Only 3% of planning retentions refused; Councillors claim houses being built before planning is secured

Fears have been raised that too many people are building houses in Co Cork and then seeking planning retention after they have completed construction.

The issue was raised by Cllr Des O’Grady (SF) who had sought a report from council planning officials. It showed that 97% of retention applications were granted by the local authority between 2014 and 2016.

The number of permissions granted for retention totalled 1,558, with just 46 refusals (3%).