Planning Application Pack in Ireland — Drawings, Design Statement, and Site Reports
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A planning application pack for a one-off house in Ireland: drawings (location map, site plan, floor plans, elevations, sections), design statement (explains the siting, the design, and the rural housing local needs case if applicable), site characterisation form (soil, percolation, water), newspaper notice (in a local paper circulating in the area), site notice (a yellow sign on the site for 5 weeks), and the €65 fee. Total prep cost: €3,000–€10,000 depending on architect and site complexity. Site reports (soil, percolation, water) add €1,500–€3,000 if you haven't already done them. The pack goes to the local authority; an 8-week statutory decision window starts on lodgement (12 weeks if an EIS or NIS is involved). Most refusals come back because of siting, design statement weakness, or rural housing local needs. A pre-app meeting prevents most of these.
TL;DR
A planning application pack for a one-off house in Ireland: drawings (location, site, floor plans, elevations, sections), design statement, site characterisation form, newspaper notice, and the €65 fee.
Total prep cost: €3,000–€10,000 depending on architect and site complexity. Site reports (soil, percolation, water) add €1,500–€3,000.
The pack goes to the local authority; an 8-week statutory decision window starts on lodgement (12 weeks if an EIS or NIS is involved).
When this matters most
You're at the design stage and need to know what to prepare for lodgement.
When this doesn't apply
You've already lodged planning or are on site.
Frequently asked questions
What goes in a planning application pack in Ireland?
Drawings (location, site, floor plans, elevations, sections), design statement, site characterisation form, newspaper notice, site notice on the site, and the €65 fee. Site reports (soil, perc, water) if not already done.
How much does a planning application pack cost?
€3,000–€10,000 for architect-led drawings and design statement. €1,500–€3,000 for site reports. Plus the €65 lodgement fee.
How long does a planning decision take?
8 weeks (statutory) for a one-off house, 12 weeks if an EIS or NIS is involved. Rural one-off houses usually take the full 8 weeks.
Sources
Citizens Information, Planning permission for a house. https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/housing/planning-permission/planning-permission/