Planning granted for new passive house in listed parkland

Casa Architects has achieved NPPF 55 statusfor the development of a new passive housein a listed parkland near Frome, Somerset.NPPF 55, recognised as one of the mostdifficult planning applications to achieve, setsstrict planning restrictions to allow only trulyoutstanding or innovative architecture of thevery highest quality and standard to be built in the English countryside.

Dublin City Council officials defy councillors on passive house vote

Unelected officials in Dublin City Council have rejected the decision by city councillors to make the passive house standard or equivalent energy performance standards a mandatory planning condition for all new buildings in the city. The council also included a statement to protect the route of the controversial Eastern Bypass, in spite of councillors voting against it. 

Democrat advisor praises Irish passive house action

World-renowned author, environmentalist and advisor to the Democratic Party Bill McKibben has praised the green leadership that Ireland is starting to show through Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and Dublin City Council voting to make the passive house standard or demonstrably equivalent alternatives mandatory for all new buildings. 

Gormley announces details of new planning bill

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Environment minister John Gormley yesterday announced details of the government's latest planning and development bill. The Bill introduces a number of changes to the planning code that "aim to support sustainable development".

Developer appeals Causeway rejection

Developer Seymour Sweeney is appealing against the planning refusal for his controversial Giant's Causeway visitor centre scheme, it can be revealed today. The move opens the way for another round in one of the most high-profile battles ever waged in Northern Ireland's planning system.

First oral hearing under new fast-track planning system opens

The first public hearing to be conducted under a new fast-track planning process for major infrastructural developments will begin today.

A €500 million gas terminal at the Shannon estuary in Co Kerry is the first project to be advanced to An Bord Pleanála oral hearing stage under the new Strategic Infrastructure Act.

Macroom Mayor tackles eco minister on SAC delay to bypass

THE Mayor of Macroom delivered a sharp message to the visiting Minister for the Environment last week to fast-track through the new section of the proposed bypass road to replace a former section controversially declared a special area of conservation (SAC) by the Minister during the summer.

Council putting 250 jobs at risk, says Cashel developer

The row over the threatened demolition of 52 holiday homes overlooking the Rock of Cashel in Co Tipperary escalated yesterday when the builder accused the county council of a "blunder" which is putting 250 jobs at risk.

Planning board queried again about Ballina bridge

BALLINA’s proposed pedestrian bridge has been thrown into rocky waters again with yet another appeal lodged to An Bord Pleanála (ABP) regarding its decision that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was unnecessary for the development, to be situated at the Salmon Weir on the River Moy.

Green light for major Enniscrone development

PLANS for a major housing development in the West Sligo seaside resort of Enniscrone, which attracted some intense local opposition and critical observations from a number of public bodies, have been approved by the board members of An Bord Pleanala.