Guide to Pre-Planning Meetings in Ireland
Pre-planning meetings are a critical step in the planning permission process, offering an opportunity for developers, homeowners, and architects to engage with local planning authorities before submitting a formal planning application. These meetings aim to provide clarity, guidance, and feedback on proposed developments, ensuring that applications are as comprehensive and compliant as possible. This guide outlines what to do before, during, and after pre-planning meetings to maximise their benefits and streamline your planning application process.
Before the Pre-Planning Meeting
Research and Preparation:
- Understand Local Policies: Familiarise yourself with the local development plan, zoning requirements, and any relevant planning policies or guidelines that may affect your proposal.
- Review Previous Applications: Look at similar planning applications in your area, especially those that have been successful. This can provide insights into what the planning authority may expect.
- Prepare Your Proposal: Develop a clear and detailed proposal for your project. This should include preliminary drawings, site plans, and any other relevant documentation that clearly communicates your intentions.
- List of Questions: Prepare a list of specific questions or concerns you have about your project. This might include queries about potential issues, the likelihood of obtaining permission, or aspects of the local planning policies.
Scheduling the Meeting:
- Contact the Planning Authority: Reach out to your local planning authority to request a pre-planning meeting. Some authorities may require you to fill out a form or provide a brief overview of your project when scheduling the meeting. If you have already engaged with an architect at this point, most are willing to attend the meeting either on your behalf or accompany you.
During the Pre-Planning Meeting
Presentation and Discussion:
- Present Your Proposal: Clearly and concisely present your project proposal to the planning officials. Be prepared to explain the rationale behind your design choices and how your project aligns with local planning policies.
- Active Listening: Pay close attention to the feedback and advice provided by the planning officials. Take notes on any suggestions, concerns, or requirements they mention.
- Ask Your Questions: Use your prepared list of questions to ensure that all your concerns are addressed during the meeting. This is your opportunity to gain as much clarity and guidance as possible.
Next Steps:
Clarify the Next Steps: Before the meeting concludes, clarify what the next steps are, including any additional information or documentation you may need to provide with your formal planning application.
After the Pre-Planning Meeting
Review:
- Review Your Notes: Go over the notes you took during the meeting to ensure you have a clear understanding of the feedback and advice provided.
- Reflect on the Feedback: Consider how the feedback from the planning officials might impact your project. Determine what changes, if any, you need to make to your proposal to increase the likelihood of approval.
Follow-Up:
- Request Written Summary: If possible, request a written summary of the feedback and advice provided during the meeting. This can serve as a valuable reference as you finalise your planning application. If you received useful guidance from the planner, requesting a written summary may show your intent to comply and your desire to undertake your development in parallel to the planning authorities objectives.
Finalise Your Application:
- Incorporate Feedback: Make any necessary adjustments to your project proposal based on the feedback received. Ensure that your final planning application addresses any concerns or requirements highlighted during the pre-planning meeting.
- Prepare Comprehensive Documentation: Compile all required documentation for your planning application, ensuring it is complete, accurate, and reflective of any changes made following the pre-planning meeting.
Pre-planning meetings are an invaluable tool in the planning permission process, providing an opportunity for constructive dialogue between applicants and planning authorities. By thoroughly preparing, actively engaging during the meeting, and thoughtfully incorporating the feedback received, you can enhance the quality and compliance of your planning application. Remember, the goal of these meetings is to facilitate a smoother planning process, ultimately leading to successful project outcomes.
