A large-scale major development is one where the number of residential units to be constructed is 200 or more. Where the number of residential units to be constructed is not given in the application a site area of 4 hectares or more should be used as the definition of a large-scale major development. For all other uses a large-scale major development is one where the floor space to be built is 10,000 square metres or more, or where the site area is 2 hectares or more.
A small-scale major development is one where the number of residential units to be constructed is between 10 and 199 (inclusive). Where the number of dwellings to be constructed is not given in the application a site area of 0.5 hectare and less than 4 hectares should be used as the definition of a small-scale.
| Development size | Nr of dwellings | Area covered | Response period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minor | 1- 9 (inclusive) | 8 weeks | |
| Minor – alternative for all other uses | If Nr of dwellings not given | Built floor space < 1,000m2 or Site area < 1 hectare |
8 weeks |
| Major (small-scale) | 10-199 (inclusive) | 0.5 < Site area < 4 hectares | 13 weeks |
| Major (small-scale) – alternative for all other uses | If Nr of dwellings not given | 1,000m2 < Built floor space < 9,999m2 or 1 hectare < Site area < 2 hectares |
13 weeks |
| Major (large-scale) | 200+ | Site area > 4 hectares | 13 weeks |
| Major (large-scale) – alternative for all other uses | If Nr of dwellings not given | Built floor space > 10,000m2 or Site area > 2 hectares |
13 weeks |
| Major with EIA | – | – | 16 weeks |
The above thresholds are usually found in the Local Planning Authority‘s planning application fees list.
