Planning fees set to soar next year

FEES for planning applications are set to soar next year as cash-strapped councils look to recover a massive shortfall in administration costs.

A government survey has revealed fees would have to increase by 750% if the country’s 88 planning authorities are to recoup the spiralling cost of the service.

However, the Department of the Environment was yesterday adamant it will not pass the full expense onto tens of thousands of people making applications each year.