Don’t let developers set planning agenda
The prevailing philosophy of allowing developers to set the agenda is a short-term response.
The free market is an inefficient way to distribute scare resources fairly and it certainly cannot produce clean air, water or other public amenities.
Facilitating development without an overall plan will inevitably lead to low-density urban sprawl.
This means total reliance on cars at a time of rising oil prices, congestion and pollution. Most importantly, sprawl also inhibits development of critical mass which is vital for economic progress.
Permitting ad hoc requests for rezonings against the recommendations of the regional planning guidelines and the advice of professional planners is rarely in the public interest.
I support the right of politicians to determine the direction of policy. However, this form of democracy can only work if there is widespread public involvement. Where plans can be disregarded (and following this meeting there are now huge inconsistencies in the Wicklow plan), there can be no inbuilt safeguards.
Wicklow people should be vigilant in monitoring developments.
Judy Osborne
Wicklow Planning Alliance
Ashford
Co Wicklow
