Dublin City Council chief executive Owen Keegan says too many build-to-rent schemes in Dublin have made them unsustainable. What’s more, this could impact the long-term housing needs of the city.
In 2020, the number of these schemes applied for or granted was almost 82%. That’s up from just over 15% in 2018. Therefore, the new city development plan should restrict the number of build-to-rent schemes included. And this is contrary to the State planning regulator’s goals.
Large build-to-rent schemes with a lack of housing mix will limit the establishment of viable and stable communities, according to Keagan. And those designed to minimum standards will limit their potential for sale in the future.
As a result, Keagan wants the City Council to ensure that apartment developments meet a high standard, and incorporate different unit types and sizes. Forty percent of them must be standard apartments. Schemes of fewer than 100 units will be assessed on merit. This will help avoid legacy issues and future-proof housing stock.
However, state deputy planning regulator Anne Marie O’Connor said that national policy did not stipulate that design differs for 40% of these schemes. Furthermore, she said there was no evidence to support the view that smaller schemes could not provide meaningful communal facilities and services.