Minister denies amendment to planning bill arose due to lobbying of developers

Junior minister Malcolm Noonan said the controversial amendment to be introduced into new planning laws had been brought forward by officials from within the Department of Housing. File picture: Patrick Bolger Photography

A Government minister has denied there was lobbying by developers for a controversial amendment to be introduced into new planning laws.

Scrutiny of the Planning and Development Bill 2023 has led to focus on a Government amendment which would prevent planning authorities from refusing new developments solely on the basis that housing is maxed out in a particular area under a local development plan.