I propose to take Questions Nos. 224 and 225 together.
Section 34(2) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 provides that when making its decision in relation to a planning application, a planning authority must consider the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, having regard to
the provisions of the development plan;
the provisions of any special amenity area order relating to the area;
any European site or other area prescribed for the purposes of the conservation and protection of the environment including in particular the archaeological and natural heritage;
where relevant, the policy of the Government, the Minister or any other Minister of the Government;
the matters referred to in sub-section (4) of Section 34, i.e. examples of conditions that may be attached to planning applications;
any other relevant provision or requirement of the Act, and any regulations made under it.
In accordance with Section 34(3), a planning authority must also have regard, when considering a planning application, to any written submissions or observations concerning the proposed development made to it in accordance with the planning regulations. Section 18(3)(a) of the Act provides that when considering an application for permission under section 34, a planning authority must have regard to the provisions of any local area plan prepared for the area to which the application relates, and that the authority may also consider any relevant draft local plan which has been prepared but not yet made.