PLAN30220

This module examines key aspects of housing policy and planning. The aim of housing policy is to ensure that the housing needs and demands of a complex modern society are met efficiently, effectively and with some measure of equity. Additionally, it seeks to supply housing that is affordable. Examining the housing system of Ireland, along with international comparisons, this module examines the degree to which housing policy and planning achieve their stated aims. In so doing, it analyses housing and planning from the following two broad perspectives:

1) Housing and Spatial Planning:
This section of the module investigates housing and planning at a number of different spatial scales. At the national and regional level it explores issues such as population, housing and settlement strategy. At the city and metropolitan level it explores issues such as urban form and density, the compact city and polycentric development. At the local and neighbourhood level, which the module in particular focuses on, issues such as residential density, infill development, regeneration, planning for new neighbourhoods and urban design are analysed. The issues of land values and planning gain is also analysed.
2) Housing, Society and Economy; This section of the module examines the relationship between housing and the economy, access and affordability to housing as well as comparative housing systems. It also explores the issue of residential segregation, sustainable communities and policies with respect to social and tenure mix. The module requires extensive and critical reading of the academic and policy literature.