The Office for the Planning Regulator has raised concerns about the high number of new houses being built in Kerry outside of towns and villages.
The independent agency, which assesses local authorities forward planning, has also told Kerry County Council it shouldn’t include restrictions on wind energy development in the new county development plan.
The recommendations were made in a response by the Office for the Planning Regulator to the issues paper for the Kerry County Development Plan 2022 – 2028
The Office for the Planning Regulator says it notes, with concern, that up to 59% of all new residences constructed between 2015 and 2020 in Kerry were located in the open countryside outside of any villages or town.
They add that at the same time the majority of the county’s tier 2 settlements, which are Cahersiveen, Castleisland, Dingle, Kenmare, Killorglin, and Listowel have experienced population decline, with longterm implications for their viability.
The regulator says the next Kerry County Development Plan is a timely opportunity to turn around this trend.
It also states that land use zoning in Kerry should be based on an evidence-based housing occupancy rate, and it’s very important the county development plan resolves any legacy over-zoning issues.
The planning regulator also notes that Kerry County Council should be mindful not to include restrictions on wind energy development or other renewable energy infrastructure in the county development plan.
They say this includes separation distances from residential or other properties or structures, which are not otherwise provided for under the relevant guidelines.
Kerry County Council says it performs its planning functions according to local and regional guidelines, and they’re in the early stages of reviewing the existing County Development Plan.
