PLAN30150 Planning Law

Academic Year 2022/2023

Planning law has historically been controversial, politicised and adversarial in Ireland, making for a
fascinating mix of law, policy and politics. The legal arena of planning is defined (and continually
redefined) by primary and secondary legislation, along with its interpretation by the courts. It is
essential that practising planners understand how this legal system underpins their professional
activity and the different ways in which the courts can intervene to shape planning practice. This
module will introduce students to the core features of planning law, including: the hierarchy of plans
and policy; the legal interpretation of development; planning applications and their determination;
planning appeals; enforcement; judicial review; additional planning controls; environmental law; and
legal issues surrounding the professional and ethical conduct of planners, amongst other things.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

1. Understand basic legal terms and their relevance to Irish planning law;
2. Demonstrate an appreciation of how spatial planning operates within the context of institutional
and legal frameworks;
3. Explain the impacts of international and EU law on planning law;
3. Demonstrate an ability to apply planning legislation effectively, from strategic plan making
through to the development management process, appeals and judicial review;
4. Describe and explain how planning activity is influenced by decisions of the courts and principles
of case law.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

22
Autonomous Student Learning

78
Total

100
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures, some case based learning and discussion. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Group Project: Small group/role play activity Unspecified n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

20
Examination: End of Trimester exam. 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

80

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Group feedback on group projects. Opportunity for oral feedback on exam paper after exam correction period.