Govt publishes guidelines to facilitate more one-off housing

Environment Minister Dick Roche has published a set of guidelines that will make it easier for people to build one-off houses in the countryside.

The document has been drawn up in an effort to end a situation where some local authorities severely restrict one-off housing, while others allow it to proceed with minimum restriction.

The new guidelines must be taken into account by all local authorities when deciding on planning applications for one-off houses in their area.

The guidelines state that housing can be allowed in special areas of conservation and other designated areas, provided it doesn’t adversely affect the integrity of the area.

They also state that local authorities should not be “overly prescriptive” in relation to the design of rural houses by insisting that certain materials be used.

Announcing the new rules today, Mr Roche said: “Planning for the provision of rural housing must recognise the strong and continuing tradition of people living in rural areas and should promote and support vibrant rural communities.”