One-off housing - Minister must avoid a rural bungalow blitz

THERE is a strong whiff of political expediency about the timing of Environment Minister Martin Cullen’s decision to introduce new planning guidelines aimed at reducing the number of appeals against one-off houses in rural Ireland.

With local elections looming in June, the Government wants to be seen as opening the door for more one-off houses at a time when Fianna Fáil representatives are getting it in the neck from constituents around the country.

But there is also a strong dose of common sense about the initiative, which is basically aimed at making it easier for local people to build homes in their own areas.