Public consultation on plans for 38,000 new homes in Cork

Members of the public are invited to have their say on plans to rezone land in Cork county for more than 38,000 new homes.

At a special meeting of Cork County Council, councillors approved 29 alterations to the Cork County Development Plan 2022-2028.

The proposed variation seeks to “substantially increase the county’s capacity to deliver new homes by expanding the supply of residentially zoned land and strengthening the foundations for sustainable, balanced growth”, said a council spokesperson.

Under the plans, formulated in response to government guidelines, land in the county’s main towns and villages which was previously zoned for industry or open space will be rezoned to allow housing to be built there.

This enhanced capacity will provide a roadmap for the delivery of a baseline of 38,370 new homes across the county over the next decade, supporting projected population growth.

A previous public consultation, looking for suggestions of land to rezone, saw more than 280 submissions from statutory bodies, public agencies, landowners, and members of the public. A report on these suggestions was prepared and circulated to councillors.

Having resolved to modify the variation to the development plan, the council will now run another public consultation until 4pm on July 10.

Members of the public, community organisations, businesses, and all interested parties are invited to review the proposed modification to proposed variation No. 1 to the Cork County Development Plan 2022-2028 and make submissions.

Full details, including variation documents, supporting materials, and guidance on how to make a submission, are available on the council’s website.