Laois Co Co Text Only - Before You Start

Laois Co Co - Before You Start

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Before you Start

Self Service Planning Maps System

Prior to applying for your pre-planning appointment, it is advisable to look up your proposed site on our new Self Service Planning Maps System. By clicking on the Self Service Planning Maps System icon below, you can now draw your proposed development site boundary on our system and receive an instant report about Council and government policies which might impact on your proposed development. The system is very simple to use but there is a help page available which may be of assistance to you. Please contact the Planning Office, (057)86 64032 if you have any queries regarding any of the above.

(Click on the icon to launch the system)

Help with the Self Service Planning Maps System

Pre-Planning Appointment

Prior to submitting a Planning application it may be advisable to meet with a Planning Officer. Meeting a Planning Officer can be extremely informative. Planning officers meet with the public at pre-arranged appointments every Thursday. If you wish to arrange a meeting, please download the form below, giving your full details, the planning query and a contact phone number. You may then email, post or fax the application to this planning authority and a planning official will then organise a time and date for the appointment, contacting you by phone.

Planning Appointments Form

Site Suitability Assessment

It is advisable to undergo a Site Suitability Assessment Application on the site prior to submitting the application for planning permission as it will avoid the prospect of the planning decision being delayed.

Check Local Need ( in the case of Rural once off dwellings)

To allow for a balanced development of designated towns, villages and smaller settlements in rural areas, it is reasonable to adopt a policy of restriction for parts of the County where there are high levels of development pressure for urban generated housing. Please refer to map 1.3.1 indicating areas under development pressure, of The County Development Plan 2006-2012 and also Chapter 3, section H4 of the same plan. It may be advisable to provide information as to indicate Local Need when you are submitting your planning application.

Check Development Contributions

Once a permission is granted, various levels of development charges may be levied. It may be advisable to check the Development Contribution Scheme prior to making a planning application.

Check with Other Bodies/Agencies

It may be necessary to check with other departments such as Roads, Housing, Environment, Water Services etc, depending on the type, location, density of a development. It may require getting in contact with your Local Group Water Scheme if they are to supply you with water. Possibly the ESB may need to be contacted.