Sir, - The problem of isolated houses in scenic rural locations is giving rise to much concern. I suggest that three fundamental rules should be observed for the majority of such houses.
1. The houses should be single storey. Pitched roofs are now generally accepted as opposed to flat roofs. The colour of roof tiles or slates should harmonise with the landscape.
2. Houses should be in clusters, where possible. This reduces the cost of services - water, drainage, electricity, telephone and cable TV.
3. Landscaping around the houses should be made a condition of the planning permission. This could be enforced by requiring a deposit which would be repaid after a number of years, when the planting can be confirmed as permanent.
When I was Architect in Dun Laoghaire, between 1947 and 1956, I designed the Sallynoggin housing scheme. Instead of planting a tree in the footpath, which did not survive in other schemes, I increased the size of the front gardens and planted a tree for each house. These trees survived. People who live there, and visitors today, can see the effect of this landscaping. - Yours, etc.,
DÁITHI P. HANLY,
Architect and Town
Planning Consultant,
Dalkey,
Co Dublin.