Pre Planning
The planning process can be complex and difficult to understand, particularly for those who may be unfamiliar with the system.
The purpose of pre-planning is to afford the opportunity to an applicant for planning permission,
to seek advise from the planning authority on the proposed development.
This advice would include, indicating the relevant objectives and policies of the development plan that may have a bearing on the decision of the application.
In relation to small scale developments, this advice may be given via, a telephone call, correspondence or email. It is not always necessary to hold a pre-planning meeting.
This will often depend on the scale of the development.
Generally, pre-planning meetings are held in relation to large scale, complex developments.
To assist applicants, Wicklow County Council has prepared pre-planning guides for developments of the following nature:
Pre Planning Guides
Pre Planning Application Form
Formats available:
Choosing an agent
A good agent will provide invaluable advice to an applicant when considering a
planning application. They will
provide advice on County Development Plan policies, site selection, house
design, effluent disposal, water supply and traffic issues. They should also identify the major issues in advance that may relate to
a particular site.
It must be remembered that pre-planning advice is of a preliminary nature and
cannot prejudice the performance of the planning authority if any other
functions under the Planning and Development Act or regulations. It may be the case that a site visit is not undertaken as part of the
pre-planning process, and therefore issues will not have been examined in
detail. In addition, issues that may
be relevant to the Environmental Health Officer and Area Engineer will not be
covered as they would not normally be part of the pre-planning process. Again, the role of a good agent is very important in relation to these
matters.
It should also be noted that there is no third party
involvement in the pre-planning process, e.g. affected neighbours, prescribed
bodies, internal reports etc.
Wicklow County Council staff will give as much as advice as possible, however,
it is not the role of the staff to take the role of a good agent.
In addition, applicants should be aware that a pre-planning consultation is not
essential. In most cases, a good
agent will identify the key issues
for the applicant in order that an application may be submitted.
The role of the Elected Members
Generally, the elected Member has no role in relation to
pre-planning. They may submit a
pre-planning query on behalf of the applicant and request that advice issue to
the applicant or to the member on their behalf.
The elected Member has a very important role in determining the planning policy
for the county, as set out in the County Development Plan, Local Area Plans etc.
The Member’s role in relation to planning applications is confined to making
representations on behalf of either the applicant or third parties on a
particular application.
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