Planning permissions are all subject to a time limit and many have extensions granted. In the light of the close down of the construction industry and many projects associated with it, what further extensions are being allowed to those who have gotten planning permission but for reasons associated with the pandemic are not in a position to commence works.
Minutes:
To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Finola Armstrong-McGuire;
"Planning permissions are all subject to a time limit and many have extensions granted. In the light of the close down of the construction industry and many projects associated with it, what further extensions are being allowed to those who have gotten planning permission but for reasons associated with the pandemic are not in a position to commence works."
Report by Director of Services for Economic Development, Planning, Environment and Transportation.
"Following the onset of COVID 19 and the ‘stay at home’ restrictions which impacted on various construction related activities in early 2020, the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, taking account of the considerations under Section 251A(5) of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 as amended, made Orders which result in an extension of time for a range of specified/appropriate periods and timelines under this Act being implemented.
The Ministerial Order meant that such periods were first extended in duration from 29 March 2020 to Monday 20 April. They were subsequently extended until Saturday 9th May, and again further extended until Saturday 23rd May 2020 inclusive, comprising a total period of eight weeks (56 days).
All 31 Local Authority Planning Office public counters were then re-opened subject to public health requirements along with a strengthening of the requirements for planning documentation to be made available online, from Monday 25 May 2020. This was set out in the Government’s Roadmap for managing Covid 19. It was decided not to extend the Order under Section 251A for a further period. The Planning system has therefore being open since 24th May 2020 without interruption (other than the normal 9 days over Christmas).
A grant of planning permission is valid for a period of 5 years from the date of grant: this period is now extended by an additional 56 days to reflect the pause between 29 March to 23 May 2020 last. There is also provision in the Planning legislation that allows a person to extend the time period of their permission for a further period of up to 5 years subject to certain provisions having been met.
Leitrim County Council has no ability to alter the timeframes for planning permission which are set out by law."
Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire acknowledged that the reply is complex and proposed that a letter issue to the Department calling for the Planning Regulations to be updated to allow for the construction related shutdown, caused by COVID-19 restrictions, to be taken into account in the calculation of existing and future planning permission durations.
Councillor Paddy Farrell supported this.
Ms Vivienne Egan, Senor Executive Planner outlined the Planning Department is bound by the Regulations and welcomed the Council in writing to the Department in this regard.
Having been proposed by Councillor Armstrong McGuire and seconded by Councillor Farrell it was resolved that a letter issue to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage as follows:
“That Planning Regulations are updated to allow for the construction related shutdown, caused by COVID-19 restrictions, to be taken into account in the calculation of existing and future planning permission durations.”