Our neighbour has received permission for a big extension, despite our objections. We want to appeal, but is this going to cost a lot? Will be have to employ a planning consultant?
In order to make an appeal, you must first have lodged an observation during the process of the planning application and this has to be done within five weeks from the date of the planning application. This would have involved a written submission together with a payment in the amount of €20 to the local authority. If you have not done this, you will not be in a position to appeal the decision.
However assuming that you have lodged your submission in accordance with the procedures, you will then be entitled to appeal the decision. There is a direct fee for the appeal which must be made out to An Bord Pleanála. There is a scale of fees for different scenarios; however, assuming that you are dealing with a residential issue, then the third party appeal fee is in the amount of €220.
Depending on the complexity of the appeal, you could attempt to do this yourself; however, clearly there are merits in using a specialist planning consultant for this as they will be familiar with the process and will be able to put the best possible case forward on your behalf.
The planning consultant’s fees will be down to the complexity of the case and the individual planning consultant’s fee structure. However we would anticipate a minimum fee in the order of €600/€700 but the cost could escalate if the matter is particularly complex. As in all cases, it would be prudent to agree the fees with the planning consultant prior to engaging them.
Val O'Brien is a chartered building surveyor and a member of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland, scsi.ie
