asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware of the very serious financial consequences which the proposed local authority development charges will have on agricultural development; what charges will be imposed on a slatted farm building of 60 ft. × 25 ft. and on a silage pit of 60 ft. × 35 ft. with a concrete apron of same size; and if he will amend immediately the order to take the problem of the agricultural industry into consideration.
Written Answers . - Local Authority Development Charges .
539.
: Under the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 1977, agricultural development of less than 400 square metres floor area is exempt from planning control in most circumstances and does not need planning permission. Hence the question of payment of a fee will not arise for most agricultural development. Where permission is required, the fees payable under the Local Government (Planning and Development) (Fees and Amendment) Regulations, 1983 are as follows:
Buildings of less than 400 square metres gross floor space, £40; Buildings of more than 400 square metres gross floor space, £40 or £1.75 per square metre in excess of 400 square metres, whichever is the greater; Any other agricultural structure, £40.
The development mentioned by the Deputy would not normally need planning permission in which case payment of a fee would not arise. Where permission is required, a fee of £40 would apply.
From the foregoing it will be apparent that in designing the fees system I have paid particular attention to the needs of the agricultural sector and that the level of fee applying could not be considered an undue burden.