AQW 2890/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 06/09/2022
Answered On Date: 14/09/2022
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the guidance given to planners and councils regarding the potential over development of properties such as apartments, which are likely to be sold as tourist rentals or second homes.

Answer:

Relevant policy and guidance is contained in a range of Departmental publications, including the Regional Development Strategy 2035; the Strategic Planning Policy Statement; retained Planning Policy Statement 12: Housing in Settlements and Planning Policy Statement 7: Quality Residential Environments (and its associated addenda); Development Control Advice Note 8 “Housing in Existing Urban Areas; and, ‘Creating Places: Achieving Quality in Residential Developments’. These documents will be taken into account by councils in plan-making and decision-taking for all types of housing, including apartment development.

As you will be aware, here in the North, housing policy is the responsibility of the Department for Communities. DfC has advised that there is limited up-to-date information available as to the extent and in what way second homes or short term holiday rentals impact on housing stress and homelessness. The need for improved housing-related data collection and analysis forms part of the ongoing work of the Housing Supply Strategy which is being led by DfC and on which DfI officials are and will continue to be engaged.

Ultimately, councils have the important responsibility for setting a vision for the long term future development of their areas through the preparation of local development plans. In doing so councils have the flexibility to bring forward bespoke approaches to dealing with any local issues which affect their communities.