The Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements Guidelines have been issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, meaning that planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála must give regard to them.

The guidelines expand on government policy in the National Planning Framework (NPF), in particular policies in relation to compact growth and sustainable living spaces.

Darragh O’Brien, minister for housing, local government and heritage, said: “I very much welcome the publication of the Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements Guidelines for Planning Authorities.

“They are timely particularly in light of the government’s overall objective to increase housing supply as set out under Housing for All and expand on the higher-level policies of the National Planning Framework in relation to the creation of settlements that are compact, attractive, liveable and well designed.

“While progress continues to be made on housing delivery, the greater flexibility offered by these guidelines will help in achieving our aim of providing a broader range of housing options to meet the needs of a growing and more diverse population.”

Kieran O’Donnell, minister of state for local government and planning, added: “The approach in relation to residential density enables appropriate standards to be applied across a greater range of settlements.

“Furthermore, greater flexibility in residential design standards will support the delivery of compact ‘own door’ housing and a greater range of affordable housing options.

“The guidelines also respond to our national obligations under European Directives and international agreements relating to the management and protection of the environment and biodiversity and the transition towards net zero by 2050.”