To ask the Minister of the Environment (i) to what degree Planning Circular PC 0307 is material in the consideration and determination of Planning Applications; and (ii) if this is reflected in (a) Planning Service; and (b) Planning Appeals Commission decisions, prior to and subsequent to its issue in August 2007.

Planning Circular (PC 03/07): “Assessing Planning Applications for Residential Development in Urban Areas, Villages and Other Small Settlements” is internal guidance which seeks to remind Planning Service staff of the full policy context when assessing planning applications for residential development in Urban Areas, Villages and other Small Settlements as a matter of good practice. It is not new policy but the pulling together of existing policy and guidance, which is already in the public domain, in a format which is easily accessible for staff.

The circular and the policy context are material considerations reflected in Planning Service decisions. Prior to issue of the Circular in August 2007, the existing policy context was a material consideration in the determination of planning applications.

Decisions issued by the Planning Appeals Commission are a matter for the Commission.