Possible planning turmoil as EU back right to build one-off rural houses

THE contentious 'locals only’ stipulations when it comes to granting planning permission in many parts of the county may now have to be reviewed in light of a European Court decision which has decided such policies fly in the face of one of the EU’s basic principles – the right to free movement.
In the Galway Co Development Plan there are severe restrictions in a zone which takes in a 20km radius around Galway City and in Connemara. Restrictions are not so stringent in rural East and South Galway but still exist.
The EU ruling could spell the end to 'local only’ or family members only when it comes to planning permission and open up the site market again for many farmers.

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