This was one of the consequences of successive confinements. In Rennes, as everywhere else, people looking for apartments only wanted one thing: to have an outdoor space. “People are asking for air, it had become almost systematic”, confided to us then a notary from the Breton capital. The trend was already valid before our months of forced confinement, but it had been greatly reinforced. The heat wave episodes suffered this summer will have further increased this desire for terraces, balconies and gardens.
In Rennes Métropole, what was a selling point for real estate will become a legal obligation. Three years after the adoption of its first local intermunicipal urban plan, the community has just made several changes. The most emblematic imposes a “private outdoor space of at least 4 m²” for all housing that will be built on its territory. No rule imposed it so far.
The measure adopted Thursday evening by elected metropolitan officials aims to “improve the quality of use for residents”. This outdoor space can be arranged in the form of a balcony, terrace, loggia or small garden depending on the type of location. What if that were impossible? “We have a 10% tolerance for apartments in which such a layout is not possible. But in this case, the promoter will have to provide a common outdoor space, ”explain technicians from the metropolis. In fact, all buildings with more than two floors will be affected by this measure.
“It’s a selling point”
By this choice, the elected officials of the metropolis wanted to help the municipalities in their exchanges with the promoters. “Discussions are sometimes complicated. The municipalities generally push for the development of outdoor facilities and there is a very strong expectation from the population”, assures André Crocq, vice-president for territorial animation. Except that builders know that a balcony will cost them more and sometimes drag their feet. “They also know that it’s a selling point,” tempers President Nathalie Appéré. His question? “The cost” which could increase (further) the purchase price in the nine.
It should be noted that the measure also concerns student accommodation, senior residences or homes for young workers. In this case, the rules are the same but the minimum area has been reduced to 3 m². A common space of at least 50 m² will also be required. The measure will take effect in the coming months on all building permit files.