Introducing the Planning System • 3
1. What is planning? Planning plays an important role in our society. It enables us to make the best use of our resources and allows necessary and worthwhile development to go ahead. It also ensures that the environment and heritage of our towns, cities and countryside is protected. Planning authorities control the location, amount and type of development by making decisions on planning applications. Everyone has a right to comment on planning matters and to shape the planning and development of their area. 2. Why is planning important? Planning ensures that the right development happens in the right place at the right time, benefitting communities and the economy. It plays a critical role in identifying what development is needed and where. It helps to decide what areas need to be protected or enhanced and assesses the suitability of proposed development.
3. What are the main features of the planning system? The main features of the planning system are:
• making development plans, • the need for planning permission,
• exempted development (i.e. minor works where planning permission is not required), • appeals against planning decisions, and • planning enforcement.
4. The hierarchy of plans in Ireland
National Planning Framework (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)
1
2
Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (Regional Authorities)
Development Plan (Planning Authorities)
3
4
Local Areas Plans (Planning Authorities)
Planning plays an important role in our
society, enabling us to make the best use of our resources.
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