A Clare developer says Ennis town has become ‘a disaster’ for private housing.
It comes as the planning process has been criticised by a number of stakeholders in this county’s housing market ahead of expected reform of An Bord Pleanala.
Discussions surrounding the reform of the planning system have reignited after new analysis revealed that decisions on almost 29,000 proposed houses and apartments are currently awaited from An Bord Pleanala.
Changes contained within the draft Planning and Development Bill would see An Bord Pleanala renamed The Planning Commission.
Fines will also be issued if it fails to meet specified timelines in determining planning applications.
Ciarán Breen of Ciarán Breen Construction in Ennis is hoping that changes in the Planning Act could see an emphasis on feedback in order to resubmit applications, rather than flat-out denying them.
An Ennis Councillor meanwhile wants reform of the planning body to address what he’s describing as ‘ridiculous’ judicial review processes.
Pat Daly, who’s previously called for An Bord Pleanala’s dismantling, is hopeful these new proposals will work well.
Meanwhile, a Clare developer insists further efforts need to be made to stimulate the county’s private housing market.
Larry Brennan of Woodhaven Developments says the current model is pushing builders towards social housing only, rather than a whole-of-market approach.
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