Planning Audit and Development Appraisals
A core part of the O’Connor Whelan service – and among the early exercises undertaken in project feasibility – is undertaking planning audits and development appraisals which:

• inform site acquisition decisions
• enable early identification/resolution of potential planning issues
• review relevant historical planning decisions
• provide understanding of third party issues and options for their resolution

Planning Applications
A key aspect of the O’Connor Whelan service is preparing planning applications that respond to clients’ requirements and exploit a site’s optimum potential within the parameters of proper planning and sustainable development.

This includes:

• ensuring applications are robust in terms of their statutory planning policy context
• engaging with key stakeholders (including planning authorities, local residents, etc.)
• preparing Environmental Impact and Retail Impact Statements
• presenting and advocating on clients’ behalf.

Planning Appeals including Oral Hearings
O’Connor Whelan has extensive experience in defending planning proposals to An Bord Pleanála, either as a result of an unfavourable local authority decision or because of third party objections to a proposal.

• advocating clients’ positions by way of a cogent, concise and well-founded rebuttal of the grounds of refusal/appeal.
• presenting evidence at oral hearings
• co-ordination of such hearings
• preparation and review of expert witness evidence

Environmental Impact Statements
O’Connor Whelan is highly experienced in EIS preparation, particularly on large-scale high-profile developments.

The EIS:

• evaluates the positive and negative impacts of a project on the natural and man-made environment
• describes the means and extent by which they can be reduced or ameliorated
• interprets and communicates information about the impacts
• provides an input into the decision-making and planning process

Retail Planning and Retail Impact Statements
The rapid advances in retailing during the recent period of economic growth have led to the emergence of new forms of shopping developments that sometimes challenge established planning policy.

Retail Impact Statements present the interface between private sector proposals and Government policy on retailing and assess proposals in terms of the sequential approach and capacity analysis.

O’Connor Whelan has almost 40 years of practical experience in retail planning and has successfully achieved permission for many shopping developments throughout the country.

Master Plan Preparation
Master Plan preparation is a complex exercise in presenting the best design solution for a site or area that:

• accords with best international practice in design, planning and sustainability
• delivers an economically sustainable outcome
• is flexible and capable of responding to changes in the market

O’Connor Whelan has extensive experience in the collaborative preparation of master plans involving the disciplines of urban design, architecture and engineering, including environmental engineering.

Local Area Plan Preparation
O’Connor Whelan has considerable experience in assisting planning authorities in the preparation of Local Area Plans which set out a framework for the proper planning and sustainable development of an area.

A Local Area Plan:

• is the principal instrument that guides/controls an area’s development
• has major implications on the future development of a town or area
• envisages the balancing of economic, social and environmental aspects to maintain a high quality of life for all
• promotes the protection of the environment and the needs of future generations.

Policy Submissions
The planning policy direction that guides development is an ever-evolving science that is influenced by current best international practice. The fluidity of this science means that development plans, planning strategies and retail strategies are constantly being updated.

O’Connor Whelan represents its clients in the review of such policies to ensure their interests are protected within the parameters of proper planning and sustainable development.