The Cathaoirleach of Glenties Michael McClafferty has called for action against serial objectors “destroying people’s livelihoods” by attempting to block new developments.
Cllr McClafferty said that planning applications for agricultural sheds are being “shot down” by people who are not from Donegal.
Cllr McCafferty has blamed the easy access to objections, saying the €20 submission fee is “too handy, too light, and needs to be revisited and substantially raised to €500.”
“It’s crazy now you can’t build a shed to put your cows into and you have somebody from Cork or elsewhere objecting to you,” Cllr McClafferty said.
The motion was widely debated by Councillors in Lifford today.
Cllr Niamh Kennedy said the increased fee would be harmful to genuine objectors.
“I don’t feel it’s appropriate to put pressure on community groups and small groups to try and come up with €500 to put in an objection to something in their area that is not suitable,” Cllr Kennedy said.
Cllr Gerry McMonagle likened the proposal to ‘using a sledgehammer to crack a nut’.
“There are developments that have happened in local areas where local people have genuine concerns,” Cllr McMonagle said.
Cllr Paul Canning acknowledged that something must be done about a serial objector “creating havoc” by making blanket objections to the planning of agricultural slatted houses.
It was pointed out by Cathaoirleach of Donegal Martin Harley and Cllr Ciaran Brogan that the council does not have the power to change the planning process.
The scales of fees for planning applications and the amendment of these provisions is a matter for the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage.
Councillors agreed to write to the National Planning Authority saying they are not happy with serial objectors. Councillors are set to call for the system to be looked at as part of the review of planning legislation so that people cannot be ‘objecting for the sake of objecting’.
