Each local authority, in its role as planning authority, may grant or refuse planning applications in accordance with the requirements of the Planning and Development Acts 2000 to 2010 and regulations made thereunder. Voluntary and cooperative housing schemes are subject to planning requirements in line with standard practice.
Local authorities are responsible for the assessment and appraisal of all new voluntary sector projects and ensuring that they are advanced through the planning, procurement and implementation phases in accordance with the requirements of the Capital Works Management Framework for publicly funded capital projects.
In the case of new voluntary or co-operative housing developments, it is a matter for the approved housing body, as Contracting Authority under the terms of the funding schemes, to ensure that such developments comply with the relevant statutory planning and building standards. The approved housing body, as Employer under the terms of the building contract, is responsible for ensuring proper standards of materials and construction.
Local authorities also have responsibility for the enforcement of statutory requirements under the legislative codes governing Fire Safety, Building Control and Planning and Development. Under these legislative codes, local authorities have strong powers to:
(i) scrutinise proposals and inspect works in progress;
(ii) serve enforcement notices for non-compliance;
(iii) institute proceedings for breaches of regulatory requirements;
(iv) seek High Court injunctions if non-compliance poses considerable and serious danger to the public.
Where a complaint is made in relation to a potential building defect, such as inadequate pipework, the local authority would be expected to examine the matter before deciding what action, if any, may be required.