Affordable sites target in Mayo to be increased
Mayo County Council's Housing Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) has rejected two pilot schemes for the sale of a handful of affordable serviced sites for housing on the basis that the target numbers are too low.
Director of Services Tom Gilligan had explained to the recent Housing SPC meeting that five or six houses could be built in the two schemes in Castlebar and Mayo Abbey, but members said 10 or, ideally, 20 homes must be the target.
Mr Gilligan had said that the market value of the sites would be discounted by a maximum of €30,000 and the sites must be used to build a home as a principal private residence. Successful applicants must apply for planning permission within three months and start building within 12 months of receiving planning permission.
While members welcomed the scheme, Cllr Michael Kilcoyne told Mr Gilligan that the target should be 25 houses while SPC Cathaoirleach Cllr Peter Flynn described the low target as “insulting”, saying: “We are as well to put a few camps on The Mall if you are just talking about those levels.”
Cllr Flynn further pointed out that the council had purchased 140 acres on the Ballinrobe Road in Castlebar as well as land on the Lodge Road in Westport.
“I am sure there is other land also for appropriate serviced sites. We asked you to come up with a pilot scheme for affordable sites and expected something of note, not just a handful. Over the last 12 years, we have only provided five affordable houses in the county and now you are talking about just another five or so more.”
Cllr Neil Cruise suggested that given the current housing crisis, the whole county should be designated for affordable housing schemes while Cllr Harry Barrett said there should be a target of at least 100 houses under the scheme.
Mr Gilligan rejected the notion that Mayo was “standing still” on affordable housing, stating there is an application in hand for 35 houses in Castlebar and more in Ballina.
However, following further discussion, it was agreed that the Director of Services would come back with an updated proposal for the next meeting of the forum, with an increased housing target under the affordable sites scheme.
