Rural Planning

Found this on FG website – sounds very wishy washy methinks. Also appears to be an attack on proper planning: “without having to fight with planners” (see below). Would like your comments as I am attending this conference this weekend at the Burlo.

(Proposed Policy motion)
No 15. RURAL HOUSING
Young Fine Gael recognises the fundamental right of the citizens of rural Ireland to build homes in their own locality and also recognises the importance of rural home building in protecting the future of Ireland’s rural communities. But Young Fine Gael also recognises the need in very limited and specific cases to regulate rural building to preserve areas of visual and environmental sensitivity.
Young Fine Gael therefore proposes
i) That each local authority shall following comprehensive public consultation, draw up a ‘Charter for building in rural areas’ as part of their Development Plan. This charter shall list all architectural and environmental requirements for building houses in rural areas, as well as defining and listing areas of visual and environmental sensitivity in which rural building may be limited or prohibited. Where a person wishing to build a one-off rural house submits plans that meet the requirements of the charter, they shall be ensured the undeniable right to build their house without delay and without having to fight with the planners.
ii) Targeted funding should be made available to rural community groups (including IRD and LEADER companies), to draw and fund up their own rural area residential plans to promote the development of one-off houses in their community in village-type settlements so as to improve the community’s economic and social sustainability.
Proposed by: Castlebar YFG
Related Motions: YFG University of Limerick, YFG National Executive