`Locals Only' Plan Turned Down by Planning Board

The `locals only' policy adopted by Wicklow County Council in relation to the sale of houses in certain parts of the county was given a major `thumbs down' by An Bord Pleanala yesterday.

The policy was brought in by the Council last year on the basis that it would ensure compliance with the Strategic Planning Guidelines for the Greater Dublin Area.

However, the developers of six units in the west Wicklow village of Stratford appealed two conditions attached to the Council's decision to grant permission and now the board has agreed with that appeal by saying that the `locals only' policy in relation to these houses must be removed.

It may now have widespread effects across the county with other developments. Only last week the Council members were told at their monthly meeting by Co. Manager, Mr. Eddie Sheehy that the `locals only' policy applied to the Newtownmountkennedy Plan that was passed by the elected members.

Today, the man who initially opposed the policy, Deputy Billy Timmins said he always argued that the Council misinterpreted the Strategic Planning Guidelines. `I believe there is enough divisiveness in modern society without bringing in even more unnecessary divides', he added.

Said Deputy Timmins - `I completely disagree with the `locals only' policy because anyone from anywhere in Ireland should be entitled to live in the towns and villages of Co. Wicklow'.

He pointed out that around sixty per cent of the Wicklow population live in Bray, Greystones, Delgany, Wicklow and Arklow, all of which are designated growth areas. `The locals only restriction on living in other parts of Wicklow will force more people to move to these towns creating a greater demand for housing and an inevitable rise in house prices in these areas', said Deputy Timmins.

Meanwhile Deputy Liz McManus has criticised the Minister for the Environment Noel Dempsey TD. The minister should "get his act together and give clear guidance on planning policy", she said. "It is time that the Minister for the Environment clarifies what Government planning policy is", said Deputy McManus. "At present the situation is a total shambles".