Planning enforcement is the process by which local authorities ensure that developments comply with planning laws. If work has been carried out without permission or breaches the conditions of an existing permission, the local authority may take enforcement action against the property owner.

Local authorities may take enforcement action if: Construction or development has been carried out without planning permission. There is a failure to comply with the conditions of a granted planning permission. The development exceeds what is considered exempt development under planning laws.

If planning enforcement action is taken, you could: Receive a warning letter or an enforcement notice from your local authority. Be required to cease work immediately or remove unauthorised structures. Face fines or court proceedings if you fail to comply. Encounter difficulties selling or insuring the property due to unresolved enforcement issues. If you’ve received a planning enforcement letter, read our blog post What Do I Do If I’ve Received a Planning Enforcement Letter?

Warning Letter: This is the initial step, notifying you that unauthorised development has occurred and giving you time to respond or address the issue. Enforcement Notice: If the warning letter is ignored, an enforcement notice will be issued. This is a legally binding order requiring you to cease or undo unauthorised work. If you’ve received a planning enforcement letter, read our blog post What Do I Do If I’ve Received a Planning Enforcement Letter?

Yes! You can address planning enforcement issues by: Applying for retention planning permission to legalise the work. Rectifying or removing the unauthorised development to comply with the original permission. At RetentionPlanning.ie, we specialise in helping property owners resolve enforcement issues promptly and effectively.

We provide expert assistance to resolve planning enforcement problems by: Reviewing the enforcement notice and advising you on your options. Preparing and submitting Retention Planning Permission applications. Liaising with the local authority on your behalf. Providing compliance certificates where necessary.

If you receive a warning letter: Act quickly: Delays can result in enforcement notices or legal action. Contact us: At RetentionPlanning.ie, we will assess your situation and guide you through the best steps to resolve the issue. If you’ve received a planning enforcement letter, read our blog post What Do I Do If I’ve Received a Planning Enforcement Letter?

Timeframes vary, but typically: Warning letters: Provide a period for you to respond (often 4 weeks). Enforcement notices: Must be complied with within a specified timeframe, as outlined in the notice.

Ignoring enforcement action can have serious consequences, including: Legal proceedings initiated by the local authority. Significant fines or court-ordered removal of unauthorised works. Long-term impacts on property value, resale, and insurance.

Getting started is simple: Contact us: Get in touch via our website, phone, or email. Consultation: We will review your situation and advise on the next steps. We’ll handle the rest: From documentation to submission and follow-ups, we take care of everything.

Retention planning permission is required when construction or changes to a property are carried out without prior planning permission. It allows you to “retain” the work legally by submitting an application to your local authority for approval. If you want to know more about what is retention planning permission you can check our blog article.

You may need retention permission if: • You’ve built an extension, garage, or other structure without planning permission. • You’ve made changes to the use of a property (e.g., converting a residential space to commercial). • Minor works were completed that exceed the “exempted development” limits. If you’re unsure, we can help you assess your situation.

Getting retention permission involves preparing a full planning application and applying to your Local Planning Authority for Retention Planning Permission. You will need an agent to act on your behalf for this process as it is not something you will be able to undertake unless you are experienced at this. Our team manages the entire process for you, ensuring a smooth experience.

It takes approximately one month to prepare and lodge a retention application, then it takes two months for an initial decision and one further month for a final decision.

At RetentionPlanning.ie, we specialise in: • Retention Planning Applications: Submitting detailed applications for unapproved work. • Compliance Certification: Certifying completed work for planning compliance. • Expert Guidance: Advising on planning laws, requirements, and steps to achieve compliance.

We simplify the often complex process of retention planning. Our team will: Assess the work carried out. Prepare and submit the necessary retention application. Liaise with local authorities on your behalf. Provide you with a compliance certificate once approved, if required.

While timelines can vary depending on your local authority, a typical retention application process takes: Preparation: 3–4 weeks (depending on documentation). Approval: 8–12 weeks following submission. We ensure all documents are submitted promptly to prevent delays. Check our blog post about how long does the retention planning process take in order to get more info.

The cost depends on the scope of the work and the specific services you require. We offer: Transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Competitive rates tailored to each project. Contact us for a personalised quote. For a detailed breakdown of retention planning costs, read our blog post about Retention Planning cost.

Yes! We provide retention planning services nationwide. Our experienced team works with homeowners, landlords, and businesses throughout all counties.

If you lack retention permission for unauthorised works, you could: Face enforcement action from your local authority. Be required to remove or reverse the works. Encounter difficulties selling or insuring the property. Acting promptly is essential, and we’re here to help you resolve the issue. To understand what types of works require retention planning permission, read our blog post What Requires Retention Planning Permission?.