Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 January 2007
1795 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on introducing more simplified planning application requirements for persons proposing to widen their gateway onto the public road. [43775/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraGenerally, planning permission is needed for any development of land or property unless the development is specifically exempted from this requirement. Under the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, the provision of a hard surface within the curtilage of a house is exempt from the requirement to obtain planning permission, subject to certain conditions. However, this does not include the widening of a gateway or access to the property.
The widening of a gate or access to a property may seem like a relatively minor development; however it may have significant impacts on road safety, neighbouring properties or the appearance of a house or row of houses. Where this is the case, I consider it appropriate that these issues should fall to be considered by the planning code. Equally, I do not think that the introduction of different planning application processes for different types of development would deliver a more streamlined or simplified planning system overall.
Indeed, where possible I have taken steps to standardise procedures for the making of planning applications. The Planning and Development Regulations 2006 provide, among other things, for a standardised application form for use in all instances, in all planning authority areas. This standardisation will provide clarity in the system and in the processing of applications and will ensure that all relevant information is available to the planning authority in making its decision.
1796 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the bond being demanded by local authorities is so high that it is preventing small builders from building small housing estates; and if he has issued guidelines to local authorities on what would be an appropriate bond requirement. [43793/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraSections 34(4)(g) and 180(2)(b) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 Act provide that a planning authority may attach a condition to a planning permission requiring the giving of adequate security for the satisfactory completion of a development, and, if the development is not subsequently completed satisfactorily, may apply the security to that satisfactory completion. The matter of what is an adequate amount to complete any particular development is a matter for the local authority involved to determine, having regard to the circumstances pertaining in its area. However, in the interests of those purchasing a property in a development, it is essential that the bond be significant to enable the local authority carry out the work if the developer defaults.
