We need more open approach to planning files

IN VIEW of the level of refusals for minor planning development, resulting in financial loss for many people trying to build a home, the Freedom of Information Act may help them to get something back to ease the financial strain and misery.

Local government planning reports have long been a nightmare for developers and public representatives.

Some years ago, we were not allowed to see a planning file. Thanks to the late Michael Pat Murphy TD, myself and others, a ‘partial’ file was eventually made available to us.

I use the word ‘partial’ because the reports from planners and engineers are kept under wraps until the manager gives a decision on the application. This procedure is most unfair to the developer and the public representative.

If these reports were made available on file, it is possible a compromise could be reached with the developer and the council personnel, thus helping to reduce the big number of planning refusals.

These reports are refused us and yet the bank accounts of some planning applicants can be checked out to ascertain the authenticity of their addresses. I often wonder if I am hearing correctly when such documentation is requested? Seeing how difficult and expensive it is to get planning permission for a minor development, I would ask local authorities to have the engineers’ and planners’ reports on file prior to the decision date.

I would also request local authorities, when all hope is gone of obtaining planning permission, to return planning files to their respective owners. This is now possible through microfilm; all files are now filmed prior to shredding after a number of years.

There is a lot of expensive material on these files, running to €2,000 in some cases. It is unfair to developers to have all their painstaking work put through the shredder. Some of the material on file may give rise to copyright but this can be negotiated with the people concerned.

From enquiries I have made, I understand the Freedom of Information Act can help in these matters. But then some local authorities may have a different interpretation of certain sections of the act. Because of the number of refusals for minor developments it would prove a major saving for many people to have this proposal brought to fruition. I trust the Department of Environment will act accordingly.

Cllr Noel Collins

St Jude’s

Midleton

Co Cork