Bill to expand LDA’s purchase powers
The Government has approved the drafting of a bill that would expand the compulsory-purchase powers of the Land Development Agency (LDA).
The agency was set up to provide affordable housing on State-owned or acquired land and through partnerships with developers.
James Browne (Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage) said that the Land Development Agency (Amendment) Bill would expand the LDA’s role and accelerate its work.
Mixed-use developments
Under the bill, the LDA will be able to operate in towns with a population of more than 10,000 – instead of the current 30,000.
It will be able to use its expanded CPO (compulsory purchase order) powers to enable the provision of housing and mixed-use developments to include a mix of residential, commercial, cultural, institutional, or entertainment and enable LDA involvement in urban development zones (UDZs).
Under the Planning and Development Act 2024, UDZs are designated areas within existing settlements for large-scale, plan-led residential and urban development.
The new bill also proposes to allow the LDA to support the department, local authorities, and work with the housing-activation office on master planning and infrastructure provision in a range of urban areas.
‘Option’ for private housing
Under the current rules, the LDA cannot build any private housing on State lands.
Under the bill’s proposals, however, it will be able to build up to 30% private housing in the cities of Dublin and Cork, and up to 50% elsewhere.
The department points out that these percentages do not represent a commitment, but an option for the LDA to plan for private homes in its developments if it is seen as appropriate for their proposed schemes.
Exempted developments
Separately, the department has announced that new regulations on exempted developments for residential dwellings come into effect today (27 July).
The regulations form part of the implementation of the Planning and Development Act 2024.
The department says that the new rules, which cover modular dwelling units in back gardens and the sub-division of homes, are aimed at enabling planning authorities to focus their resources on more complex projects.