20-year low for planning requests

THE number of planning applications in Kerry is the lowest in 20 years, reflecting the economic downturn.

From a peak of 4,900 applications, in 2006, the number dropped to 1,000, last year. In addition, only four planners are currently working in Kerry County Council, compared with 14 at the height of the construction boom.

“In particular, applications for large-scale housing and commercial developments are at their lowest level since the early 90s,” said county manager Tom Curran, in his annual budget report.

“In the current economic climate, there is no indication this downturn will be reversed in 2012.”

At the same time, there has been an increase in applications to extend the duration of planning permissions already granted, with 180 such applications processed last year.

The council, meanwhile, has pledged to pursue those who “show a total disregard for planning laws and a total disrespect for their neighbours”.

Complaints made by members of the public about breaches of planning regulations are followed up and 283 new complaints were received last year.

The council has promised to protect sources of information, but director of planning Michael McMahon said they do not accept information from anonymous telephone callers.

Almost 600 planning cases were investigated last year, 100 warning notices were served and there were 44 legal proceedings.

Separately, it has emerged that hundreds of people in Kerry will be exempt from the controversial €100 household tax because they live in unfinished housing estates.