Q1. What is a Pre-Planning Consultation?
A Pre-Planning Consultation offers free advice on a proposed development, before submitting a planning application.
The consultation provides guidance on the planning process. This service is available only to individuals or bodies with a legal interest in the site. If you do not own the land, you must have written consent from the owner.
A Pre-Planning Consultation does not grant planning permission. Any future planning application must still meet all legal and regulatory requirements. The advice given during a Pre-Planning Consultation cannot influence our (the Planning Authority’s) decision or be used in legal proceedings, as outlined in Section 247 (3) of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended).
The benefits of a consultation include:
· Provides a better understanding of the planning application process
· Will help you streamline your planning application
· Saves time and contributes to a faster process
Q2. What can you expect from a Pre-Planning Consultation?
The person applying for planning permission will receive clear, written advice based on the documents submitted with their Pre-Planning Consultation request. This advice will highlight potential issues during the formal planning application process.
After the consultation, a record, along with the relevant documents, will be kept on file as required by Section 247(5) of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended). If you submit a planning application, the consultation record will be made publicly available.
Q3. What information is required?
Applications must include:
· The Pre-Planning Consultation Form.
· A site location map – available on the Ordnance Survey Ireland website here https://store.osi.ie/ The scale required is 1:1000 for Urban Areas and 1:2500 for Rural Areas.
· Drawings of the proposed development.
Q4. Steps to make a pre-planning consultation request using the online portal:
1. Log in or set up a new account for online planning system. Click here to visit the site- Apply here
2. On the site, go to "Pre-Planning Consultations" and fill in the required information.
3. Download and complete the Pre-Planning Consultation Form. It is available on our website here.
4. Fill out the online Pre-Planning Consultation Form with details about your development, including:
· Site address.
· Description of the proposed development.
· Any architectural drawings, site plans, or supporting documents.
File must be in .PDF format, under 20MB, and have filenames with fewer than 60 characters.
Do not include symbols like &, %, or $. Avoid submitting interactive documents.
Make sure all documents are complete and accurate to prevent delays. This is a free service.
Once you submit the online pre-planning application, we will review your proposal and contact you by email.
Alternatively, you can post all the relevant documents and complete forms to: Pre-Planning Section, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, County Hall, Marine Road, Dun Laoghaire, A96 K6C9.
Q5. When will I receive my free planning advice?
We will provide feedback as quickly as possible based on the original submission date. The average time taken to review pre-planning applications and provide feedback is 6-8 weeks.
Q6. Large-Scale Residential Developments (LRDs)
A specific pre-planning application form (Form 18) is required for large-scale residential developments. It is available at the link below.
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