Planning

Planning Overview

The Castlebar Town Council Planning Department is responsible for the control and enforcement of proper planning and sustainable development in the Castlebar Urban Area and is legislated under the provision of the Planning and Development Act 2000, Planning and Development Regulations, 200l and 2002, 2003 & 2006. The overall strategy of the Planning Department's delivery of proper planning and sustainable development is contained in the Castlebar & Environs Development Plan, 2008-2014.

Functions

The functions of the Planning Department are as follows:

Making and reviewing of the Development Plan
Pre-Planning Consultations
Control of Development
An Bord Pleanála
Enforcement
Protection of Architectural Heritage
Local Authority's own Development
Taking in Charge of Estates
Planning Fees
Planning Contributions
Licensing of Outdoor Events
Licensing of appliances on public roads
Environmental Impact Assessment

Exempted Development

Developments which are exempt, i.e. developments for which planning permission is not required, are set out in Section 4 of the 2000 Act and in Part 2 and Schedule 2 of the 2001 Regulations. The question as to whether development is exempt or not frequently arises in the course of objections and disputes particularly between neighbours. Examples of exempted developments are:

a) Porches of a certain size and extensions of limited size to the rear of a dwelling-house

b) Walls up to a certain height around a dwelling-house

c) Certain agricultural buildings and structures subject to restrictions relating to size etc.

d) Change of use from a take-away, pub, funeral home, restaurant or amusement arcade to a shop – but not from a shop to any of the others

e) The use of a premises for the holding of an election

f) The keeping of greyhounds in an area of up to 50 sq m

g) The use of up to four bedrooms in a house for Bed and Breakfast purposes.

h) Bring facilities (bottle banks)

Note: All of the above and other exempted developments are only exempted provided that they do not infringe other guidelines, e.g. contravene a planning condition, create a traffic hazard, obstruct a public right of way or contravene a Development Plan. It is also important to note that if a development is not listed in the Act or the Regulations as exempted development, then it is development for which permission is required.

Quick Guide to the Planning Process