Planning decision process
This is an overview of the timescale for planning permission applications.
Timescale for planning permission applications
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Start
Applicant(s) publish notice in approved newspaper and erect site notice
(View approved newspapers and site notice).
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Within 2 weeks of the newspaper notice
Applicant(s) lodge planning application within 2 weeks of the publication of the newspaper notice
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Between 2 weeks and 5 weeks after the application is lodged
Planning authority acknowledges planning application
If the initial documentation submitted is not correct/complete, the planning application will be invalidated and returned to the applicant.
The planning authority considers submissions or objections.
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Between 5 and 8 weeks after the application is lodged?
Planning authority issues notice of the decision on the application or alternatively may make a request for further information
In some cases the planning authority may request further information before issuing a decision.
In this case, the applicant has 6 months to respond to this request for further information.
The planning authority must make its decision within 4 weeks of the date of receipt of a full response to this request for further information.
In some cases a request for clarification of the further information submitted may be made. In this case the applicant must submit clarification within 6 months from the date of the initial further information request.
In cases where an environmental impact statement has been submitted as part of the application, the timescale for making a decision on foot of the further information received is 8 weeks, rather than the usual 4 weeks.
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4 weeks after issue of notice of decision
Appeal timeframe and final grant
After the planning authority issues a notification of a decision, there follows a period of 4 weeks, within which the applicant or a third party can appeal the decision to An Bord Pleanála.
Where no appeal is lodged within the 4 week period the planning authority issues the "final grant" of permission, except where they have already indicated a decision to refuse.
An appeal may take longer than the application to decide but An Bord Pleanála has an objective to decide appeals within 18 weeks of receipt of an appeal.
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After 4 week appeal period
Final decision issued by local authority
Where no appeal is lodged within the 4 week period the planning authority issues the "final grant" of permission, except where they have already indicated a decision to refuse.
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Prior to commencement of development works
Applicants must:
Comply with all pre-development conditions (including the payment of development contributions (if applicable).
A commencement notice must be submitted online through the Building Control Management System (BCMS) website not less than 14 days and no more than 28 days before the commencement date of the development works. The notice must be accompanied by the relevant fee (€30).
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Commence development
Development work can commence
Development work can commence after site commencement notice has been submitted and the applicant has complied with all pre-development conditions.
Calculation of time limits in the planning application process over the Christmas period
Section 251 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) provides that in calculating any appropriate period or other time limit referred to in the Act or in any regulations made under the Act, the period between the 24th day of December and the first day of January, both days inclusive, shall be disregarded. Accordingly, all time limits specified in connection with the planning application process, including time limits relating to the maintenance of site notices and receipt of submissions or observations (Articles 20 and 29 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended) are extended by 9 days.
Page last reviewed: 16/01/20
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