Family-friendly ban on shoebox apartments to apply nationwide
Wednesday September 19 2007
TINY apartments with no room to swing the proverbial cat are now being banned nationwide.
Following the recent decision by Dublin City Council to force builders to increase the size of apartments to cater for families, the Government yesterday extended new regulations to all cities and towns nationwide.
While the move will lead to more spacious apartments these will be also be more expensive as builders are certain to increase the purchase price to pay for the extra space.
Yesterday Environment Minister John Gormley published the new guidelines governing the size of apartments being built around the country.
It is hoped that the guidelines will lead to the development of more family-friendly apartments.
Until now, developers have been allowed to build any size apartment that secures planning permission from the local authorities.
However, the new regulations set out minimum floor space and storage space sizes that must be adhered to in the future.
Mr Gormley dismissed concerns that the changes will push up apartment prices, saying the extra cost can be offset by not having to commute from the suburbs.
He also said his guidelines -- which will have to be adhered to by all local authorities and An Bord Pleanala -- will promote sustainable living.
