Once an application is submitted for Physical Planning permission, it goes through a number of reviews from within the Physical Planning Division and external departments or Referring Agencies.
These reviews provide essential information needed to properly assess an application. After this has been completed, the application is forwarded to the Technical Committee which meets twice a month. The length of time this takes will vary according to the
- type of application;
- scale or size of the project;
- location;
- type of land use proposed or existing;
- time taken by the referring agencies;
- whether or not there is a need for amendments.
Amendments to an application are required when information is missing or inaccurate. If all the necessary information is provided correctly at the initial submission of the application, the process should take between 6 – 8 weeks.
If an application may be approved pending necessary amendments or corrections that must be re-submitted to Physical Planning Division to be reviewed by the relevant Development Control Officer (DCO). Once it is deemed satisfactory the applicant will receive an approval letter.
If an application is 'deferred', there are additions or changes which must be made and are necessary for the committee to properly review. Once this is done the plans must be re-submitted to the Physical Planning Division to be reviewed as a re-submission at the next committee meeting. Once this is done, the applicant will receive a notice from the Physical Planning Division regarding their verdict.
If an application is disapproved, a notice is sent out to the applicant explaining why with the option to appeal.
'(1) An applicant, or person other than an applicant, whose interest in land may be affected by a decision of the Authority set out in subsection (2) if dissatisfied with such a decision of the Authority may appeal to the Appeals Committee against that decision in the manner prescribed hereunder.' 75.(1) Physical Planning Act 5 (2002)