Large-scale Residential Development(LRD)

Large-scale Residential Development

Large-scale Residential Development (LRD) arrangements were introduced under the Planning and Development (Amendment) (Large-scale Residential Development) Act 2021 (No. 40 of 2021).

Large-scale Residential Developments (LRDs) has replaced the Strategic Housing Development (SHD) process.

Large-scale Residential Developments (LRDs) applications are made directly to Local Authorities.

A large-scale residential development is:

the development of 100 or more houses,
the development of student accommodation that includes 200 or more bed spaces,
both the development of 100 or more houses and of student accommodation, or
both the development of student accommodation that includes 200 or more bed spaces and of houses.

A new feature of the LRD legislation is that provision is made for up to 30% of the gross floor space of the proposed development to be for other uses, instead of the 15% cap under the SHD arrangements.

Legislative Basis for LRD

The Government, in line with their commitment to end and replace the Strategic Housing Development (SHD) process, established a new application process (LRD). Under this new arrangement, LRD applications are made directly to the local authority. The Planning and Development (Amendment) (Large-scale Residential Development) Act 2021 came into effect as of 17th December 2021, which is the commencement date for dealing with LRD applications. New Regulations and Fee Structures also came into effect on 17th December 2021