General Planning Search in Ireland: What Does It Check and Why Is It Important?
If you are buying, selling or developing a property in Ireland, understanding its planning history can be an important part of your due diligence. A General Planning Search provides information about previous planning applications associated with a property and can help identify potential planning issues before they become a problem.
At Mulqueen Consulting, we carry out General Planning Searches for residential, commercial and other property types, helping property owners and prospective buyers understand the planning history of a property.
What Is a General Planning Search?
A General Planning Search is an investigation into the planning history of a property.
The search looks at information held by the relevant local authority and can help establish whether planning applications have previously been submitted for the property, what was proposed, whether permission was granted and whether there are relevant planning matters that may need further investigation.
This can be particularly useful when buying or selling a property where the planning history is unclear.
What Information Can a Planning Search Identify?
Depending on the property and the available planning records, a General Planning Search may help identify:
Previous planning applications
Planning permissions granted
Planning applications that were refused
Planning conditions associated with permissions
Extensions or alterations that may have required planning permission
Previous development proposals
Planning history relating to neighbouring properties
Potential planning issues that require further investigation
The purpose is not simply to find old planning applications. The information can help build a clearer picture of how the property has developed over time.
Why Is a Planning Search Important When Buying a Property?
Buying a property is a significant financial commitment. While a standard property viewing can help you understand the condition and appearance of a home, it does not necessarily reveal its planning history.
For example, a property may have:
An extension that was added after the original house was built
A converted garage or outbuilding
Alterations to the property that may have required permission
Previous planning applications that were refused
Planning conditions attached to earlier permissions
A planning search can help identify matters that should be investigated before proceeding with a purchase.
Planning Search vs Opinion on Compliance
A General Planning Search and an Opinion on Compliance are not the same thing.
A planning search looks at the planning history and records associated with a property.
An Opinion on Compliance involves a professional assessment of whether the existing property appears to comply with relevant planning permissions and requirements.
In some circumstances, both may be appropriate, particularly when buying or selling a property where there are questions about previous development.
Do Sellers Need a Planning Search?
A planning search can also be useful before selling a property.
Identifying potential planning issues early gives a property owner an opportunity to investigate and address them before they become an issue during the sale process.
This can be particularly relevant where a property has been extended, altered or developed over a number of years.
Resolving questions before putting a property on the market can help make the sales process more straightforward.
When Should You Get a General Planning Search?
A General Planning Search may be worth considering when:
You are purchasing a property
You are preparing to sell a property
You are concerned about the planning history of your home
You are considering developing an existing property
You are dealing with an older property
Your solicitor has identified a planning issue
You are unsure whether previous works received planning permission
Getting professional advice at an early stage can help identify potential issues before they become more difficult or expensive to resolve.
How Mulqueen Consulting Can Help
Mulqueen Consulting provides General Planning Search services for property owners and buyers throughout Galway and Ireland.
With more than 15 years of experience in the construction and property industry, our team can help investigate the planning history associated with your property and advise on any further professional assessment that may be required.
If you are buying or selling a property and want greater clarity on its planning history, contact Mulqueen Consulting today.
Call 087 2748603 or contact us to discuss your requirements.
