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7th Schedule: Strategic Infrastructure Development - Guidelines for Applicants. Contents Definition of Strategic Infrastructure Development Pre Application Consultations (Stage 1) Scoping of Environmental Impact Statement (EIAR) (Stage 2). Planning Application (Stage3) 5.7 Processing the Application 5.9 Contravention of Development Plan Clerical Errors / Clarification of Decision Appeal / Review of Decision The strategic infrastructure provisions of the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006 (the 2006 Act) came into effect on 31st January 2007. The Act, which amended the Planning and Development Act 2000 (the 2000 Act), provides generally for applications for permission/approval for specified private and public strategic infrastructure developments to be made directly to the Board. Part 18 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 685 of 2006) relating to the procedural aspects of processing strategic infrastructure development casework also came into effect on 31st January 2007. The 2006 Regulations amend the Planning and Development Regulations 2001. Strategic infrastructure developments (mostly private developments) to which these guidelines refer are those listed in the 7th Schedule to the 2000 Act as amended. These generally relate to major energy, transport, environmental and health infrastructure. Sections 37H(2), 182B(5), 182D(5) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended and section 47D of the Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001, as amended allows the Board to determine the amount of costs incurred in conducting pre-application consultations and complying with scoping requests in addition to determining costs involved in processing an application for 7th Schedule developments, electricity transmission lines, strategic gas infrastructure developments, and railway orders. The determination of such costs will be made by the Board when it makes a final decision on the application (see also Section 5.11 below). THE STATUTORY PROVISIONS PROVIDE FOR UP TO THREE STAGES – PRE-APPLICATION CONSULTATIONS; DISCRETIONARY SCOPING OF THE EIAR; AND THE APPLICATION FOR PERMISSION. Definition of Strategic Infrastructure Development. The 7th Schedule to the 2000 Act (as amended) lists the classes of infrastructure development which, if considered by the Board to be strategic infrastructure development, require direct application for permission to the Board instead of the local planning authority. To qualify as strategic infrastructure development a proposed development must first come within the scope of one or more of the classes and comply with the thresholds contained in the 7th Schedule. Secondly, the Board must come to the opinion that the proposed development, would meet one or more of the following criteria:- - is of strategic economic or social importance to the State or the region in which it would be situate, - would contribute substantially to the fulfillment of any of the objectives of the National Planning Framework or in any regional spatial and economic strategy in respect of the area or areas in which the development would be situate, - would have a significant effect on the area of more than one planning authority. This opinion is formally given by the Board at the conclusion of the pre-application consultation stage following a request for closure of the consultations from the prospective applicant. Pre Application Consultations (Stage 1). 3.1 General It is a mandatory requirement for a prospective applicant for planning permission for development listed in the 7th Schedule to enter into pre-application consultations with the Board and obtain notice from the Board stating whether or not the proposed development is regarded as strategic infrastructure development. For the purposes of these consultations, the prospective applicant must supply sufficient information to the Board to enable it to assess the proposed development in the light of the criteria set out for strategic infrastructure development. The purpose of pre-applications is set out in the Planning and Development Act, 2000, (as amended), and in the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended). In pre-application consultations the Board may give advice to the prospective applicant regarding the proposed application and, in particular, regarding - Whether the proposed development constitutes 'Strategic Infrastructure Development', having regard to the provisions of the legislation. • The procedures involved in making an application for permission to the Board and in considering such an application. - Considerations, relating to proper planning and sustainable development or the effects on the environment, which may in the Board's opinion, have a bearing on its decision in relation to the application - An indication of the bodies/persons which the prospective applicant should consult with prior to lodging an application and completion of an EIAR. - The Prescribed Bodies (under Art. 213) which should be notified of the application. Prospective applicants should note that it is not the purpose of pre-application consultations to conclude on the merits of a case. The Board may however indicate what considerations relating to the proper planning and sustainable development or the environment may have a bearing on its decision (see Paragraph 3.3.2 below for further discussion). 3.2.1 Before making a request for pre-application consultations, a prospective applicant should check to see if the proposed development is of a class listed in the 7th Schedule of the 2000 Act, as amended. If it is not, it cannot be deemed to be strategic infrastructure development and the application should be made to the local planning authority for the area. 3.2.2 An application for pre-application consultations should be made in writing and be addressed to The Secretary, An Bord Pleanála, 64, Marlborough Street, Dublin 1. 3.2.3 An application for pre-application consultations should generally include the following information: - the name and address of the prospective applicant, contact telephone numbers and email address, if available, - the name and address of the prospective applicant’s main agent, if any, contact telephone numbers and email address, if available, - general description of the nature and scale of the proposed development, including drawings should these be available, - address of the proposed development and a brief description of the site and surrounding area, - A site location map(s) and a site map(s) showing the boundaries of the site, - Where necessary, a statement of the prospective applicant’s legal interest to enable it to carry out the proposed development if approved, - the class of development within the 7th Schedule to which the proposed development belongs, - name of the planning authority or authorities, if more than one, in whose functional area(s) the site is situated, - statement as to why or why not the prospective applicant considers the proposed development should be regarded as strategic infrastructure development having regard to the criteria set out in section 37A(2) of the 2000 Act (as amended) – see part 2 of these Guidelines. Note: commercially sensitive information should not be submitted during pre-application consultations as all information on file will be available for public inspection at the close of the consultation stage. Prospective applicants should also note that the proposed development should be at a stage where it is mature enough to enter the pre-application consultation phase. Approaches to the Board where the proposed development is not properly defined or established can create undue delay with the process. (See also 3.3.1 below). In accordance with the provisions of section 144 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, the Board has determined that a fee shall be charged for any request for pre-application consultations received on or after 5th September 2011. The fee should accompany a request for pre-application consultations. Please refer to the Board’s “Guide to Fees payable to An Bord Pleanála” for information on current fees. On receipt of a request for pre-application consultations, the Board must notify the relevant planning authority (or planning authorities where the proposed application site would straddle different planning authority areas) of the request. This notification will consist of a letter describing the nature of the proposed development and a site location map(s). 3.2.6 Notice of all requests for pre-application consultations will be recorded on the Board’s statutory weekly list of new applications received and will be posted on the Board’s website (www.pleanala.ie). 3.3.1 General The nature of pre-application consultations may vary from case to case and may require more than one meeting. The Board will be represented at officer level (at least one inspector and one administrator). Board members will not be present at the meeting. The Board may require the prospective applicant to supply additional information to it in order for the Board to give its opinion. Discussions/meetings forming part of the pre-application consultations will generally take place in the Board’s offices. It is envisaged that a first meeting will be held within 4 weeks of the making of a formal request subject to the submission of satisfactory information to the Board. The timing and frequency of any further meetings will be dictated by the nature, scale and complexity of the proposed development, maturity of the project and prospective applicant’s requirements. Although there are no statutory timelines within which pre-application consultations must be completed applicants should be aware of the Board’s obligation under section 37J of the Act to carry out pre-application consultations expeditiously and to avoid unnecessary delays. In order to facilitate the expeditious carrying out of consultations, requests for pre-application consultations should be made when the applicant has defined the project and generally requests should not be made at a very preliminary stage of a project. 3.3.2 Issues During pre-application consultations the Board may indicate what considerations relating to the proper planning and sustainable development or the environment may have a bearing on its decision. For general guidance on such considerations and the matters a prospective applicant might be expected to address at pre-application consultations, see paragraph 5.6 following relating to the planning authority report. Most of the items mentioned will also be relevant to prospective applicants. The Board may consult with the local authority(s) in whose area the site is situated, or with any of the relevant prescribed bodies. The purpose of any such consultations will be to identify any constraints that would affect the site and to ascertain whether there are plans or programmes being contemplated or undertaken that would have a bearing on the application. The Board may also consult with any other person who may have information which is relevant for the purposes of consultations. Prospective applicants are strongly advised to directly and comprehensively engage with the local authority in whose area the site is situated, and with any relevant national, regional or prescribed bodies and with the public at the earliest possible stage in the formulation of their proposals. 3.3.3 Record of Consultations The Board will make a record of any meetings held. It will forward a copy of the record, to the prospective applicant as soon as may be after (each of) the meeting(s). These will be treated as confidential by the Board until the consultation stage has concluded – see 4 below. Where the Board consults with the local authority in whose area the site is situated or with any prescribed body or other person, a record of such consultations will be made and a copy of such record(s) will be given to the prospective applicant at the next meeting. The record of any such consultations will also become publicly available when the pre-application consultation stage has concluded. 3.4 Conclusion of Consultations 3.4.1 Notice Following a written request from the prospective applicant seeking closure of the pre-application consultations, the Board will serve notice of its opinion on the prospective applicant and also on the relevant planning authority(s) and any other party that has been consulted. 3.4.2 Development not determined as SID Where the Board issues notice that the proposed development is not regarded as strategic infrastructure development, any application must then be submitted to the relevant planning authority(s). There is the normal right of appeal to the Board by any person against the decision of any such planning authority on the application. 3.4.3 Development is determined as SID. Where the Board issues notice that the proposed development is regarded as strategic infrastructure development, the application must be submitted directly to the Board. When issuing the notice, the Board may indicate to a prospective applicant the following: - which bodies, prescribed under article 213 of the Regulations, should be notified of the application by the prospective applicant, - where the Board concludes that there would be likely significant effects on the environment in a Transboundary State, which bodies, in which States, should be notified and how many copies of the application and EIAR should be sent with the notification, - any specific requirements in relation to Gaeltacht areas, - the plans, particulars or other information required to be submitted in order to consider the application, - the timeframes and sequencing of the application process, - any other matters in relation to the application process including information in relation to the nature of the costs which may be awarded against the applicant under section 37H(2)(c) of the 2000 Act (as amended) and any fee to be paid, and the form in which the application should be submitted, - the form and content of the public newspaper notice required to be published in advance of a planning application to the Board, - whether the erection of a site notice is required by the Board, specify a location/place and/or website for making available the application, EIAR, NIS and any other relevant documentation for inspection or purchase at a reasonable fee (this information will be contained in the public notice), - use of local or national media, and/or holding of meetings with any person or body or for the public. It should be noted that responsibility for the accuracy of the description of both the development and its location in the public notices, on the website and in the application documents rests solely with the prospective applicant. 3.4.4 Other Matters On completion of pre-application consultations:- - the Board’s determination on the status of the proposed development will be recorded on the Board’s statutory weekly list of cases decided and will be posted on the Boards website (www.pleanala.ie). - a copy of the Board’s file, including the records of any meetings, will be made available for public inspection. 3.4.5 Meetings Non-Prejudicial to Board The holding of consultations does not prejudice the decision of the Board in any subsequent application in any way and cannot be relied upon in the formal planning process or in legal proceedings. Scoping of Environmental Impact Statement (EIAR) (Stage 2). Upon receipt of notice that the planning application must be made directly to the Board, the prospective applicant may request the Board to scope the EIAR to be submitted with the application, i.e. give an opinion in writing regarding the information which should be contained in the EIAR. The scoping stage is not mandatory. Before providing this opinion, the Board must consult with bodies prescribed by the Minister under article 211 of the Regulations including the relevant planning authority. It may also invite submissions or observations from a wide range of other bodies prescribed under article 213 of the Regulations. In the case of 7th Schedule developments, the pre-application consultations must have concluded with the issuing of the Board's opinion before a request for scoping is made. A request to scope an EIAR should be made in writing to The Secretary, An Bord Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1. The prospective applicant must supply the Board with sufficient information in relation to the proposed development to enable prescribed bodies to make informed submissions and for the Board to give an opinion in relation to the request. In particular, the proposed development must be adequately detailed and described and clearly indicated on drawings of an appropriate scale. The Board may request the prospective applicant to submit sufficient hard or electronic copies of the scoping request so that it can be circulated to the appropriate prescribed bodies. The Board is required to comply with a request for scoping as soon as is practicable. In accordance with the provisions of section 144 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, the Board has determined that a fee shall be charged for any scoping request received on or after 5th September 2011 for a written opinion on the information to be contained in an Environmental Impact Assessment Report. Please refer to the Board's "Guide to Fees payable to An Bord Pleanála" for information on current fees 4.4.1 Scoping can be defined as the prior determination of the nature and detail of the information to be contained in an EIAR. It seeks to identify the areas of significant potential impact and assessments required prior to the commencement of detailed data collection or survey. The information to be contained in an EIAR is set out in article 94 and Schedule 6 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended, and the criteria for determining whether a development would or would not be likely to have significant effects on the environment is set out in Schedule 7 of those Regulations. These are matters to which the Board will have regard when giving a scoping opinion and prospective applicants will be required to submit sufficient information to the Board to enable it to provide such an opinion. The Environmental Protection Agency's Guidelines on the Information to be contained in Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (March 2002) should be consulted for further information on the matter. Ultimately, it is a matter for the applicant to prepare the EIAR in accordance with the statutory requirements when making the application under Stage 3 below. 4.4.2 The Board may hold a meeting (at officer level) with the prospective applicant in order to clarify any matter or obtain any additional information. A scoping opinion provided by the Board will be sent to the prospective applicant and will also be attached to the planning application file upon the making of an application. 4.4.3 The Board’s file on the scoping procedure will be open for public inspection at the Board’s offices following the giving of the written opinion. The case will be listed on the Board’s weekly list of cases determined and the opinion will be posted on the Board’s website. 4.4.4 Any opinion given is without prejudice to the Board and cannot be relied upon in the formal planning process or in legal proceedings. Planning Application (Stage3). Where the Board has issued notice to a prospective applicant that a proposed development is deemed to be strategic infrastructure development (conclusion of Stage 1 above), an application for permission in writing for that proposed development may only be made to the Board and must be accompanied by an EIAR. An application form is available and should be completed and submitted with the application documents. (Electronic applications are not acceptable at present). If the Board considers the application or the EIAR is inadequate or incomplete it may refuse to deal with the application or it may require further information. Before making an application to the Board, a prospective applicant must publish a notice in one or more newspapers circulating in the area of the application site indicating the following:- - the nature and location of the proposed development, - that permission is being sought from the Board and that an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR), and a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) where relevant, have been prepared, - the times and places and the period (not less than 6 weeks) during which the application and EIAR/NIS may be inspected or purchased (this time period should commence at least 5 working days after the application has been submitted to the Board), - that submissions and observations may be made to the Board relating to the implications for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area and the likely effects on the environment or any European site, if the development is carried out, - that the Regulations require that any such submission or observation shall state the subject matter of the submission or observation and the reasons, considerations and arguments on which it is based in full. (Article 217 of the Planning and Development Regulations refers), - that it is at the absolute discretion of the Board whether to hold an oral hearing on the case. (For further details see 'A Guide to Public Participation in Strategic Infrastructure Development on the Board's website), - indicating the types of decision the Board can make in relation to the application, - where the proposal will require an integrated pollution prevention and control (IPPC) or Waste Licence or the Chemical Act Regulations apply, an indication of that fact – see also 5.7.4 following, - the name/address of the stand-alone website, and - how a person may question the validity of any decision by the Board and where practical information on the review mechanism may be found. In addition, site notices, the use of local or national media or the holding of public meetings relating to the proposed application may be required. The Board will have specified its requirements, if any, in that regard at the pre-application stage. A sample public notice is available from the Board. 5.3.1 Documents to be Submitted In making an application for permission, the applicant is required to submit the following in writing to the Board:- - A completed application form, - Copies of plans and particulars of the proposed development, including the EIAR, and any plans, particulars or other information required by the Board (the number of copies and their format will be clarified during the pre-application consultation stage), - Screening opinion in relation to article 6 of the Habitats Directive and Natura Impact Statement in relevant cases. (The number of copies and their format will be clarified during the pre-application consultation stage). - A copy of the published notice(s) including any site notice (if required), - A list of the bodies notified of the application and an indication of the date they were notified, - A list of any other public notices or other public consultations, and an indication of the date or dates of such notice(s) or consultations (including any notice or consultation required by the Board and indicated to the prospective applicant in pre-application discussions), - The application fee is payable when the application is being lodged. Application documents, including the EIAR and the NIS where relevant, must be comprehensive and complete on lodgment of the application. The holding of an oral hearing should not be automatically expected with all cases and should not be regarded as a stage in the process where deficiencies can be corrected. Attention is drawn to the Board's power under s.37E(2) to refuse to deal with any application where the Board considers that the application or EIAR is inadequate or incomplete, and to the Board's absolute discretion as to whether an oral hearing should be held in any particular case. Unsolicited additional information in the form of survey material or reports generally should not be submitted following lodgement of the application and may be returned to the Applicant. Any unsolicited information lodged in exceptional circumstances only should be confined to non-contentious matters such as clarification of particulars already submitted (as per the Development Management Guidelines 2007). This also applies where the applicant is requested by the Board to respond to observations made in advance of an oral hearing. 5.3.2 Copies to Planning Authority Before an application for permission is made to the Board, the applicant will be required to send a prescribed number of copies of the application and the EIAR/NIS to the relevant planning authority in whose area the proposed development would be situate. 5.3.3 Copy to Prescribed Bodies The applicant will also be required to send a copy of the application and the EIAR/NIS to any prescribed bodies (listed in article 213) who were identified by the Board for that purpose at the pre-application consultation stage. (The Board may require that more than one copy is sent). The application and EIAR/NIS will be accompanied by a statement inviting submissions or observations from the bodies to the Board relating to the implications for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, the likely effects on the environment and the likely effects on any European site, if the proposed development is carried out. A sample notice to prescribed bodies is available from the Board. In addition to the above, the Board may require that any or all of the application documents to be submitted to it and the planning authority be in electronic form. The Board may also require the applicant to create a specific website to include all of the application documentation. In such cases, the Board will specify the time period during which the public would continue to have access to the website and will require the applicant to certify that the documentation on the website is identical to the application documentation lodged with the Board. The Boards weekly list will record applications for permission for strategic infrastructure development and will be available for public inspection at the Board’s offices and on the Board’s website (www.pleanala.ie). There is a requirement for the planning authority for the area to prepare and submit a report to the Board within ten weeks of the receipt of the application by the Board. This provision applies to applications made under Section 37E of the Planning and Development Act, 2000. The report will set out the views of the authority on the effects of the proposed development on the environment and/or the proper planning and sustainable development of the area of the authority having regard to the usual considerations as set out in section 34(2) of the 2000 Act, as amended. This report must first be submitted to the elected members of the authority and any recommendations made by them by way of resolution must be appended to the report sent to the Board along with the administration record of the meeting. In order to facilitate planning authorities in this regard, prospective applicants are advised to consult with local planning authorities at an early date prior to the submission of an application for permission. The specific issues to be addressed in the submissions and observations of the planning authority will vary from case to case depending on the nature of the proposed development and the receiving environment. The following list of topics will give general guidance to planning authorities – not all will be relevant to each case. - Main relevant Development Plan provisions relating to the subject site and surrounding area including any relevant Core Strategy provisions. A clear indication of the current status of the relevant Development Plan and any Draft Plans should be given, together with any relevant issues arising. - Details of other relevant Plan provisions (e.g. Local Area Plans) and a statement regarding status of these Plans (adopted or in draft form). - Relevant planning history relating to the subject site and the surrounding area. - Relevant enforcement information relating to the subject site. - Relevant national, regional and local policies. - Any Special Amenity Area Order (SAAO) which may be affected by the proposed development. - European designations, Natural Heritage Areas, which may be affected by the proposed development (whether in or proximate to same). - Comments regarding article 6 of the Habitats Directive in relation to Appropriate Assessment in relevant cases. - Protected Structures, Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) etc. - Waste policy, including reference to Regional Waste Strategies which may be relevant to the proposed development. - Any views on the adequacy of the public water supply (noting that Irish Water may be a Prescribed Body). - Any views with public sewerage facilities and capacity to facilitate the proposed development (noting that Irish Water may be a Prescribed Body). - Availability and capacity of public surface water drainage facilities. - Flood risk assessment in accordance with The Planning System and Flood Risk Management – Guidelines for Planning Authorities (November 2009). - Assessment under the Water Framework Directive and associated regulations. - Assessment of landscape status and visual impact, as appropriate. - Carrying capacity and safety of road network serving the proposed development. - Environmental carrying capacity of the subject site and surrounding area, and the likely significant impact arising from the proposed development, if carried out. - Description of any public use of adjoining, abutting or adjacent lands in the applicants ownership, and the planning authority's view on any condition which may be appropriate for the purpose of conserving a public amenity on those lands. - • Planning authority view in relation to the decision to be made by the Board. - Planning authority view on conditions which should be attached in the event of the Board deciding to grant permission. (Where an IPPC or Waste licence is required, the Board cannot impose conditions relating to the control of emissions from the activity for which a license is required). - Planning authority view on community gain conditions which may be appropriate. - Part V (social and affordable housing) provisions (only likely to be applicable occasionally). - Details of relevant section 48/49 development contribution scheme conditions which should be attached in the event of a grant. - Details of any 'special' contribution conditions which should be attached in the event of a grant along with detailed calculations and justification for the conditions. 5.7 Processing the Application 5.7.1 Submissions and Observations Any person has the right to make a submission or observation to the Board in relation to a proposed development. Any such submission must be received by the Board within the period specified in the public notice and be accompanied by the required fee. The legislation does not provide for further follow-up written submissions unless specifically invited by the Board. The opportunity for elaboration of submissions may arise at an oral hearing, if held, subject to the inspector's discretion. The Board will have regard to all submissions or observations made in accordance with the 2000 Act and Regulations in making its decision. 5.7.2 Additional Information The Board has the absolute discretion to require an applicant to submit additional information, including a revised EIAR/NIS. Such a request would be made by way of notice to the applicant and may require new public notices. The Board has the power to request any person (whether or not that person made submissions or observations on the application) who, in the opinion of the Board, may have information which is relevant to the determination of the application to make (further) submissions or observations to it. The Board may make any information relating to the application available for inspection, notify any person or the public that information is so available and invite further submissions or observations, if appropriate, within a specified period. Applicants are reminded that the Board's discretion to seek additional information/further submissions will not necessarily be used to remedy deficiencies in the original application submissions. Use of these powers can create delays and prevent the expeditious handling of casework. The Board may request an applicant to submit an Natura Impact Statement (NIS) in accordance with section 177T(5) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended. Where such a statement is requested a notice must be published by the applicant not more than 2 weeks prior to submitting the NIS. Article 214B of the Planning and Development Regulations sets out details in relation to the information to be contained in the public notice. Submissions or observations may subsequently be made to the Board relating to the effects of the proposed development on any European site. When an NIS is submitted to the Board in these circumstances a fee is payable. In the event of an applicant not submitting a Natura Impact Statement when requested within the specified period the application shall be deemed to be withdrawn. 5.7.3 Oral Hearings and Meetings While it is the policy of the Board to generally direct the holding of an oral hearing in such cases it may not do so in all cases, particularly where the Board considers that the nature of the issues arising can be adequately and appropriately assessed by way of written submissions. Where an oral hearing is to be held the inspector has discretion as to its conduct. In addition the Board may at its absolute discretion, given the nature of the proposed development and issues arising, and following a recommendation of the inspector, consider directing a limited agenda for the oral hearing. All parties will be so notified in writing by the Board should such a direction be made. The Board may hold a meeting or meetings where such is likely to resolve any issue with the applicant or any disagreement between the applicant and any other party or where the meeting would facilitate the efficient holding of an oral hearing. A meeting may take place either before an oral hearing, or during an adjournment of an oral hearing or after an oral hearing A written record will be taken of any meeting and this record will be made available by the Board to all participants. The inspector or inspectorate team dealing with the application will not be available for discussions with the applicant or any other party except through formal meetings or oral hearings. Where an oral hearing is directed, the hearing will be held in accordance with the Board’s “Guidelines on Procedures at Oral Hearings”. 5.7.4 Environmental and Safety Issues Where the proposal is for development which would require an IPPC or a Waste Licence, the Board will generally request the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make observations within a specified period and it must have regard to any such observations received. Any observations from the EPA would be made without prejudice to any other functions of the Agency. Where a proposal is for development which requires an IPPC or Waste Licence, any public notice of the proposed application must state that fact. The provisions of the European Union (EIA) (IPPC) Regulations 2012 and the European Union (EIA) (Waste) Regulations will apply in such cases. In cases where the Chemicals Act Regulations apply, the Board will notify the Health and Safety Authority and may seek relevant technical advice on the risk or consequences of a major accident arising from the carrying out of the proposed development. Where a proposal is for development to which the Chemicals Act Regulations apply, any public notice of the proposed application must state that fact. 5.7.5 Considering a Grant of Permission The Board has the absolute discretion to indicate that it is considering granting permission subject to the submission of revised particulars, plans or drawings. Such an indication would be given by way of notice to the applicant, planning authority, prescribed bodies and observers to the application and may also involve a public notice. The decision of the Board will be made on the basis of the proper planning and sustainable development of the area and on the likely effects of the development on the environment. In reaching its decision, the Board will have regard to the following:- - The application, - The EIAR, - Any submissions or observations made to the Board in accordance with the statutory provisions, - Assessment of the significant effects of the proposed development on the environment, - The report of the planning authority and any recommendations made by resolution by the elected members and the administrator's record of the meeting which were appended, - Any additional information submitted in response to a Board request, - The written record of any meetings held in connection with the application, - The provisions of the development plan(s) and/or Local Area Plan(s) for the area, including any impacts on protected structures, - The provisions of any Special Amenity Area Order relating to the area, - Any European site or Natural Heritage Area designation relating to the site or any impact on such a designated ecological site, including any Natura Impact Statement and Appropriate Assessment where relevant, - The proximity of any SEVESO site, - Any transboundary effects, - Any relevant policies of the Government, a State Authority, the Minister or any Minister of the Government, - Any relevant provisions of the 2000 Act as amended or associated Regulations, - The national interest and any effect the performance of the Board's functions may have on issues of strategic economic or social importance to the State, - The National Planning Framework and any regional planning guidelines for the time being in force, and - The report and recommendation of the Inspector assigned to the case, including the report of any oral hearing held. 5.9 Contravention of Development Plan While the Board may grant permission for a proposed development which would materially contravene the Development Plan for the area, the Board gives importance to placing the proposed project in its plan and policy context, particularly the hierarchy of plans, i.e. the National Spatial Strategy, Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies and County, City or Local Area Development Plan. The Board may also have regard to any international status or designations to which the proposed development may be subject – such as designation as a Project of Common Interest (PCI). 5.10.1 Timeliness There is a duty on the Board to make its decision as expeditiously as is consistent with proper planning and sustainable development, and to avoid delays. There is a statutory objective to make decisions within 18 weeks beginning on the last day for making submissions or observations by the public following the applicant’s newspaper notice of intention to apply for permission. Where the Board cannot meet the statutory objective period it must serve notice in writing on the applicant, the relevant planning authority and any person who made submissions or observations and give a reason why it will not decide the case within that period. It must also indicate a new date for making the decision. 5.10.2 Types of Decision The Board may decide to:- - Grant permission with or without conditions, - Grant permission with specified modifications, with or without conditions, - Grant permission in part, with or without conditions, or - Refuse permission. 5.10.3 Content of Decision In making its decision, the Board must state the following:- the main reasons and considerations for the decision, the main reasons for the imposition of any conditions, that the Board had regard to any submissions and observations received in accordance with the Act and Regulations, the sum of money to be paid to: the Board any planning authority and, to any other person – (see also 5.11 below). In the event of the Board not accepting the inspector’s recommendation in relation to a grant or refusal, it is the Board’s practice to state the reason(s) for not doing so. 5.10.4 Effective date of Permission A grant of permission will not become operative until costs determined by the Board have been paid. 5.10.5 Notification of Decision The Board must send a copy of its decision to the applicant, the planning authority for the area and any person who made a submissions or observations in relation to the proposed development. The Board also informs parties in relation to judicial review procedures. In accordance with section 37H (1A) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, the Board is required to publish notice of its decision under section 37G in one or more newspapers circulating in the area. The notice must state that a person may question the validity of the decision in accordance with section 50 of the Act. The notice must also state where practical information on the review mechanism can be found. 5.10.6 Conditions When deciding to grant permission for strategic infrastructure development, the Board may attach conditions in the normal manner e.g. as specified in section 34(4) of the 2000 Act. Conditions may include the following:- - A condition providing for ‘community gain’. Such a condition may require the construction or the financing, in whole or in part, of a facility or the provision of a service in the area in which the proposed development would be situated and which the Board considers would constitute a gain to the community. - A condition controlling the use of land adjoining, abutting or adjacent to the application site which is under the control of the applicant where it is expedient for the purposes of or in connection with the development or appropriate for conserving a public amenity on the adjoining, abutting or adjacent lands. - A condition providing that points of detail relating to a specific issue may be agreed between the planning authority and the person carrying out the development. Any such agreement must be confined to the points specified by the Board. In default of agreement, the matter may be referred to the Board for determination. - A condition requiring the payment of a financial contributions under development or supplementary development contribution schemes made by planning authorities under sections 48 and/or 49 of the 2000 Act as amended and including any special contributions under s.48(2)(c). 5.10.7 IPPC / Waste Matters Where an IPPC or Waste Licence is required, the Board cannot impose conditions relating to the control of emissions from the operation of the activity or for controlling emissions related to or following the cessation of the operation or the activity. It is a requirement that the Board’s decision states the costs to be paid by the applicant: - a) To the Board for the costs incurred by it in conducting any pre-application consultations and complying with any scoping request, (b) To the Board for the costs incurred by it in determining the application, (c) To the planning authority for its reasonable costs incurred during the course of consideration of the application, (d) To any other person as a contribution towards the reasonable costs incurred by that person during the course of consideration of the application. The Board has absolute discretion to decide reasonable costs and payment of the costs must be complied with before a permission of the Board becomes operative. Where there is a failure to pay costs, the Board and any person to whom costs were awarded may recover the sum as a simple contract debt in any court of competent jurisdiction. Any fees paid by the applicant to the Board will be offset against the Board’s costs. The costs involved must be paid regardless of whether the decision is to grant or refuse permission. 6 Clerical Errors/Clarification of Decision. Where there is a clerical error in the Board’s decision or where the Board considers it necessary to clarify what it intended should be facilitated by the permission or decision, the Board may amend its decision. The Board may invite submissions to it before it decides whether to exercise its powers to make an amendment. An amendment may not result in a material alteration to the terms of the development, the subject of the decision. Under section 146B of the 2000 Act, the Board may alter the terms of a permission for strategic infrastructure development on the request of any person carrying it out or intending to carry it out. The Board must first decide if the making of the requested alteration would constitute a material alteration and it may invite submissions in relation to the matter from appropriate persons, including the planning authority. The Board will have regard to any submissions made on foot of this invitation in its determination of the matter. Different procedures apply depending on the nature of the proposed alteration, as follows:- Alteration would not be material If the Board decides that the alteration would not be material, it may alter the permission and notify the requester and the planning authority for the area, of the alteration. In certain circumstances an NIS may be required for the proposed alteration(s). Alteration would be material but EIAR not required. Where the Board determines that the alteration would be material but would not be likely to have significant effects on the environment, it may make the alteration, make an alternative alteration or refuse to make the alteration, having required the applicant to make information on the alteration available for public inspection for a specified period and having invited the making of submissions. Alteration would be material and EIAR required. Where the Board decides that the alteration would be material and likely to have significant effects on the environment, it will require the requester to prepare an EIAR of the proposed alteration or other alteration identified by the Board. When an EIAR is prepared the requester must publish a notice in the normal manner and invite submissions or observations to the Board before a specified date (not less than 4 weeks from the publication of the notice). The requester must also send a copy of the EIAR, together with a notice in the prescribed form, to the local authority concerned inviting submissions or observations in writing to the Board within a specified date in relation to the likely effects on the environment of the proposed alteration. The Board must have regard to any such submissions or observations in making its determination. The Board must give public notice of its determination and will send a copy of the determination to the relevant local authority. 8 Enforcement of Decision and Conditions. The enforcement of decisions for 7th Schedule strategic infrastructure development, including conditions attached, is a matter for the local planning authority. The enforcement provisions in Part VIII of the 2000 Act (as amended) apply. 9 Appeal / Review of Decision. There is no appeal against the decision of the Board on an application to carry out strategic infrastructure development. Its validity may only be challenged by way of judicial review in the High Court within 8 weeks. The Court will not re-open the planning merits of the case and may only give leave to pursue the review process where it is satisfied that there are substantial grounds for contending that the Board's decision is invalid or ought to be quashed and that the person seeking the judicial review has a sufficient interest in the matter. When issuing its decision, the Board provides information in relation to judicial review procedures. Last update: May 2018.
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Ceisteanna a chuirtear go minic Cén lá is deireanaí ar féidir achomharc a dhéanamh? Go ginearálta ní mór achomharc in aghaidh cinnidh phleanála a dhéanamh laistigh de thréimhse 28 lá ó dháta an chinnidh. Bain leas as an gclár féilire ar leathanach baile an Bhoird chun eolas a fháil maidir leis an lá deiridh chun achomharc a dhéanamh. Cé atá in ann achomharc a dhéanamh? An duine a rinne an t-iarratas chun cead pleanála a fháil (an t-iarratasóir – an chéad pháirtí) agus aon duine eile a chuir aighneacht nó breathnóireacht i scríbhinn faoi bhráid an údaráis pleanála maidir leis an iarratas pleanála (an tríú páirtí). Tá eisceachtaí i bhfeidhm maidir leis an riail seo. Cé mhéad a chosnaíonn sé achomharc a dhéanamh? Tá na táillí reatha d’achomhairc a dhéanamh agus le hábhair eile le fáil ar shuíomh idirlín an Bhoird faoin teideal “Treoir chun Táillí a íoc” ar an leathanach baile. Cad a tharlaíonn má chuirtear an t-achomharc sa phost in am? Caithfidh an Bord an t-achomharc a fháil laistigh de thréimhse 28 lá ó dháta chinneadh an údaráis pleanála an chinnidh gan aird ná baint ar bith ar an dáta a chuirtear sa phost é. Féach ar alt 3 dar teideal “An bhfuil teorainn ama ar achomhairc” sa treoir “Conas Achomharc Pleanála a dhéanamh” le fáil ar an leathanach baile. An féidir liom achomharc a sheoladh trí ríomhphost nó facs agus an táille a chur sa phost? Ní féidir. Caithfidh gach rud a bheith le chéile ag an am céanna agus iadsan a bheith in am. Féach ar “Seicliosta” chun achomharc a dhéanamh. Conas a oibríonn an próiseas achomhairc? I bhformhór na n-achomharc pleanáil bíonn an córas mar seo: Nuair a bhíonn achomharc bailí faighte ag an mBord, seolann an rannóg próiseála cóip den achomharc chuig an údarás pleanála áitiúil agus is féidir leis an bpobal nó aon duine a bhaineann leis an achomharc féachaint nó scrúdú a dhéanamh ar an achomharc ansin. Faigheann an Bord cáipéisí ábhartha agus eolas a bhaineann leis an achomharc ón údarás pleanála, ina measc bíonn aighneachtaí agus eolas eile a bhaineann leis an gcás. I bhformhór na gcásanna bíonn Cigire ceaptha ag an mBord chun déileáil leis an gcás agus is pleanálaí gairmiúil é an Cigire sin. De ghnáth tugann an Cigire cuairt ar an suíomh i gceist agus tógann sé grianghraif. I gcásanna casta nó cásanna ina bhfuil rud éigin suntasach i gcomhthéacs áitiúil nó náisiúnta ag baint leo, is féidir leis an mBord éisteacht ó bhéal a thionól. Nuair a bhíonn machnamh déanta ag an gCigire ar an gcás, seolann sé/sí tuairisc scríofa chuig an mBord. Ansin tagann baill den Bhord le chéile chun breithniú ar an gcás iomlán agus cinneadh a thabhairt faoi dheireadh. Bíonn an cinneadh seo curtha in iúl do na páirtithe ábhartha chomh maith le haon duine a scríobh aighneacht leis an achomharc. Conas is féidir a fháil amach an bhfuil achomharc déanta in aghaidh cinnidh pleanála? Bain triail/leas as an áis chuardaigh, http://www.pleanala.ie/search/index_ga.php, chun eolas a fháil ar achomharc ina bhfuil suim agat. Bíonn achomhairc nua curtha suas ar shuíomh idirlín an Bhoird go leanúnach. An féidir liom mo chuid tuairimí a chur in iúl don Bhord gan achomharc a dhéanamh? I gcás go mbíonn achomharc déanta cheana féin, féadfaidh duine eile a bheith ina “bhreathnóir” agus aighneachtaí nó tuairimí a dhéanamh ar an achomharc. Chun tuilleadh eolais a fháil féach ar alt 12 sa treoir “Conas Achomharc Pleanála a dhéanamh”. An féidir liom éisteacht ó bhéal a iarraidh? Féadfaidh aon pháirtí san achomharc (nach “breathnóir”) éisteacht ó bhéal a iarraidh ar an gcoinníoll go n-íoctar an táille cheart neamh-aisíoctha sa bhreis ar an táille achomhairc. Chun tuilleadh eolais a fháil féach ar alt 16 sa treoir “Conas Achomharc Pleanála a dhéanamh”. An féidir liom m’achomharc a tharraingt siar. Is féidir. Is féidir le hachomharcóir achomharc a tharraingt siar ag aon tráth roimh chinneadh an cháis ag an mBord. I gcás go ndéantar achomharc a tharraingt siar (nó na hachomhairc ar fad, i gcás go bhfuil níos mó ná ceann amháin ann), beidh éifeacht le cinneadh bunaidh an údaráis pleanála. Má bhíonn achomharc tarraingthe siar ní féidir leis an mBord breathnú níos mó ar na haighneachtaí ó bhreathnóirí. Ní thugtar an táille ar ais ach an oiread. Féach ar alt 28 sa treoir “Conas Achomharc Pleanála a dhéanamh” chun breis eolais a fháil. Cén teorainn ama atá ann chun achomhairc a chinntiú? Is é cuspóir reachtúil an Bhoird ná achomharc a dhiúscairt laistigh de 18 seachtaine. Mar sin féin, más rud é nach measann an Bord go bhfuil sé indéanta nó cuí teacht ar chinneadh laistigh de 18 seachtaine cuirfidh sé na cúiseanna dó sin in iúl do na páirtithe agus na breathnóirí agus caithfidh an Bord a rá cathain a bhfuil sé ar a intinn cinneadh a dhéanamh. An bhfuil cinneadh an Bhoird críochnaitheach? Ní féidir bailíocht chinneadh an Bhoird a cheistiú ach trí athbhreithniú breithiúnach amháin faoi Ordú 84 de Rialacha na nUaschúirteanna. Tábhair faoi deara go ndéantar an t-iarratas leis an gcúirt de ghnáth laistigh den tréimhse 8 seachtaine den dáta a rinne an Bord an cinneadh. Maidir le hiarratas ar athbhreithniú breithiúnach tabhair faoi deara nach dtugann an Chúirt aon chinneadh faoi fhiúntas na forbartha ó thaobh prionsabail pleanála cuí de nó forbairt inchothaithe na háite nó impleachtaí ar an timpeallacht. Ta tuilleadh eolais maidir leis an bpróiseas athbhreithnithe bhreithiúnaigh ar fáil san fhógra “Fógra Faoi Athbhreithniú Breithiúnach” faoin teideal “Foilseacháin” ar an leathanach baile: www.pleanala.ie/ publications/index_ga.htm An féidir liom comhairle a fháil ón mBord? Níl sé mar chleachtas ag foireann an Bhoird ceisteanna nó gnáthaimh phleanála a phlé a bhaineann le hachomharc atá críochnaithe toisc nach bhfuil aon chumhacht ag an mBord na ceisteanna seo a athoscailt. Cé gur féidir an cúram seo a chur ar bhaill áirithe den fhoireann déileáil le fiosruithe ginearálta, ionas nach mbeidh neamhchlaontacht an Bhoird curtha i mbaol ní féidir dul i dteagmháil le baill ná le cigirí an Bhoird faoi ghnó ar bith. Cé a chuireann cinneadh an Bhoird i bhfeidhm? Níl aon chumhacht forfheidhmithe ag an mBord. Is é an t-údarás pleanála áitiúil atá freagrach go príomhúil as forfheidhmiú na gcinntí pleanála, cuma na gcinntí de chuid an Bhoird iad nó de chuid údaráis phleanála, agus as léirmhíniú na gcoinníollacha a chuirfear leis na cinntí. De réir na bhforálacha forfheidhmithe i gCuid VIII d’Acht Pleanála na bliana 2000, caithfidh údarás pleanála gníomh a dhéanamh i gcás gearán macánta a dhéanann baill den phobal leis faoi fhorbairtí neamhúdaraithe, lena n-áirítear gan cinntí pleanála a chomhlíonadh. Féadfaidh duine ar bith iarratas ar urghaire a fháil ón Ard-Chúirt nó ón gCúirt Cuarda maidir le forbairt neamhúdaraithe in imthosca áirithe. An féidir liom na comhaid a bhaineann le hachomharc a iniúchadh? Is féidir gach comhad a bhaineann le cás áirithe a iniúchadh in oifigí an Bhoird, tar éis don chás a bheith cinnte. Ní féidir na comhaid a iniúchadh agus an cás fós ar siúl. Foilsítear Tuarascáil na gCigirí ar-líne ar shuíomh gréasáin an Bhoird go gairid tar éis an cás a bheith cinnte. Ní fhoilsíonn an Bord na comhaid eile ar-líne (léarscáileanna, grianghraif, litreacha srl) a bhaineann le hachomhairc nó cásanna eile, ach seans go mbeidh cuid mhaith díobh seo le fáil ar shuíomh gréasáin an údaráis phleanála lena mbaineann siad. • Féach; Ar chun Tuilleadh Eolas a fháil An féidir cóipeanna de cháipéisí na gcomhad a cheannach? Is féidir cóip d’aon cháipéis atá sna comhaid a cheannach. Is féidir tuarascáil an chigire, treoir an Bhoird agus ordú an Bhoird a léamh agus a íoslódáil ó shuíomh gréasáin an Bhoird ag www.pleanala.ie, saor in aisce. Tá comhaid eile le fáil ach táille bheag chóipeála a íoc. Eolaí ar na Rátaí is iníoctha ar an Rochtain Phoiblí Meitheamh 2012 Last modified: 13/09/2012