The Office of the Planning Regulator has published its fourth case study paper CSP04 which deals with Pre-Application (Section 247) Consultation Services.

The case study paper may be downloaded from our website via the following link: https://www.opr.ie/planning-performance/ 

"The Case Study Paper examines how pre-application consultation services are delivered across the 31 local authorities and we identify the different systems and procedures used by local authorities in the delivery of the service," said the Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR).

Will support planning authorities

"We also set out the characteristics of good quality pre-application consultation systems. It is intended that the case study paper will support planning authorities in the delivery of this key service, promote knowledge sharing across the sector and encourage greater harmonisation in the delivery of the service across all local authorities." 

This Case Study Paper (CSP04) focuses on 'Pre-Application (S247)Consultation Services: An Analysis of Practice across the Local Government Sector'.  It builds on CSP02 'Online Planning Services: A Survey of the Online Availability of Local Authority Planning Documentation' which found there was a variation in how pre-application services are delivered across local authorities. This CSP explores how the service is delivered across all 31 local authorities.

"In preparing the CSP, we consulted with each local authority to understand how they deliver the pre-application consultation service. Following this consultation we were able to identify the different systems and procedures employed by local authorities in their delivery of this service.

"In the CSP we have set out the characteristics of good quality pre-application consultation systems and we have proposed seven guiding principles that could be used by local authorities for self-assessment."

The aim of CSP04 is to support planning authorities in the delivery of Pre-Application (S247) Consultation Services and to promote greater exchange of knowledge and expertise across the sector. CSP04 also seeks to encourage greater harmonisation in the delivery of this service across local authorities.