Applies to those unhappy with a local authority's decision (approval or rejection).
An Bord Pleanála is the independent board that hears appeals.
The process allows both sides to present their case for a fair decision.

Here's a summary of the steps to appeal a planning decision in Ireland:

Know your reasons: Clearly understand why you object to the development (e.g., environment, traffic, local character).
Act fast: Submit your appeal within 4 weeks of the local authority's decision.
Build your case: Include detailed reasons, arguments, and supporting documents in your appeal.
Pay the fee: Check the current fee for your specific appeal type and include it with your submission.
Follow up: An Bord Pleanála will review your case and may contact you for more information.

Here's a summary of appealing a planning decision in Ireland (for both those objecting to a development and those whose development was rejected):

Understand why the decision went against you (for rejected development) or why you object (for objectors).

An Bord Pleanála appeal fees vary depending on the case type:

Fee reductions are available for some cases (medical card holders) and specific appeal types (environmental).

Site inspections are important for planning appeals in Ireland because they allow inspectors to:

See how the development fits the surroundings (landscape, neighbors, infrastructure).
Check if the information in the appeal is accurate.
Evaluate the actual impact of the development on the environment, society, and traffic.
Sometimes, hear from those involved in the appeal directly.

The inspector's report based on the site visit is crucial for the final decision by An Bord Pleanála.

Preparing for a site inspection in Ireland for a planning appeal involves:

Understanding the inspector's role: They assess the site's impact and compliance with plans.
Having documents ready: Plans, submissions, etc. to answer any questions.
Identifying key points: Prepare to explain crucial aspects of the site to the inspector.
Being professional and concise: Focus on facts, not opinions, if you can speak with the inspector.
Respecting the process: Follow the inspector's lead on how much interaction is appropriate
Ensuring safety and accessibility: Address hazards and make sure all relevant areas are easy to access.

By preparing well, you can help the inspector make a good decision on your appeal.

Approval: A Bord Pleanála can grant permission for the development, even if it was rejected before.
Rejection: The board can deny permission, even if it was originally approved.
Conditional approval: The board can approve the development with changes to address concerns raised during the appeal.
Referral back: In rare cases, the board can send the case back to the local authority for further review.

It's important to understand these possibilities to prepare for the next steps after the decision is made.

Appealing A Decision To An Bord Pleanála