Investigation & Enforcement for Planning Officers
Course View More
Training for planning officers and associated administrative staff
>> New course for local authorities and public bodies
Please enquire to plan this course for your organisation.
Online / In Person
Variable
About this course
Planning officers face many challenges as a result of the increasing pressure on planning decision deadlines in the country. This course is for planning officers and all those working in the planning departments of local authorities. It will assist them to develop skills and knowledge to deal with those challenges.
Elements of the course are also relevant for those working in clerical admin officer roles and assisting planning file preparation. Different modules may be taken to suit delegates. However some modules are best taken together to ensure maximum learning.
Why choose this course
This comprehensive course is composed of several modules:
Module 1: Planning and Development Act 2000 – 1 day
Module 2: Law, evidence, procedure and best practice – 1 day
Module 3: Excellence in written evidence – 1 day
Module 4: Giving effective evidence – 1 day
Module 5: Overview of planning law – 1 day
Course syllabus
Module 1: Planning and Development Act 2000 (1 day)
On completion of this module all planning officers will understand:
- Powers of Authorised Officers
- Methods of Enforcement under the Act
- Enforcement Notices
- Section 46 Notices
- Section 59 Notices
- Section 60 Notices
- Section 88 Notices
Along with Criminal Prosecutions:
- Summary and Indictable Offences and Penalties
- Reverse Onus Clause
- Offences by Companies
Injunctions:
- Section 160 Injunctions
- Costs/Polluter pays principal
- What factors the court may take into account
Judicial Review Proceedings:
- What can be judicially reviewed
- What time limits apply
- When will the Court grant leave
- Case Law re substantial ground/interest
Module 2: Law, evidence, procedure and best practice (1 day)
- Understand the need for consistency of approach in enforcement procedure.
- Recognise different types of evidence, including, oral, documentary, hearsay, circumstantial and real evidence, which includes use of notebooks, photographs, and maps as evidence.
- Distinguish between facts, inferences and opinions.
- Follow best practice in evidence gathering procedure.
- Consider the rules of evidence and admissibility of evidence.
- Have an understanding of our legal system, court system and criminal prosecution procedure both summary and indictable.
- Follow guidelines in relation to the procedure required in case preparation.
Module 3: Excellence in written evidence (1 day)
- Create, maintain and enhance best practice standards in note taking and maintenance of officers’ notebooks.
- Create, maintain and enhance best practice standards in statement writing including cautioning in accordance with the Judges Rules.
- Consider and follow best practice in both investigation and prosecution report writing, to include analysis of model report formats.
Module 4: Giving effective evidence (1 day)
- Understand summary and indictable trial procedure.
- Consider the process of giving evidence and how best to prepare.
- Appreciate the differences between examination-in-chief, cross-examination and re-examination.
- Consider the techniques used by lawyers in cross-examination.
- Analyse how to handle cross-examination, in particular getting across the whole truth.
- Experience cross-examination in the witness box, and receive feedback based on assessment criteria, covering content, structure and presentation.
Module 5: Overview of planning law (1 day)
- The Role of the Local Authority
- History of Planning Law
- Hierarchy of Planning
- Planning Legislation Overview
- Applications under Section 5
- Control of Development
- Making a Planning Application
- Planning Conditions Including Compliance Conditions
- Outline Planning Permission
- Retention Planning Permission
- Other Types of Development
- Strategic Infrastructure
- Protected Structures
- Architectural Conservation Areas and Areas of Special Planning Control
- Area of Special Planning Control
- Strategic Housing Development
- Planning Appeals
- Environmental Impact Assessment
- Appropriate Assessment
- Material Contravention Procedure
- Judicial Review
- The Planning Regulator
- The Aarhus Convention
- Planning Enforcement
Meet the trainers – Judy Peters
Solicitor and Training Consultant
Judy Peters is a highly experienced lawyer and legal trainer with a distinguished career spanning over four decades. She was admitted as a solicitor in England in 1979, in Northern Ireland in 1983 and...
Read BioPractical training with small groups to ensure quality.
Our training sessions are not lectures—they're practical, interactive experiences. The small group format allows every attendee to ask questions, take part in discussions involving practical exercises and role-plays.
This method of training allows attendees to put the skills learned into practice immediately. Course participants benefit from the focused attention and guidance of an independent expert.
Choose your modules and contact us to plan your training
FAQs
A planning officer assesses planning applications, prepares reports, ensures compliance with planning legislation, and advises on development proposals in line with local authority development plans and national policy.
This course is designed for local authority planners, assistant planners, administrative staff, and professionals involved in the planning and development process in Ireland.
Planning officers operate under the Planning and Development Acts 2000–2023 and associated regulations, which provide the legal framework for assessing and determining planning applications.
Key skills include analytical assessment, report writing, knowledge of planning law, attention to detail, and the ability to balance policy, environmental considerations, and stakeholder interests.
Yes, the training provides guidance on reviewing planning applications, interpreting development plans, and making well-reasoned recommendations.
Planning officers consider all valid submissions, assess their planning merits, and address relevant issues in their reports in accordance with statutory requirements.
Planning officers may be involved in identifying unauthorised developments, supporting enforcement actions, and ensuring compliance with granted permissions.
Yes, the course emphasises preparing clear, structured, and legally robust planning reports to support decision-making.
Yes, it is suitable for both new and experienced staff, offering foundational knowledge and practical insights into the Irish planning system.
Participants will gain improved confidence in assessing applications, a stronger understanding of planning law, and enhanced ability to produce high-quality planning reports.
