Site size for rural houses in Mayo set to be reduced

THE site size required for houses in rural areas is being reduced under the proposed new Mayo county development plan.

Clarity on the matter was sought by Councillor Annie May Reape at a special meeting to discuss the draft plan, which is to be adopted before next September.

Site requirement should be 2,000 sq. m., not the current 3,000 sq. m, said Councillor Reape.

This is a matter that causes a lot of problems for people where planning is refused.

Single houses within town boundaries, connected to public services, should also be allowed planning, she added.

New rural planning guidelines for the county should be developed, Councilor Reape suggested. Planning should be consistent throughout the county.

Senior planner John McMyler clarified that the area needed for planning permission for rural housing is to be reduced to 2,000 sq. m. in the new plan.

Councillor Sean Carey said there should be a special emphasis on rural planning to keep our schools and villages vibrant.

On rural areas in general, Councillor Al McDonnell said there are some 'serious' submissions in the draft plan from Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the planning regulator, which were totally unacceptable to them and which if accepted would totally close down rural Mayo.

Our national representatives had a lot to answer for, taking their eye off the ball in relation to planning legislation, he said.