HUMPHREYS WELCOMES ADOPTION OF SANDYFORD URBAN FRAMEWORK PLAN

STATEMENT BY CLLR RICHARD HUMPHREYS

Labour Party Councillor for Stillorgan

Wednesday, 14 September 2011

HUMPHREYS WELCOMES ADOPTION OF SANDYFORD URBAN FRAMEWORK PLAN

Cllr Richard Humphreys, the Labour Party Councillor for the Stillorgan Ward, has welcomed the final adoption by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council of the Sandyford Urban Framework Plan.

“This plan marks a major step forward in a coherent development of the Sandyford Business District as a better place to work and live, and will bring improvements to the residential amenities of those residents in surrounding areas including in my own ward of Stillorgan.” Humphreys said.  “I am delighted that the plan secured cross-party support amongst the ward councillors and the wider Council membership and its adoption is a good example of how councillors and officials can work together in the public interest despite our different perspectives.”

“At the first reading of the plan, I submitted amendments which were passed seeking to limit new building heights within key locations of the Sandyford Business District, to avoid overshadowing and dominating the surrounding residents.  I am glad to say that although the Manager proposed to increase these heights, I and the other ward councillors successfully opposed this increase.” Humphreys said.

“I am, however, seriously concerned about the issue of unfinished developments in Sandyford.  I successfully inserted a clause in the plan during the first reading which committed the Council to involving itself in the question of unfinished developments, which are a major eyesore for residents.  At the final adoption of the plan, this clause was strengthened further as a result of amendments which I and other councillors submitted seeking consultation with relevant stakeholders.”

“The Manager’s position is that completing unfinished developments is primarily a matter for developers, and that the Council needs only to consult residents within unfinished residential developments themselves.  I would have liked to see wider consultation with residents in adjoining areas and while I am disappointed that this commitment is not included in the final plan I will continue to press to ensure that residents’ voices are heard.” Humphreys said.

“I also submitted a motion, along with other councillors, seeking a commitment that the Sandyford plan would not become obsolete after its 5-year term but would undergo review as part of the next County Development Plan process.  This amendment was also passed and I hope that this will provide the necessary confidence and structure for a successful regeneration of this key area within the County.” Humphreys said.

Ends

Photo caption: Cllr Richard Humphreys at one of the unfinished developments in the Sandyford Business District.