2. The Planning Authority’s Opinion
When a prospective applicant makes a request to An Bord Pleanála for a
Pre-Application Consultation, he/she is required at the same time to provide the relevant Planning Authority with a copy of the request (as provided for in article 285(4) of the Regulations of 2017). An Bord Pleanála is required to validate and register these Pre-Application requests.
An Bord Pleanála will notify the relevant Planning Authority that it has accepted the request from a prospective applicant for a Pre-Application Consultation within two weeks of the date of receipt of the request. The Planning Authority is required to submit its opinion on the proposed SHD in writing to An Bord Pleanála within 2 weeks of notification.
As provided for under Section 6(4)(b) of the Act of 2016, the Planning Authority should submit to An Bord Pleanála its opinion in writing, including the reasons for its opinion. The opinion should also indicate what considerations, related to proper planning and sustainable development of the area, may have a bearing on An Bord Pleanála’s decision in relation to the proposed SHD. The Planning Authority’s opinion should have particular regard to the provisions of the relevant development plan or local area plan.
In addition to the opinion, the Planning Authority is required to send a copy of the records of the section 247 consultations, within two weeks of the notification of receipt of a valid pre-application request, to An Bord Pleanála.