The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) has expressed "huge concerns" over plans by Clare County Council to impose social houses on private housing development in Clare. The move will have a detrimental impact on the commercial viability of private housing developments in the county, the federation claimed.
In a submission to the council, the federation says greater consideration must be given to the commercial realities and wishes of private house purchasers.
In its draft housing strategy, the council says it plans to implement Part 5 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, which requires developers to provide 20 per cent of the value of the site for housing developers for social and affordable housing. It says it anticipates a higher demand for social housing in the county due to the downturn in the economy, predicting demand for social units will grow to 260 by 2011.
The matter will be discussed at the council's December meeting.
In a formal response to the federation's objection, the council says it has limited lands on which to deliver social and affordable housing. It says it will be necessary to increasingly accept units of accommodation rather than cash from developers.
