Development Plan variation 'opens up land for housing' in Mayo

A resolution to approve a third variation to the Mayo County Development Plan was agreed by Mayo county councillors at their September meeting.

Senior planner John McMyler advised members that the changes will open up additional tracts of land, particularly in the larger towns, for more housing developments.

A programme outlining a series of new parcels of land to be added into residential zoning around the county was distributed to members for consideration, with several planning procedures to be gone through over the next number of months to move the process on.

Cllr Neil Cruise pointed out that sites previously identified in small towns in the County Development Plan for residential development, and which were made subject to the Residential Zoned Land Tax, would no longer be designated for housing under the new variation. He asked whether the landowners would be expected to pay the tax for the years 2025 and 2026.

Mr McMyler said he understood they would have to pay the tax, but that it is up to individuals to contact the Revenue Commissioners to sort out the situation.

Cllr Cruise mused that it did not seem fair that the council could come along and pick out sites at one point, following which Revenue would apply a tax, and then for the council to decide at a later date to remove the same land from residential zoning, meaning they would no longer be subject to the tax.

Head of Finance Peter Duggan said he understood Revenue operates liability in relation to a particular date, “and if you are liable, you are liable”. He said he could not speak for Revenue but imagined they would work along those rules.

Cllr Damien Ryan said the fact the consolidated zoning “is now gone from our small towns and villages is a gamechanger and that is positive”, as he formally proposed the third variation, which was seconded by Cllr Jarlath Munnelly and approved by all members.

Director of Services Joanne Grehan said the variation bodes very well for the development of Mayo.

“The sites identified for additional residential zoning will increase house-building potential in our county and we hear of this need every day. I hope the Department and planning regulator will approve the variation so we can progress housing schemes in our towns because there was not enough being planned.” 

Cllr Michael Loftus asked what timeframe developers who have been granted planning permission must deliver on their projects, noting: "With the amount of houses requested at the moment by people, it is going to cause a lot of problems if we don’t get these houses built.”

Cllr Gerry Murray said it has always been a problem “taking plans from the page to the stage and the huge issue for developers is to get money.” 

Cllr Peter Flynn said he would like the council to support development in proximity to the Great Western Greenway and other active travel strategic routes to allow residents avail of the most sustainable transport options available, and this proposal was seconded by Cllr Ger Deere.

Cathaoirleach Cllr John Caulfield thanked all involved for their work on the variation, which members were advised could take at least six months to come into effect.

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.