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Welcome
The planning system plays a key role in facilitating delivery of infrastructure programmes and in addressing housing supply requirements. Ireland is also one of few European countries that has an independent third party planning appeals system. It is operated by An Bord Pleanála, ( Planning Appeals Board ). The Planning Department of Carlow Local Authorities deals with the planning for the entire county, which since January 2007 now includes the Carlow Town Council administrative areas. However for operational and functional reasons there are seperate forms and notices for both County Council and Town Council areas.
The Department is divided into three main sections. These are Forward Planning, Control of Development and Enforcement.
- The Forward Planning section deal woth the production of the planning policy documents for Carlow. The two main ones are the Carlow County Development Plan & the Carlow Town Development Plan. There is however a number of Local Area Plans produced also. These set down the local policies for an individual town, village or settlement. Copies of all these documents are available at a small fee from the Planning Counter within the Carlow County Council Offices and also available for free download on this website. Please note however that the development plans and local area plans are always subject to variations by the elected members and therefore it is advisable to check back regulary for updated plans.
- The Control of Development section deals mainly with the processing of planning applications. This process starts with the validation of the application right up to the issuing of the final grant. This would be the busiest and therefore largest section within the Planning Department.
- The Enforcement section of the planning department deals with complaints regarding alleged Unauthorised Developments ( UD's ). These UD's can range from developments without any planning permission granted to non-compliance with planning conditions on a granted development. This section has the power to take individuals to court should it deem it necessary to ensure the proper planning and development of an area.
Frequently Asked Questions
We encourage members of the public to review the frequently asked question list available below. A selection of the most common questions are listed. Please contact us with all queries.
- How do I apply for planning permission ?
Applications should be made on the official planning application form. Copies of the form are available from the Planning department and from this website. You will also need other documents such as plans and there will usually be a fee for making the application. A checklist guide to lodging planning applications is available to assist you in making your application.
- Can I employ an agent to apply for permission on my behalf ?
Yes, very few people go through the planning process without availing of the services of an architect or agent. This may take the form of somebody acting as your agent and dealing with the application in its entirety. Alternatively you may have someone prepare the plans, drawings for you and you will submit the application yourself.
- When do I need Planning permission ?
Generally you need planning permission for any development of land or property unless the development is specifically exempted from this need. Development means the carrying out of works on, in, over or under land or the making of a material change in the use of any structures or other land.
- What developments do not require planning permission ?
Exempted developments do not require planning permission. Categories of exempted development are set out in Planning law. They usually refer to developments of a minor nature such as small extensions to houses. Reference must be made to the legislation to ensure that the development falls within the exemption thresholds. If the particular development exceeds the thresholds listed the development requires planning permission. You can get more details on this from our web site.
- Can I get help filling out the form ?
Yes of course. Help is available from a number of areas. You can call to the Planning public counter, use the ‘ Guide to making a Planning Application ’ also available at the Planning public counter and our website or by using the services of an an Agent employed by you to submit the application.
- What is the timescale for a decision ?
Generally 8 weeks from the date of lodgement of an application.
- What happens if my application is invalid ?
If your application is invalid, that is it lacks some of the required documentation, the appropriate fee or is in any other way inadequate It is deemed to be invalid and will be returned to you and the fee refunded. The statutory eight week period within which the Planning Authority must make its decision begins from the time you submit a valid application.
- What newspapers are approved ?
The planning application must be advertised in one of the following newspapers approved by the planning authority for the purpose.
- County: Irish Times, Irish Independent, The Irish Examiner, The Carlow Nationalist, Carlow People.
- Town: Irish Times, Irish Independent, The Irish Examiner, The Carlow Nationalist, Carlow People, The Irish Daily Star, The Sunday Tribune
- What other requirements apart from planning permission are there ?
You must comply with all legislative requirements depending on the type of development. For example all new buildings, alterations to existing buildings or changes of use except for those specifically exempted eg. houses and domestic extensions must comply with the building control requirements. They must all be designed and constructed in accordance with the Building Regulations and Fire Safety Certificates and Commencement Notices where applicable must be obtained prior to commencement of development. More detailed information is available on our website or your agent will advise you of the requirements for your proposed development.
- If the application is granted, when can I begin building ?
There is an appeal period of four weeks from the date of issue of the decision. During this time an appeal may be made to An Bord Pleanala. If no appeal is lodged the Planning Authority will formally grant permission at the end of the four week period. A commencement notice should be completed and received by the Building Control Authority 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. It is only after this notice is validated that development work can commence.