One off house planning guidelines
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Are there any relevant Irish publications with advise on planning in Ireland. What is the best approach, how to get a planning application approved quickly. Thanks, AD

Most Planning Authorities (ie County or City Council) have planning guidelines, such as 'Guidelines for Rural Housing Developments'. They can be obtained from the Local Authority and it is also worth having a browse of the County Development Plan - if the site is in an area that is not zoned residential or there are other restrictions on planning (which occasionally occur) this may make your planning process more difficult. Some Local Authorities also allow you to send in a map of your preferred site and they will 'scope' its suitability for you in terms of ecological or archaeological designations, groundwater vulnerability, whether it is located within the gaeltacht etc., which are all things that may have a bearing on your planning application. It's not just about design. Galway County Council have this facility and will get back to you within a week of sending them the map.

Hi, Your best bet is to go meet the planner at your local council offices. A lot of county councils now operate Open Planning Sessions where you can go and meet a planner without an appointment. People I know who have met with a planner prior to their application have found it a very valuable experience in relation to what will and will not be acceptable. I am trying to get a list together of Planning Sessions and will publish on www.sitesforsale.ie, probably on the forum..

That sounds like a good idea, I have heard of th meetings but thought you had to have a planning application submitted.

Actually, you could be right there - you may need to make an appointment. Looking at this.. http://www.sitesforsale.ie/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3 it would seem so anyway. Like I said, I am compiling some info and will publish as soon as it all comes together.