What is Planning Permission?
Planning permission is how you ask your local authority to agree to your proposed building work. It can be approved or refused by the local authority. The planning permission process is used to stop inappropriate building and developments and approve those that are suitable.
There are 2 types of planning permission:
- Permission
- Outline permission
The most common type of planning permission is ‘Permission’, which is sometimes called Full Permission. This is where the local authority agrees to your work. Permission is normally subject to conditions, some of which may require changes to your proposals. Planning permission normally lasts for 5 years.
‘Outline permission’ is where you apply to see if the local authority agrees in principle with you building a house or large extension. When applying for outline permission, you only need certain plans and details about your proposal. You need to produce enough for the planning authority to make a decision about the siting, layout, or other proposals for development. Generally, outline permission lasts for 3 years. If you get outline permission, you will then have to submit detailed drawings and get consequent permission before you start building work
When will you need Planning Permission?
You will need planning permission if you are going to build a house. You may need planning permission if you want to build an extension or make other changes to your existing house. Some small extensions and conservatories do not need planning permission. You should always check this with your local authority before you start any building.
You will also need planning permission if you want to significantly change how you use your land or buildings. For example, you will need planning permission to open a crèche on your property and you may need it if you are renting your property for short-term lets. There are some exceptions to this, for example, you do not need planning permission to change certain vacant commercial properties (including pubs) into homes. These exceptions are set out in the Planning & Development Regulations 2001 to 2021.
You may also need planning permission for a modular home or building. This depends on a number of factors such as how big it is, where it will be situated, and what it will be used for. A modular home is a home that is built off-site and then delivered and finished at the planned location. These homes are often known as rapid-build homes as they are quicker to build.
If you are unsure whether you’ll need planning or not get in touch with us to discuss further.
What Happens if I need planning permission but I don’t apply for it or get it?
It is an offence to do work that requires planning permission, without having planning permission. This offense can carry very large fines and possible imprisonment. However, if a genuine mistake has been made, it is possible to apply for planning permission to retain an unauthorised development. This permission can be refused, in which case, the unauthorised development will have to be demolished.
How much does it cost to apply for planning permission?
You have to pay a fee with your planning application. Different fees apply to different types of development. For example, the current fee for an application to build a house is €65. The fee for a house extension or the conversion of a garage for use as part of a house is €34.
Before applying for planning permission you must give public notice of your proposals.
You do this by:
- Putting a notice in a local newspaper (your local authority will have a list), and
- Putting up a site notice that can be clearly seen and read
You will find details of the information that must be contained in the notices in the planning application form. Your planning application must be received by the local authority within 2 weeks of the notice appearing in the local newspaper and the site notice going up.
Note:
The site notice must remain in place for at least 5 weeks from the date of receipt of the planning application. (Note, nine days over Christmas, from 24 December to 1 January, are not taken into account when calculating the 5-week period).
How to apply for planning permission
Navigating the complexities of planning permission can be daunting, but Midlands Real Estate is here to guide you through every step. Our expertise in liaising with local authorities ensures your planning application is not just a formality, but a streamlined process. Our team, made up of Project Managers and Engineers will help make your vision a reality by getting your planning application submitted for review in a timely manner.
What happens after I submit my application?
Anyone can make a written submission or observation objecting to or supporting your planning application. It costs €20 to make a submission. Generally, the local planning authority must make a decision on a planning application within 8 weeks of receiving the application, but if the local authority needs more information, or the decision is appealed, it may take much longer. The decision will be notified in writing to you and anyone who commented on your application.
If my application is accepted
If the local authority decides to give you planning permission, you will get a notice of intention to grant planning permission. If no one appeals the decision to An Bord Pleanála within 4 weeks of the date of this decision, you will be granted planning permission from the local authority.
If my application is refused
If the local authority refuses your application, it will give you the reasons for this. You have 4 weeks from the date of this decision to make an appeal to An Bord Pleanala.
In conclusion, at Midlands Real Estate, we understand that applying for planning permission can be a complex and often overwhelming process. Our team is committed to simplifying this journey for you. At MRE, we’re not just about real estate; we’re about real solutions.
CLICK HERE and let us help you navigate the intricacies of planning permission, turning your project into a reality with professionalism and ease.
