One-off housing policy fails first test

A RADICAL approach by Limerick County Council to reduce one-off housing in rural areas has received a major set back on its first test.

Limerick County Council stipulates that a person applying for permission to build in a rural location must demonstrate that they have an unmet housing need in a case where they already have a house that the council deems sufficient for their needs.

The first refusal on the grounds of failing to demonstrate such a need for housing led to appeal to An Bord Pleanála, which overturned the council’s refusal, granting the applicant full planning permission.