Social housing projects to go from four-stage approval process to single-stage
The move is intended to speed up the process of getting Government approval for building social housing, which has been frequently criticised as too lengthy, time-consuming and bureaucratic.
Mr Browne has also announced that he would mandate 'specific design layouts and specifications' for all new-build social housing projects which would speed up planning and building by having a standard design for social housing.
'The single stage process and the use of standardised design layout options and specifications will streamline delivery, and I expect to see a marked increase in own-build social housing delivery from local authorities in particular,' Mr Browne said in a statement after the Cabinet approved the changes on Tuesday morning. 'It is of urgent importance.'
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Currently, local authorities and approved housing bodies who are building social housing projects have to go through a four-stage process to secure approval and funding from Government.
Only smaller projects – with a value of less than €8 million and a maximum of 25 units – can go through a single-stage process.
That single-stage approval process will be extended to all projects, which Mr Browne said would provide 'greater scope for increased and quicker delivery'.
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