Green Party housing policy, updated last December, promises to "amend" Part V by requiring developers to produce an equal quantity of affordable and social housing in "all" residential schemes.
"The Green Party will also tighten the social housing opt-out provisions of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2002," the policy states.
"We will place restrictions on the use of land transfer, which delay the delivery of ready-made houses, and place limits on the use of the measures that allow developers to fulfil Part V obligations ‘off-site' and pay cash contributions instead of ready-made units."
But Mr Gormley appears to have decided the changes recommended in his party policy are no longer required.
Fine Gael TD Lucinda Creighton recently tabled a parliamentary question to Mr Gormley, asking him if he would amend the law.
Mr Gormley left it to his junior minister, Fianna Fáil TD Batt O'Keeffe, to give the formal answer, which made clear the department will not make changes.
"I am satisfied that Part V is operating effectively, evidenced by its increased delivery of both social and affordable housing. Accordingly, I have no plans to amend the legislation," the answer stated.
Meanwhile, Mr Gormley and his fellow Green ministers, Eamon Ryan and Trevor Sargent, will travel abroad to represent Ireland on St Patrick's Day, a party spokesman confirmed yesterday, without revealing their destinations.
When in opposition, the Greens had criticised ministers travelling for St Patrick's Day.
In 2006, for example, Mr Sargent said: "This Dáil should start to recognise that, outside this House, it is completely unacceptable, regardless of the explanations being put out, that some members are going to be on the other side of the world and therefore, we all have to mark time."
Paul O'Brien
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
The Environment Minister's department has insisted a controversial clause in the planning law which the Greens had promised to amend, will remain unchanged.
The clause allows developers buy their way out of obligations to build social and affordable housing.
Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 required developers to ensure 20% of all new estates contained social and affordable housing.
But in 2002, the Government amended the act, allowing developers to give money or land to local authorities in lieu of housing. Developers can also provide houses built elsewhere to meet their obligations.
Critics argue the opt-out clause is damaging on several fronts. One criticism is that it encourages segregation. Another is that in cases where developers provide money or land, local authorities take time to use it, thus delaying the provision of social and affordable housing.
The current Green Party housing policy, updated last December, promises to "amend" Part V by requiring developers to produce an equal quantity of affordable and social housing in "all" residential schemes.
"The Green Party will also tighten the social housing opt-out provisions of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2002," the policy states.
"We will place restrictions on the use of land transfer, which delay the delivery of ready-made houses, and place limits on the use of the measures that allow developers to fulfil Part V obligations ‘off-site' and pay cash contributions instead of ready-made units."
But Mr Gormley appears to have decided the changes recommended in his party policy are no longer required.
Fine Gael TD Lucinda Creighton recently tabled a parliamentary question to Mr Gormley, asking him if he would amend the law.
Mr Gormley left it to his junior minister, Fianna Fáil TD Batt O'Keeffe, to give the formal answer, which made clear the department will not make changes.
"I am satisfied that Part V is operating effectively, evidenced by its increased delivery of both social and affordable housing. Accordingly, I have no plans to amend the legislation," the answer stated.
Meanwhile, Mr Gormley and his fellow Green ministers, Eamon Ryan and Trevor Sargent, will travel abroad to represent Ireland on St Patrick's Day, a party spokesman confirmed yesterday, without revealing their destinations.
When in opposition, the Greens had criticised ministers travelling for St Patrick's Day.
In 2006, for example, Mr Sargent said: "This Dáil should start to recognise that, outside this House, it is completely unacceptable, regardless of the explanations being put out, that some members are going to be on the other side of the world and therefore, we all have to mark time."
Paul O'Brien
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Tuesday, 15 May 2007
Council orders holiday home builder to provide social housing
THE developer of a luxury holiday home scheme has been ordered by the local county council to transfer one-fifth of the development for social and affordable housing.
The exact transfer arrangements and the actual price the council will pay for the units will now have to be agreed, Kerry Council officials said after yesterday's Bord Pleanala ruling.
The houses were being sold through Kenmare auctioneers Sherry Fitzgerald Daly auctioneer, with an average price of over €340,000 including VAT.
A large number of the houses are now sold. They are part of a tax-driven holiday home scheme operated by a management company on a leaseback basis for 10 years.
The developer has eight weeks to comply with the board's order.
The decision came after a dispute arose with Kerry Co Council over compliance with Part V of the planning and development Act 2000, which governs social housing provisions.
Developer Eamon McCarthy, c/o Ryan Walsh Associates of Dun Laoghaire, argued strongly that a holiday home scheme was not suitable for social and affordable housing and offered to pay financial compensation instead.
In 2005, the council granted permission for 42 semi-detached and terraced holiday homes and services buildings at Dromnevane.
A condition was that, prior to the commencement, the developer would enter into an agreement with Kerry County Council in relation to the provision of social and affordable units.
The details were not finalised before the scheme began. The developer and his agents argued the scheme was unsuitable for social housing and proposed financial compensation or land.
They argued the holiday homes were of very high quality, for transient occupation, and for owners looking for access to golf clubs, leisure centre, sailing and sports centres. In addition, the units in the scheme would be subject to management charges '"which will be expensive and rise incrementally". Such charges would not be suitable for social and affordable housing, they said.
Planning Board inspector Robert Ryan noted the area was zoned residential and was within the urban boundary. This holiday home development had a standard residential, not a clustered holiday home, appearance and there were existing housing schemes nearby, he said. He recommended that the council's request for eight units instead of cash should be acceded to.
Anne Lucey
Irish Independent
The exact transfer arrangements and the actual price the council will pay for the units will now have to be agreed, Kerry Council officials said after yesterday's Bord Pleanala ruling.
The houses were being sold through Kenmare auctioneers Sherry Fitzgerald Daly auctioneer, with an average price of over €340,000 including VAT.
A large number of the houses are now sold. They are part of a tax-driven holiday home scheme operated by a management company on a leaseback basis for 10 years.
The developer has eight weeks to comply with the board's order.
The decision came after a dispute arose with Kerry Co Council over compliance with Part V of the planning and development Act 2000, which governs social housing provisions.
Developer Eamon McCarthy, c/o Ryan Walsh Associates of Dun Laoghaire, argued strongly that a holiday home scheme was not suitable for social and affordable housing and offered to pay financial compensation instead.
In 2005, the council granted permission for 42 semi-detached and terraced holiday homes and services buildings at Dromnevane.
A condition was that, prior to the commencement, the developer would enter into an agreement with Kerry County Council in relation to the provision of social and affordable units.
The details were not finalised before the scheme began. The developer and his agents argued the scheme was unsuitable for social housing and proposed financial compensation or land.
They argued the holiday homes were of very high quality, for transient occupation, and for owners looking for access to golf clubs, leisure centre, sailing and sports centres. In addition, the units in the scheme would be subject to management charges '"which will be expensive and rise incrementally". Such charges would not be suitable for social and affordable housing, they said.
Planning Board inspector Robert Ryan noted the area was zoned residential and was within the urban boundary. This holiday home development had a standard residential, not a clustered holiday home, appearance and there were existing housing schemes nearby, he said. He recommended that the council's request for eight units instead of cash should be acceded to.
Anne Lucey
Irish Independent
Wednesday, 9 May 2007
Developers pull out of affordable housing scheme
HOUSEBUILDERS yesterday withdrew from a scheme to sell affordable homes direct to the public following an escalating row with councils.
Developers are unhappy that councils are asking for too many homes on new developments to be handed over for social or affordable housing.
They also claim that trying to work with councils on affordable homes can take up to two years for a process that should take a maximum of eight weeks.
Now the housebuilders’ action means applicants for affordable or social housing will have to apply for homes through local authorities instead, worsening delays in getting them housed.
The row between the Irish Home Builders’ Association (IHBA) and councils centres on an agreement struck last year on so-called Part V affordable homes.
Under Part V of the Planning and Development Act of 2000, housebuilders have to set aside 20% of any new development for social or affordable homes.
Last November, the two sides came to a deal to speed up the process of handing over “part five” homes to people who qualified for such residences.
The housebuilders agreed to deal with the public directly to save council bureaucracy while local authorities agreed to fixed guidelines on how many homes from each development would be used for social or affordable housing.
But yesterday the IHBA withdrew from the agreement, saying local authorities had not been keeping their side of the bargain and had been asking for too many homes while taking too long to deal with reasonable requests.
IHBA chairman Jim Wood said: “Councils are simply ignoring this agreement and we spent the bones of a year coming to a deal with them and then they don’t stick to it.
“We’ve got no problem meeting our obligations but councils aren’t meeting theirs and the Department [of the Environment] isn’t getting tough about it.”
He singled out Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, Waterford and Wicklow county councils as the most problematic local authorities.
But he said the three represented only the “tip of the iceberg”.
The agreement on how both sides can fulfil their legal obligations is not strictly binding on councils as it is only classed as guidance, although the IHBA wants the deal upgraded to a legal directive.
Yesterday, a spokesman for Environment Minister Dick Roche said the IHBA’s withdrawal from the scheme was regrettable.
But the department said: “Any move in this regard by the IHBA will not affect the fundamental obligations of individual builders and developers under part five, which are enshrined in law.
“The success of the part five process is resulting in the delivery of almost 2,200 social and affordable homes in 2006, an increase of some 60% on 2005.
“Further significant increases in delivery are expected in 2007.”
Irish Examiner
Developers are unhappy that councils are asking for too many homes on new developments to be handed over for social or affordable housing.
They also claim that trying to work with councils on affordable homes can take up to two years for a process that should take a maximum of eight weeks.
Now the housebuilders’ action means applicants for affordable or social housing will have to apply for homes through local authorities instead, worsening delays in getting them housed.
The row between the Irish Home Builders’ Association (IHBA) and councils centres on an agreement struck last year on so-called Part V affordable homes.
Under Part V of the Planning and Development Act of 2000, housebuilders have to set aside 20% of any new development for social or affordable homes.
Last November, the two sides came to a deal to speed up the process of handing over “part five” homes to people who qualified for such residences.
The housebuilders agreed to deal with the public directly to save council bureaucracy while local authorities agreed to fixed guidelines on how many homes from each development would be used for social or affordable housing.
But yesterday the IHBA withdrew from the agreement, saying local authorities had not been keeping their side of the bargain and had been asking for too many homes while taking too long to deal with reasonable requests.
IHBA chairman Jim Wood said: “Councils are simply ignoring this agreement and we spent the bones of a year coming to a deal with them and then they don’t stick to it.
“We’ve got no problem meeting our obligations but councils aren’t meeting theirs and the Department [of the Environment] isn’t getting tough about it.”
He singled out Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, Waterford and Wicklow county councils as the most problematic local authorities.
But he said the three represented only the “tip of the iceberg”.
The agreement on how both sides can fulfil their legal obligations is not strictly binding on councils as it is only classed as guidance, although the IHBA wants the deal upgraded to a legal directive.
Yesterday, a spokesman for Environment Minister Dick Roche said the IHBA’s withdrawal from the scheme was regrettable.
But the department said: “Any move in this regard by the IHBA will not affect the fundamental obligations of individual builders and developers under part five, which are enshrined in law.
“The success of the part five process is resulting in the delivery of almost 2,200 social and affordable homes in 2006, an increase of some 60% on 2005.
“Further significant increases in delivery are expected in 2007.”
Irish Examiner
Tuesday, 20 March 2007
Pop star under fire over social housing
WESTLIFE'S Shane Filan has been accused of trying to "buy his way out" of building social and affordable homes on a proposed development by a company he runs with his brother in their home town. The chart-topping boyband singer has come under fire after he opted out of the Part V housing clause when he submitted a lucrative planning application.
The singer and his brother Finbarr offered a financial contribution rather than include subsidised housing in the planned Sligo town development. In a letter to Sligo Borough Council, they said they would prefer this option when their company Shafin Developments recently submitted plans for a 63-apartment complex.
Part V of the Planning and Development Act requires all developers to give up to 20pc of all new homes in an estate to the local authority to provide housing for people on low incomes. Although it is possible for developers to avoid building the homes by making a payment, the omission of social housing in the Filan company's plan has not been well received. Councillor Declan Bree said the plan to build 63 apartments at the rear of Lisroyan House would lead to "social segregation".
Anne-Marie Walsh
Irish Independent
The singer and his brother Finbarr offered a financial contribution rather than include subsidised housing in the planned Sligo town development. In a letter to Sligo Borough Council, they said they would prefer this option when their company Shafin Developments recently submitted plans for a 63-apartment complex.
Part V of the Planning and Development Act requires all developers to give up to 20pc of all new homes in an estate to the local authority to provide housing for people on low incomes. Although it is possible for developers to avoid building the homes by making a payment, the omission of social housing in the Filan company's plan has not been well received. Councillor Declan Bree said the plan to build 63 apartments at the rear of Lisroyan House would lead to "social segregation".
Anne-Marie Walsh
Irish Independent
Monday, 5 March 2007
Residents outraged over plan to 'dump Foxrock overflow'
Developer puts social housing 4km away
DEVELOPERS planning to build luxury homes in up-market south Dublin could be allowed meet their social housing obligations by providing units about 4km away.
Castlethorn Construction, which plans to build 49 homes on Brighton Road in Foxrock which will cost at least €1m each when sold, may be allowed give 63 houses to the local council in Stepaside instead of 10 units on the Foxrock site.
The developer is in negotiation with Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council about providing the homes elsewhere, on the basis that affordable units in Foxrock would be too expensive for first-time buyers.
Instead, Castlethorn is proposing to hand over units in the Belarmine estate in Stepaside to meet their obligations under Part V of the Planning and Development Act.
This compels all developers to give up to 20pc of all new homes in an estate - or cash or land in lieu - to the local authority to provide housing for people on low incomes.
Affordable housing is sold to people at a discount to the market price, with the local council paying the difference to the developer.
But residents living in the company's Stepaside development are furious about the proposal. Of the 608 homes in the area, the council has already acquired 100 for social and affordable housing. It also intends building more social housing on a nearby site it owns, and is planning a Traveller halting site in the area.
While the deal under negotiation is not unusual, Fine Gael has accused the council of coming to the arrangement "by stealth" because residents in Stepaside have not been told of the plans.
The proper site notices accompanying the planning application were posted in Foxrock with no mention of Stepaside, meaning people were left "completely in the dark" about the proposed change, local TD Olivia Mitchell said.
"This kind of planning by stealth is just not on. Young people buying their first home deserve honesty and openness from the planning authority.
"At the very least a new planning application should be required so that local stakeholders have an opportunity to be informed and to voice their opinions.
"The only published planning notice in this case referred to a site in Foxrock. Consequently, residents of the Stepaside area had no way of knowing that a proposal affecting them was being negotiated between the county council and the developer."
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown faces particular difficulties in getting social and affordable housing because land costs so much in the county. The council must buy the homes from the developer before selling them on to people who qualify, but even with a substantial discount they can still be out of the reach of many first-time buyers.
'Stepaside residents had no way of
knowing a proposal affecting them was being negotiated'
It is currently involved in legal proceedings with another developer who is resisting attempts to hand over units at an up-market development in Stillorgan.
Yesterday, the council confirmed that a deal was being considered, but said nothing had been finalised.
Bernie O'Reilly, from the housing section, said the size of the Foxrock homes were "way above" what the council would require, and that the off-site proposal was being considered.
"What is the better benefit - 63 families in Stepaside or 10 living in Foxrock? Each case is evaluated on its merits, there are going to be some sites where it will be difficult to work on and provide social and affordable units."
Castlethorn Construction, owned by Joe O'Reilly, is currently developing 10,000 new homes at Adamstown, west Dublin, and owns the Dundrum town centre.
Paul Melia
Irish Independent
DEVELOPERS planning to build luxury homes in up-market south Dublin could be allowed meet their social housing obligations by providing units about 4km away.
Castlethorn Construction, which plans to build 49 homes on Brighton Road in Foxrock which will cost at least €1m each when sold, may be allowed give 63 houses to the local council in Stepaside instead of 10 units on the Foxrock site.
The developer is in negotiation with Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council about providing the homes elsewhere, on the basis that affordable units in Foxrock would be too expensive for first-time buyers.
Instead, Castlethorn is proposing to hand over units in the Belarmine estate in Stepaside to meet their obligations under Part V of the Planning and Development Act.
This compels all developers to give up to 20pc of all new homes in an estate - or cash or land in lieu - to the local authority to provide housing for people on low incomes.
Affordable housing is sold to people at a discount to the market price, with the local council paying the difference to the developer.
But residents living in the company's Stepaside development are furious about the proposal. Of the 608 homes in the area, the council has already acquired 100 for social and affordable housing. It also intends building more social housing on a nearby site it owns, and is planning a Traveller halting site in the area.
While the deal under negotiation is not unusual, Fine Gael has accused the council of coming to the arrangement "by stealth" because residents in Stepaside have not been told of the plans.
The proper site notices accompanying the planning application were posted in Foxrock with no mention of Stepaside, meaning people were left "completely in the dark" about the proposed change, local TD Olivia Mitchell said.
"This kind of planning by stealth is just not on. Young people buying their first home deserve honesty and openness from the planning authority.
"At the very least a new planning application should be required so that local stakeholders have an opportunity to be informed and to voice their opinions.
"The only published planning notice in this case referred to a site in Foxrock. Consequently, residents of the Stepaside area had no way of knowing that a proposal affecting them was being negotiated between the county council and the developer."
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown faces particular difficulties in getting social and affordable housing because land costs so much in the county. The council must buy the homes from the developer before selling them on to people who qualify, but even with a substantial discount they can still be out of the reach of many first-time buyers.
'Stepaside residents had no way of
knowing a proposal affecting them was being negotiated'
It is currently involved in legal proceedings with another developer who is resisting attempts to hand over units at an up-market development in Stillorgan.
Yesterday, the council confirmed that a deal was being considered, but said nothing had been finalised.
Bernie O'Reilly, from the housing section, said the size of the Foxrock homes were "way above" what the council would require, and that the off-site proposal was being considered.
"What is the better benefit - 63 families in Stepaside or 10 living in Foxrock? Each case is evaluated on its merits, there are going to be some sites where it will be difficult to work on and provide social and affordable units."
Castlethorn Construction, owned by Joe O'Reilly, is currently developing 10,000 new homes at Adamstown, west Dublin, and owns the Dundrum town centre.
Paul Melia
Irish Independent
Tuesday, 16 January 2007
Carroll fights Dublin City Council over affordable housing
This article by Shane Ross in the Sunday Indo' has been on my desk for a couple of days. This is my first chance to put it up:
A ROW has broken out between controversial builder Liam Carroll of Zoe Developments and Dublin City Council over a multimillion-euro development near the IFSC.
Mr Carroll, a veteran of many property battles, is resisting plans from the council to take the normal 20 per cent requirement for affordable housing destined for local people.
Two apartment blocks built by his company (now renamed Danninger) are involved. Under the scheme Carroll is obliged to surrender units for social housing, but is entitled to compensation.
The two blocks, one in the north docklands and the other in the north inner city, contain flats worth in the region of €400,000. Carroll's company is disputing the number of flats it is obliged to provide for affordable housing under the act. The council is seeking 30 units in one project and 16 in the other.
Mr Carroll owns a massive landbank of 40 acres in the docks area, so any decision has huge financial implications for his company, Dublin City Council and local residents. If the row is not settled this week, it is likely to end up in arbitration or even in court.
Local TD Tony Gregory last night protested strongly against Mr Carroll's action. "Mr Carroll's resistance to handing over the units - which are already allocated to local people - is causing great hardship for those who have been waiting for months to move in," said the TD.
A ROW has broken out between controversial builder Liam Carroll of Zoe Developments and Dublin City Council over a multimillion-euro development near the IFSC.
Mr Carroll, a veteran of many property battles, is resisting plans from the council to take the normal 20 per cent requirement for affordable housing destined for local people.
Two apartment blocks built by his company (now renamed Danninger) are involved. Under the scheme Carroll is obliged to surrender units for social housing, but is entitled to compensation.
The two blocks, one in the north docklands and the other in the north inner city, contain flats worth in the region of €400,000. Carroll's company is disputing the number of flats it is obliged to provide for affordable housing under the act. The council is seeking 30 units in one project and 16 in the other.
Mr Carroll owns a massive landbank of 40 acres in the docks area, so any decision has huge financial implications for his company, Dublin City Council and local residents. If the row is not settled this week, it is likely to end up in arbitration or even in court.
Local TD Tony Gregory last night protested strongly against Mr Carroll's action. "Mr Carroll's resistance to handing over the units - which are already allocated to local people - is causing great hardship for those who have been waiting for months to move in," said the TD.
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