Bord Pleanala Chairman hits out at developers

John O’ Connor, the chairman of An Bord Pleanala, today hit out at the use of retention rules by developers, the practise whereby unauthorised developments are granted planning permission retrospectively.

Mr O'Connor said each case was judged on its merits, and the fact something had already been built did sometimes influence decisions.

He said he was against the practice becoming more widespread.

“Certainly one should get no credit whatever for having proceeded with anything without permission,” he said.