Commercial Property Update - New Guidelines On Development Contributions

The publication by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government of new Development Contribution Guidelines for Planning Authorities (the "Guidelines") will be welcomed by developers.  The main thrust of the Guidelines is the need to support economic development while promoting sustainable development patterns and securing investment in capital infrastructure. 

The Guidelines provide non-statutory policy guidance on the drawing up of development contribution schemes, that both planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála must have regard to when performing their functions under the planning and development legislation.  The emphasis in the Guidelines on supporting economic development reflects the changed economic environment since publication of the previous guidelines on development contributions in 2007.