Observations/Submissions - Commenting on a Planning Application

The Planning and Development Regulations 2001-2010 have set out the procedures to be followed in respect of submissions/observations in relation to planning applications; these comments may be positive or negative. An appeal of a decision by a Planning Authority can only be made by a third party to An Bord Pleanala, where a valid submission has been received, except in very limited circumstances by an adjoining land-owner who must apply for leave to appeal. Anyone making a written comment on an application is informed of the Council’s decision and of the right to appeal to An Bord Pleanala.

A valid Submission/Observation

To ensure your comments are taken into consideration your submission/observation must comply with the following:

• A payment of €20 must accompany the submission/observation. Payment is accepted by cash at our revenue counter or can be paid by cheque/postal/money orders made payable to Wicklow County Council. Laser and credit card payments are accepted also. If no fee is attached to the submission/observation it will not be considered and shall be returned as invalid. Please do not include cash in postal submissions.
• Any submission/observation received shall state the name of the person or body making the submission and must indicate the address to which any correspondence relating to the application should be sent. Ensure these details are legible.
• In the case of a submission/observation with multiple signatories, an acknowledgement will be sent to one signatory only, the address of which should be indicated on the submission/observation.
• Submissions/observations must be made within 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt of the planning application. The five week period commences on the day that a planning application is received. If the last day of this five week period falls on Saturday, Sunday or a Public Holiday, submissions/observations can be accepted on the next working day. Over the Christmas holiday period, the 9 days from 24th December to 1st January are disregarded and so these 9 days are added on to 5 week period within which you must make your submission.

Please include the Planning Register Reference Number which is available on our website or by calling the Planning Department. Should your submission/observation comply with the above, it is acknowledged by the Planning Department. This is an important document and will be required if you wish to appeal the decision of the Planning Authority.

Invalid Submission

If the submission/observation does not comply, it is returned with the attached monies.

Withdrawn Submission

There is no mechanism in the regulations for the withdrawal of a submission/observation. You may however, make a further addition to your submission advising the Planning Authority to disregard your original submission. This must be done as soon as possible. Both letters then remain on the file.

Data Protection

The planning process is an open and public one. In that context, your submissions/observations are placed on a public file with all other documents submitted. This information may also be placed on Wicklow County Council’s website.