by Caoimhinn Barr, Inishowen Independent
THE number of approved planning applications in
Inishowen has dwindled to its lowest level in more
than a decade, new figures reveal.
Only 354 planning applications have been granted in
Inishowen so far this year, a drop of more than
2,000 from the peak of the boom in 2006, when 2,459
developments were given the green light.
Of the 354 granted this year many were for
extensions to existing properties, the Council
figures show.
And while the international economic collapse has
certainly contributed to the diminishing totals,
Cllr Paul Canning also suspects that stricter
planning regulations are hampering any prospect of
recovery in the building sector.
“If you wish to apply in the country for planning
permission for a one-off house you will require six
sets of plans; six sets of layout maps; six location
maps; a completed application form; two site
assessments for your septic tank; an environmental
report for the habitats directive; a letter giving
of permission from the landowner; a letter from your
local councillor confirming that you are from the
area; a letter from your neighbours giving you
easement rights for vision lines; a cross section of
the site; the prescribed fee and a TTS form showing
the traffic movements to and from your site.
“All of these requirements added to the cost are
preventing our young people from applying for
planning permission in the rural areas, that is the
reason why our figures are only 354 for 2011 and
decreasing further,” Canning added.
He said stringent EU regulations are a death knell
for building in Inishowen.
“It saddens me to witness the dictatorship of the
European Union on our country by enforcing
directives that make it impossible to live or
survive within our rural landscape. It is all too
evident when you look at the planning permission
application figures,” he said.
“In 2000 we had 1,482 applications rising to 2,459
in 2006, today we have 354 applications, take note
that a large number of these applications are for
extension of duration. I would also hold our local
authority partially responsible for this demise, it
suits the budget when you can service the majority
within the towns without having to maintain miles of
country roads and country water mains.”
“The old reliable SI house is no longer an option,
probably the most economical way of housing a person
in the long run than all of the other options, but
it doesn’t suit the infrastructure maintenance.
The septic tank compliance issue will also drive
people into towns,” Canning added.
Approved Inishowen Planning Applications:
2000 - 1482
2001 - 1161
2002 - 1421
2003 - 1900
2004 - 2288
2005 - 1731
2006 - 2459
2007 - 1899
2008 - 1101
2009 - 621
2010 - 535
2011 - 354 |
