Planning authority expects record number of appeals

An Bord Pleanála has said it expects to receive an all-time record of more than 6,000 appeals this year.

The planning authority warned that this is putting a severe strain on resources and that it could lead to delays on decisions without funding for more inspectors.

The report also criticised the poor quality design of many new developments, particularly urban apartment blocks.

There has also been an increase in the number of one-off housing developments appealed since the introduction of new housing guidelines last year.