Applying for Planning Permission (Step by Step)

Applying for planning permission overview

The legal requirements in respect of making a planning application as outlined in the Planning and Development Acts and the Planning and Development Regulations must be fully complied with.

If the above requirements are not met, Laois County Council will be unable to assess your application and it will be declared invalid and all documentation returned to you.

It should be noted that the planning system is open and transparent and everyone (individuals, residents' associations, etc.) has the right to see an application and to make submissions or observations if they think it will affect them or their neighbourhood. Persons may also make submissions or observations on an application even if they are not directly affected but feel strongly about a particular issue and want to express an opinion.

  1. Pre-Planning Meeting (Step 1)

    Before you submit a Planning Application you may wish to arrange a pre-planning meeting with a Planner to discuss your proposal. It is a good idea to do so, particularly when you are unsure of local planning policies or if your proposal is complex. However, there is no obligation for you to do so.

     

  2. Guide to the Planning Process

    The Office of the Planning Regulator and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage have published a series of planning leaflets dealing with all aspects of the planning system. 

  3. Submit your Planning Application

    It is important to note that this is for information purposes and is to be used to outline validation requirement and assist applicants in meeting these requirements. The onus remains with the applicant to ensure that applications are in full accordance with the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended). Laois County Council must consider whether the applicant has complied with the requirements.

     

     

     

     

  4. Further Information

    In certain cases, an applicant will be requested by the Planning Authority to provide further information as part of a planning application and to give public notice of the submission of this further information, where deemed necessary, having regard to the requirements of the Article 35 of Planning & Development Regulations 2001, as amended.

  5. Making an Appeal on a Decision

    An appeal must be submitted to An Bord Pleanala within the 4 week period from the date of issue of the Notification of Decision.

  6. Development Contribution

    Section 48 of the Planning and Development Acts 2000 (as amended) and hereafter referred to as “the Act” enables the Planning Authority when granting planning permission under Section 34 of the Act, to include conditions requiring the payment of a financial contribution in respect of public infrastructure and facilities benefiting development in the area of the Planning Authority and that is provided, or that it is intended will be provided, by or on behalf of Laois County Council, regardless of other sources of funding for the infrastructure and facilities.

  7. Planning Fees

    You must pay a fee with your Planning Application, which must accompany the application upon submission, or it will be deemed invalid. The amount required depends on the type of development proposed and the type of permission sought