Plans for 10,000 Waterford homes 'double the number of what is needed'

The Office of the Planning Regulator said development in more favourable locations should be prioritised to avoid suburban sprawl

It estimated that 4,800 new houses will be needed in Waterford over the period of the plan which runs from 2022 to 2028. File photo

The State planning watchdog has warned that a new draft development plan by Waterford City and County Council proposes to zone enough land for 10,000 new homes over the next seven years – more than double the expected demand.

The Office of the Planning Regulator said the draft plan runs the risk of development taking place which is not matched by appropriate infrastructure or is “out of scale” for its location.