Waiting time for planning meeting ‘unacceptable’

The length of time that it takes to secure a pre-planning meeting with Wexford County Council is ‘unacceptable’ according to Cllr Malcolm Byrne.

Cllr Byrne said he had been told bythecouncilexecutivethatthey are endeavouring to reducing the waiting time to have a pre-planning meeting to about one month but he is aware of cases where potential applicants have been waiting over two months.

A pre-planning meeting is where someone looking to build a house or office or business meets with council planners in advance of submitting a planning application to ensure that they can provide sufficient information for a decision to be made.

Cllr Byrne said: ‘Pre-planning meetings can save money and time down the line and are very helpful for those looking to build. Applicantsshouldnothavetowaitsixto eight weeks before they can have a chat about what they need to do.’ The council executive has assured Cllr Byrne that they are doing their best to reduce the waiting time. Cllr Byrne has also asked that the planning section be adequately staffed to meet growing demand.