Resumption of Statutory Planning timelines, during the Covid 19 Pandemic
Reopening of the Planning Section Public Counter
As part of the first phase of measures outlined in the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, statutory planning timelines have resumed from Sunday 24 May 2020.
In this regard, the planning offices of Offaly County Council will be re-opened to the public in a manner that ensures public health and safe social distancing requirements can be observed by staff and customers. This will be by appointment only initially.
While the most convenient way to view a planning application is online at http://www.eplanning.ie/OffalyCC/searchtypes, should you need to physically view a planning application, this service is available by appointment only from Áras an Chontae Tullamore.
Appointments can be made by phone to 057 9346800 or by email to planning@offalycoco.ie.
Visiting members of the public should be advised that the operation of local authority public planning counters and interaction with the public, in the context of ongoing COVID-19 public health requirements, is governed by Standard Operating Guidance (SOG) protocols applying in the local government sector. Please be advised that all visitors will be required to adhere to these protocols.
Resumption of Statutory Planning Timelines in Public Consultation and the Determining of Planning Applications
Statutory timelines for determining planning applications have also now resumed. From Sunday 24 May 2020, the planning authority have the normal statutory planning period of eight weeks, to determine any application which was effected by previous orders suspending statutory timelines i.e. the period from 29 March 2020 to 23 May 2020 inclusive.
Submissions and Observations on Planning Applications
Members of the public also have the normal statutory planning period of five weeks, to make a submission or observation on a planning application lodged during this period. All affected applications have had their respective dates updated in the online system, Please see http://www.eplanning.ie/OffalyCC/searchtypes for relevant dates.
In respect of planning applications submitted prior to Sunday 29th March 2020, should an interested person wish to make a submission or observation on an application, an extended period to allow for the remainder of days which ordinarily fell during the Covid 19 lockdown period up to Sunday 24 May 2020 apply with effect from Sunday 24 May 2020.
Determination of Planning Applications
The Planning Authority cannot make a determination on a planning application until the statutory five-week period for public participation has been completed.
Site Notices must also be maintained on site during the full extent of the statutory public consultation period.
Should you have a query in relation to a timeframe associated with a specific planning application you are invited to contact Council Offices on 057 9346800 or by email to planning@offalycoco.ie
Appeal to An Bord Pleanála
See http://www.pleanala.ie/ for details associated with the submission of appeals.
The appeal period is extended by the full duration of the Order, i.e. by eight weeks. The calculation of the final appeal date in each case will depend on the period of duration of the normal four-week appeal period remaining on the date of cessation of the Order, i.e. 23 May 2020.
