Planning permission and local needs

rodge123

Hey All

My partner and myself and considering buying or building a house late next year.

We are looking around the Meath/Kildare area (Enfield, Kilcock, Maynooth, Clane, Etc...).
I grew up from the age of 10 in Meath.
Both my parents still live there.
I've been renting in Dublin for the last 7 years.

1 - Would it be difficult for us to get a site and planning permission in any of these areas?

2 - Would my parents living in Enfield at least give us a good case for around Enfield at least?

3 - Also, what are the criteria for "local needs apply" sites?

4 - Slightly off post title: Has anyone ever drove around area's and approached landowners/farmers asking if they would consider selling a site?

Thanks

L1011

Kildare's Local Need rules are defined in here:

http://kildare.ie/CountyCouncil/Planning/DevelopmentPlans/KildareCountyDevelopmentPlan2005-2011/LinkToDocument,11411,en.pdf

I have a suspicion you'll have difficulty meeting any of them unless you work in an agrarian occupation. Meath's are likely similar from what I can find, but can't find such a concise list.

The usual way to get a one-off around here is to buy a derelict one and "extend" it - which requires keeping some of the original walls.