Sir, – I have followed the two recent cases involving construction without planning permission in Sutton and Meath. I cannot say I am surprised by the attitudes taken by the parties in response to the legal processes.
While I have no doubt both families find themselves in difficult circumstances, their actions reflect a broader and increasingly common sense of entitlement in this country – the notion that one can proceed regardless of legality or the impact on others and deal with the consequences later.
In both instances, the families built even though they did not have the legal right to do so. They now present themselves (in dealing with the consequences) as aggrieved parties, seeking public sympathy.
While their personal situations may indeed warrant compassion – just as many others facing similar challenges deserve – it does not change the fundamental issue: they proceeded without permission. Meanwhile, there are countless others who comply with planning regulations and, as a result, are unable to build or extend their homes.
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The question raised by the Murrays about the potential reuse of the property, rather than its demolition, has a straightforward answer. Granting retention for an alternative use would likely have exposed the council to further legal challenge – for example, on the grounds that if retention could be granted in one form, why not in another?
There are many people across the country dealing with comparable housing pressures. The difference is most do not choose to ignore planning laws or the rights of their neighbours in addressing those challenges. – Yours, etc.
JOAN GREEN,
Fethard-on-Sea,
Wexford.
Sir, – Twenty years ago, Meath County Council refused permission for a particular house to be built. Despite this, a huge house was built, landscaped and then occupied.
Did nobody in the county council, out for a spin on their bike, notice that a huge edifice was being erected on a prominent site despite their prohibition? Did nobody think of shouting “stop"? Such actions might have prevented the current debacle. – Yours, etc,
RODNEY DEVITT,
Sandymount,
Dublin 4.
