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A LAW PASSED IN MARCH PUSHING COUNCILS TOWARDS DENSER HOUSING HAS BEEN ANNULLED A SARKOZY era law aimed at creating denser housing has been annulled by parliament. The law – allowing for 30%

more living space on building plots – was supposed to help meet a need for more housing. However, Socialist MPs voted it out saying it was not suitable to achieve its aim and caused

complications for councils. The law increased the COS - a ratio between actual living space and total size of plots. It applied to new-build developments but also allowed owners of plots

where the previous entitlement had been used up, to add buildings or extra storeys. Local councils were permitted to formally opt out of it if they wanted to. Housing Minister Cécile Duflot

criticised the law for “imposing a standardised densification across the whole territory, when three densification measures exist already”. She said annulling it would allow for the creation

of “laws that are fairer, more efficient and more sustainable”. She added: “I will put everything in place so as to firm up the presidential promise to build 500,000 homes per year to allow

our citizens to live in good conditions, while at the same time fighting against urban spread.” Her predecessor, Benoist Apparu, said there had been a decrease in housing density over the

last 10 years, which was the reason the law was passed. He added: “I understand and share your wish to create 500,000 homes a year, but if you don’t create them in the right places then that

won’t resolve the problem.” The Association des Maires de France had called the law “too systematic, inflationist and a source of disputes”. Photo:Garuna Bor-Bor