Planning Application Websites

We provide a dedicated solution for the development, publication and maintenance of SHD planning application websites throughout Ireland.

Each building application to An Bord Pleanála needs its own dedicated website, so members of the public can view reference materials such as planning application documents, cover letters, drawings, reports and other documents. Matrix has streamlined the process with an ultra-quick template system for new SHD, SID and LRD sites. We have created more than 150 planning application sites since, and we’ve never missed a deadline for presentation to An Bord Pleanála. We’ll have your site ready in

Our templates can be easily tailored to present all your documents and images clearly to the public. The template system cuts the cost and boosts turnaround times. And once the site goes live we can take care of all the maintenance.

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LRD

A large-scale residential development (LRD) application is made to the relevant planning authority. It applies to development with 100 or more units, student accommodation with 200 beds or more, or a combination of the two.

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SHD

A strategic housing development (SHD) application must be made directly to An Bord Pleanála. Applies to developments with 100 or more houses, includes student accommodation or a mixture of student and regular housing, among other criteria.

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SID

A strategic infrastructure development (SID) application is made directly to An Bord Pleanála, and applies to any big infrastructure development, such as a motorway, railway line or airport, or a major facility such as a hospital.

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FAQ’s

What is the usual planning timeline for SHD applications?
DedicatedThe SHD application has two main stages. Firstly, in the “pre-application” stage, you must consult with the relevant planning authority and An Bord Pleanála to get an initial opinion on the planning documents you have provided, to see if they are in good order and constitute a reasonable basis for application, or if you need to make further adjustments or amendments.

In the second stage, the planning application is submitted to An Bord Pleanála, which will ultimately make a judgment on the application after a mandatory 16-week timeframe, after consultation with the public and the submission of a report from the planning authority. See An Bord An Bord Pleanála’s SHD overview for more information.
What are the fees for submitting an application to An Bord Pleanála?
The exact fee owed to An Bord Pleanála depends on a number of factors. This includes the type of application you are making (for example, whether you are lodging an appeal, an SID application or an SHD application) and the provisions of the Planning and Development Acts on which you are basing your application. For more information about fees for your specific application, please visit https://www.pleanala.ie/en-ie/fees
What is the difference between SHD, SID and LRD applications?
A strategic housing development (SHD) application is made directly to An Bord Pleanála. You should make an SHD application if it relates to a housing development within a certain criteria, including:

  • It contains 100 or more houses
  • It involves student accommodation units
  • It involves a mixed development of housing and student accommodation
  • It relates to an alteration of existing permission from a planning authority
  • It relates to an alteration of existing permission from An Bord Pleanála.

For more information about SHD applications, please visit https://www.pleanala.ie/en-ie/strategic-housing-development

A strategic infrastructure development (SID) application is also made directly to An Bord Pleanála. You should make an SID application for any major infrastructure development, for example a motorway, railway line, pipeline, airport, port or major facility such as a hospital. For more information about SID applications, please visit https://www.pleanala.ie/en-ie/strategic-infrastructure-development A large-scale residential development (LRD) application is made to the relevant planning authority. You should make an LRD application if it relates to a housing development within certain criteria, including:

  • It relates to a housing development of 100 or more units
  • It relates to student accommodation comprising 200 beds or more
  • A combination of the two where the threshold is met for either element.

For more information about LRD applications, please contact your local authority, or for further information about the relevant Irish legislation please visit https://www.gov.ie/en/circular/8bd7e-large-scale-residential-development-act-and-regulations-2021/
What do I need before making an SHD application?
Applicants must meet a number of important criteria before submitting an SHD application to An Bord Pleanála. These criteria include:

  • Carrying out an acceptable consultation with the planning authority
  • Seeking an opinion from An Bord Pleanála about the suitability of documents submitted at pre-application stage
  • Adhering to regulations regarding site and newspaper notices, the notification of planning authorities and prescribed authorities
  • Adhering to requirements set in relation to effects on the environment of an EU state
For more details about these criteria and the relevant legislation surrounding them, please visit https://www.pleanala.ie/en-ie/shd-applications-applicant-guidance/shd-applications-(applicant)-requirements-before
What is the application process for SHD?
The SHD application process takes a maximum of 16 weeks and includes the following steps listed by An Bord Pleanála:

  • Lodgement of the SHD application to An Bord Pleanála
  • Submissions and observations by the public to An Bord Pleanála
  • Submissions by prescribed authorities to An Bord Pleanála
  • Submission of planning authority report to An Bord Pleanála
  • Decision of An Bord Pleanála

For more details about the SHD application process, please visit https://www.pleanala.ie/en-ie/shd-applications-applicant-guidance/shd-applications-(applicant)-process
How do I submit my planning application to An Bord Pleanála?
To submit your SHD application online, please visit https://online.pleanala.ie/en-ie/housing/observation. To submit your SID application online, please visit https://online.pleanala.ie/en-ie/sid/observation.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to apply by other means, please visit https://www.pleanala.ie/en-ie/contact, where you can find email, phone and fax contact details.
What happens after I submit my planning application?
After submitting your planning application to An Bord Pleanála, you will be notified of the board’s decision within 16 weeks. However, if an oral hearing is scheduled, this decision can take up to 24 weeks from the submission of the document. For more information about how this decision is made, please visit https://www.pleanala.ie/en-ie/shd-applications-applicant-guidance/shd-applications-(applicant)-board-decision
How long will it take for An Bord Pleanála to make a decision about my application?
An Bord Pleanála will take a maximum of 16 weeks to make a decision on an SHD application, unless an oral hearing is required, in which case, the decision can take up to 24 weeks. For SID applications, there is an 18-week waiting period before the board comes to a decision. For more information on SHD applications, please visit https://www.pleanala.ie/en-ie/shd-applications-applicant-guidance/shd-applications-(applicant)-board-decision. For more information on SID applications, please visit https://www.pleanala.ie/en-ie/strategic-infrastructure-development-guide/sid-board%E2%80%99s-decision
How long does it take to get my new planning application website up and running?
Depending on the template (SHD, SID or LRD), between 2 to 3 weeks.
What services do you offer for SHD, SID and LRD application websites?
  • Website design and development
  • Content population
  • Hosting
  • Technical support
  • Domain name registration
  • SSL certificate
  • Cookie script
  • Penetration testing
  • Digital marketing
  • Dedicated support team and account manager
What other services does Matrix Internet offer?
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