Planning Permission · Westmeath & the Midlands
Planning Permission Applications in Westmeath and the Midlands
Knightwood Architects prepares and manages planning applications for new homes, extensions, renovations and retention across Mullingar, Multyfarnham, Westmeath and the Midlands. We design with the County Development Plan in mind, prepare every drawing and document the council requires, and deal with any further information requests until a decision is made.
The process
How the planning process works in Ireland
Public notices — A notice is published in an approved newspaper and a site notice is put up at the site entrance.
Lodge the application — The application must be lodged within 2 weeks of the newspaper notice.
Public submissions — For the first 5 weeks, anyone can make a submission or observation; the site notice must stay up and legible during this time.
Decision — The council issues its decision within 8 weeks, or requests further information. After a full response, it has 4 more weeks to decide.
Appeal period — The decision can be appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála within 4 weeks.
Final grant — If there is no appeal, the final grant of permission issues and, after commencement notice and any pre-development conditions are met, work can begin.
In total, a straightforward application usually takes around 12 to 14 weeks from notices to final grant.
What we prepare
What we prepare for your application
Site location map and site layout plan
Floor plans, elevations and sections of the proposal
Newspaper notice and site notice
Planning application form and supporting design statement
Coordination of specialist reports where needed (site suitability for wastewater, engineering, ecology, heritage)
Responses to further information requests
Application types
Types of planning application
Full permission — for new homes, extensions and alterations
Outline permission — to test whether a site can be developed before full design
Retention permission — for works already built without permission
Section 5 declaration — a council decision on whether a project is exempt from planning
Why an architect
Why use an architect for planning permission?
Refusals and further information requests cost months. Most come from avoidable issues: a design that conflicts with local policy, missing information, or incorrect notices. We check your site against the Westmeath County Development Plan (or the plan for your county) before drawing, so the application addresses the council’s concerns from day one.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
How long does planning permission take in Ireland?
The council must decide within 8 weeks of receiving a valid application, followed by a 4-week appeal period. If further information is requested, the timeline extends. Most straightforward applications reach final grant in about 3 months.
How much does planning permission cost?
There are two parts: the council’s planning fee, which is set by regulation and is modest for a single house or extension, and the professional fees for drawings and the application. We give you a fixed written fee proposal after the free consultation.
What can I build without planning permission in Ireland?
Some extensions, garden rooms, sheds and other works are exempt within set limits. Since 27 July 2026, a home extension of up to 45 square metres can be exempt, subject to conditions. We check your project against the current rules before you build.
Can you help if my application was refused?
Yes. We review the refusal reasons and advise whether to redesign and reapply or to appeal.
Start your project
Get the right advice before you apply
Tell us about your site and your project, and we will arrange your free consultation.
Phone: +353 85 178 9380
Email: info@knightwooddesign.com
Related: New home design · House extension design