The Strategic Housing Development (SHD) scheme was established in 2017 to fast-track planning applications to improve the delivery of housing, however the planning application process is deeply flawed.
Strategic Housing Development applications lack transparency and meaningful public engagement which results in developments materially contravening development plans. I believe the state should not be complicit in these housing models, which only serve to create transient workforces and unsustainable communities, and lack fair and democratic public participation.
The Minister for Housing, Darragh O’Brien, has given a firm commitment that SHDs will not be extended beyond the planned expiry date in 2021
In the meantime, representatives from An Bord Pleanála - which is the planning board that decides on Strategic Housing Developments - were invited to the Housing Committee. I raised the issue of the Board not complying with local, regional and national development plans, which are currently being side-lined to the detriment of local communities.