Planning Permission Wexford: County Council Guidelines, Rural Housing & Maps

Quick Answer: Planning permission in County Wexford is administered by Wexford County Council under the Wexford County Development Plan 2022–2028. Wexford’s planning landscape is characterized by high commuter pressure from Dublin, rich agricultural land, sensitive coastal zones, and distinctive rural settlement policies. Applicants in Rural Policy Area 1 must satisfy strict local need criteria, while coastal areas require rigorous visual and ecological screening.

Wexford County Development Plan: Rural Settlement Policy

County Wexford operates under the Wexford County Development Plan 2022–2028, which establishes statutory land use strategies for key towns (Wexford Town, Enniscorthy, Gorey, New Ross) and the extensive rural hinterland.

Due to the extension of the M11 motorway, north Wexford (especially Gorey and Arklow border areas) experiences heavy development pressure from the Greater Dublin commuter belt.

The council categorizes rural areas into two distinct policy zones:

• Rural Policy Area 1: Covers the north of the county and commuter corridors around Wexford Town. Here, single rural houses are restricted strictly to applicants with a demonstrated economic or social link to the rural area.

• Rural Policy Area 2: Covers rural areas in the south and west of the county. While local connection remains preferred, broader criteria apply to encourage rural enterprise and demographic stability.

Coastal Constraints & Special Landscape Areas in Wexford

With over 275 kilometers of coastline, Wexford features some of the country’s most environmentally sensitive coastal zones, including:

• The Hook Peninsula & Bannow Bay: Extensive SAC and SPA designations protecting coastal lagoons, mudflats, and wintering wildfowl.

• Lady’s Island Lake & Tacumshin Lake: Rare saline coastal lagoon ecosystems where residential discharges are strictly scrutinized.

• Coastal Erosion & Setback Buffers: Wexford County Council enforces mandatory development setbacks from soft-cliff coastlines subject to coastal erosion (notably around Rosslare, Kilmuckridge, and Cahore).

Wexford "Macamore" Clay Soils: The coastal strip between Courtown and Wexford Harbour features heavy, poorly draining Macamore clay soils. Standard septic tank gravity percolation frequently fails here, requiring engineered raised sand polishing filters or packaged mechanical aeration systems.

How to Submit a Planning Application in Wexford

Follow these practical steps when preparing a planning application to Wexford County Council:

1. Online Planning Portal: Wexford County Council operates an e-Planning service allowing online submission of planning applications, fees, and architectural drawings.

2. Approved Newspapers: Notices must be published in approved local newspapers (e.g. Wexford People, Gorey Guardian, New Ross Standard, Enniscorthy Guardian) within 14 days prior to submission.

3. Rural Housing Need Form: Applicants for rural one-off houses must complete Wexford County Council’s Supplementary Rural Housing Application Form, attaching historical school records, land deeds, and proof of non-home ownership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I find previous planning applications in County Wexford?

Wexford County Council maintains an online Planning Enquiry System where you can search by map, planning reference number, applicant name, or townland to view architectural drawings, planner reports, and decisions.

What are development contribution charges in County Wexford?

Under Wexford County Council’s Section 48 Development Contribution Scheme, the standard contribution charge for a new one-off residential house is approximately €6,000 to €8,000, depending on floor area and whether public services are connected.

Can I build a flat-roof modern house in rural Wexford?

Wexford County Council published a Rural Design Guide encouraging contemporary architecture, provided the building respects landscape contours, uses natural materials (render, timber, natural slate), and avoids suburban suburbanisms like ornate entrance pillars or high front boundary walls.

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