Planning applications for housing developments in the county continue to decline, the planning SPC heard on Monday.
In 2011 there were 1,053 planning applications made in the county — 80 per cent of these applications were for single houses, extensions to houses, or extensions of time. There has been a sharp decline in housing developments (more than one house ) with 31 applications in 2009, 22 applications in 2010, and just five applications in 2011.
Director of services Seamus Granahan said that since there has been a dramatic reduction in planning applications the workload in the planning department has been readjusted and rearranged, with the department now looking after development plans, take-over of estates, and quarry inspections. The planning department has also lost administrative staff and three planners since 2008.
