Meath council to write to Minister seeking updates from large-scale developers
Large-scale residential developers in Meath could soon be required to provide presentations and periodic updates on approved developments to elected representatives.
At the March meeting of Meath County Council, Sinn Féin councillor Helen Meyer called on the council to write to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, urging the introduction of new requirements for developers of Large Residential Developments (LRDs).
The motion stated: “In cases where a Large Residential Development (LRD) receives approval from either the Local Authority or An Coimisiún Pleanála, a requirement be introduced obliging the developer to provide an initial presentation and periodic updates on the proposed development to the elected representatives of the relevant Municipal District."
Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Meyer said: “I think it would be really helpful to members to know what has been approved.” She added that presentations from developers would help foster “a good neighbour” approach.
Cllr Maria White supported the motion, saying that the Municipal District should serve as a “one-stop shop for what is happening in our area.”
The council’s written response acknowledged that current legislation already requires developers to maintain a dedicated website for LRDs, providing updates on ongoing projects.
With the motion approved, the council will now formally write to the Minister for Housing to request the introduction of the proposal.
Previously, at a February council meeting, a similar proposal was brought forward by Cllr Meyer. It called for developers to present large residential projects when the applications are submitted.
This was rejected on the grounds that such involvement would breach planning law.
The council responded that the assessment of planning applications is “an executive function that must remain independent of political involvement” under the Planning and Development Act 2000.
The LRDs process which are developments of 100 or more homes involves several steps before an application is lodged, including pre-application consultations, a formal LRD meeting with the planning authority, the issuing of an official ‘LRD Opinion’, and finally the submission of the full application.
At that meeting, Cllr Meyer said she had wished to amend her motion to apply to when LRDs are granted, rather than when they are submitted, which was the version of the motion approved this month.
She had said her proposal was not intended to interfere with the planning process, but to improve communication around the “practical impacts” of large-scale construction on towns and residents.