Chapter 3
Delivering Homes and Communities
Issues / Recommendations / Observations
Sub. No.
Chief Executive’s Response & Recommendation
incentives provided through central Government. Further support is anticipated following the adoption of the Housing for All Policy by Government. Recommendation: No amendments to the Draft Plan.
• The wholesale transfer of vacant and derelict buildings into new housing units must be a priority. • A greater emphasis on such development would be stimulated by the transfer of any incentives available for new build projects toward renovating and restoring properties.
Residential Density
The density targets provided for in the development plan take into account the need for varying density levels in different areas of the city to cater for a range of house types. However, the density targets place a strong emphasis on apartment delivery outside the city centre and docklands area. This is appropriate adjacent to urban centres and transport corridors but may not be beneficial if applied in a blanket manner. While there is a need for the development of apartments outside the city centre, the need for family housing units is greater and the density requirement per hectare outside of the city centre may impact on viability and delivery.
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The support for the density strategy in broad terms is welcomed. The Housing Strategy (based on the HNDA) has found that c.55% of new households in the Plan period will be 1 / 2 person households and these will drive a substantial proportion of the housing market. The market share for 3 person / 3+ person homes is therefore less than 50% of the market. However, it is acknowledged that there is a latent existing demand for a wide range of reasons that is very difficult to quantify. The densities will vary across the City and relate to the context and provision of public transport in a specific area. Recommendation: No change.
Delivering a Good Mix of Housing
It is submitted that the only way out of the housing crisis is to build more Social and Affordable homes for purchase or rent. There is a very strong need to provide more Social and Affordable homes in the City Centre. 35
Housing for All, the new national housing policy, has recognised that there is a need to significantly increase the number of homes for Social and Affordable Homes nationally. Delivering Social and Affordable homes to contribute to the regeneration of the City Centre and its neighbourhoods is a key aim of Cork City Council for the Plan period.
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