The Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government is holding a public consultation reviewing the planning provisions regarding Strategic Housing Developments. This is the provision that enables fast-track planning applications for strategic housing developments (SHDs) of 100 or more housing units, or student accommodation of 200 or more bed spaces, or shared accommodation developments of 200 or more bed spaces, to be made directly to An Bord Pleanála for decision, instead of to local councils.

Currently the SHD provisions apply until the end of 2019. The Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government may, by order, extend that period by a further limited period of 2 years, up to the end of 2021. However, prior to the making of such an order the Minister must review the operation and e?ectiveness of the SHD arrangements and lay before both Houses of the Oireachtas a report of the conclusions of the review.

To inform the review, the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government is now launching a public consultation o?ering relevant stakeholders, including the general public, the opportunity to make written submissions on the SHD arrangements which will be forwarded to the Review Group for its consideration.

The public consultation is only open for 3 weeks until Thursday 25th of July. Submissions should be sent by email to SHDReview@housing.gov.ie or by post to:

SHD Review
Planning Policy Section
Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government
Custom House,
Dublin, D01 W6X0

For more information, please click here.