Most people who want to object to a planning application in Ireland have the same problem: they know they have valid concerns, but they don't know how to put them into writing. This page gives you a complete, ready-to-use planning objection letter template — with sample text for each section — so you know exactly what to write.
Read the full template and breakdown below. Or, if you'd prefer a letter personalised to your specific planning application, use our planning objection letter generator — it builds a tailored letter around your exact concerns in minutes.
The planning objection letter template
Below is a full sample letter you can use as a starting point. Sections marked in green are the ones you must personalise to your specific application and concerns.
[Your Address, Line 1]
[Your Address, Line 2]
[County]
[Date]
[Name of Local Authority, e.g. Kildare County Council]
[Address of Council Offices]
Proposed development at: [Address of the proposed development]
The proposed development, by reason of its [height / scale / proximity to the boundary], would result in significant [overlooking / overshadowing / loss of privacy] to the rear garden and habitable rooms of my property at [your address]. Specifically, [describe the specific impact — e.g. "the proposed first-floor windows on the southern elevation would directly overlook my rear garden and kitchen window from a distance of approximately 4 metres"].
2. Conflict with the Local Development Plan
The proposed development appears to conflict with Policy [e.g. "RES 3 of the [County] Development Plan 2023–2029"], which requires that extensions respect the character of the existing dwelling and the amenity of adjoining properties. In my view, the proposed development fails to meet this standard by reason of its [scale / design / siting].
[Add further grounds as relevant — traffic, overlooking, flood risk, heritage, etc. Each ground should be a separate numbered paragraph.]
Yours faithfully,
[Your Signature]
[Your Full Name — printed]
What each section needs to do
Every section of a planning objection letter serves a specific purpose. A planning officer assessing your submission is looking for specific things — here is what each section must achieve:
The grounds section — getting it right
Section 5 — your planning grounds — is the part that will determine whether your objection is taken seriously. A planning officer cannot act on vague concerns. They need specific, policy-based arguments.
The most commonly accepted planning grounds in Ireland are:
- Residential amenity — overlooking, loss of privacy, overshadowing, loss of light. Describe exactly which windows or spaces are affected and why.
- Conflict with the development plan — reference the actual policy number from your local authority's development plan. These are publicly available on every council's website.
- Traffic and access — unsafe access onto a road, inadequate parking, pedestrian safety. Relevant for larger developments or extensions that change how a property is accessed.
- Visual impact / character of area — the development is out of scale, uses inappropriate materials, or is inconsistent with the character of the area.
- Protected structures or conservation areas — if the property or area has a protected status, any development must respect it.
- Flood risk — relevant if the site is in a flood-risk zone identified in the local development plan or OPW flood maps.
Tips for a stronger objection
- Be specific about measurements. "The proposed wall would be 2.4 metres from my rear boundary, casting shadow on my kitchen from October to March" is far stronger than "the extension is too big."
- Quote the development plan directly. Find your local authority's development plan on their website, search for the relevant policy (residential amenity, extensions, etc.), and quote or reference it directly.
- Attach evidence if you have it. Photographs, shadow studies, or measurements from the applicant's own plans can all be attached to a written submission.
- Keep it professional. Angry or personal language will not help your case. A calm, factual letter reads as credible — emotional language reads as a personal dispute.
- Submit before the deadline. Online submission is the safest option — you get a confirmation receipt. If submitting by post, allow at least 5 working days.
- Pay the €20 fee. Your objection will not be processed without it. Most councils now accept payment online when you submit through their planning portal.
Personalise this template for your application
The template above gives you the structure. But a generic template will only get you so far. The parts that actually influence a planning decision — the specific grounds, the policy references, the accurate description of the impact on your property — need to be tailored to your exact situation.
Our planning objection letter generator walks you through your concerns, identifies the strongest grounds, and builds a personalised letter with the correct local development plan policies for your county — ready to submit to your local authority in minutes.
Frequently asked questions
How long should my planning objection letter be?
One to two pages is ideal. Planning officers read dozens of objections per week. A focused, well-structured letter that clearly identifies the planning grounds and relevant policies will carry more weight than a long, unfocused submission. Quality and relevance matter far more than length.
Can I use the same template as my neighbour?
You can each submit separate letters based on the same template, but they should not be identical. Multiple identical submissions are often noted as a form-letter campaign and may be given less individual weight. Even small personalisation — your specific concerns, your specific windows or garden — makes each submission stronger.
What happens after I submit my objection?
The planning authority will acknowledge receipt of your submission. When the planning officer makes their decision — typically within 8 weeks of the application being received — you will be notified of the outcome. If permission is granted, you can appeal to An Bord Pleanála within 4 weeks of the decision date (a separate fee applies).
Does my objection have to be in writing?
Yes. Planning observations in Ireland must be made in writing — either via the local authority's online planning portal, by email, or by post. Verbal objections or phone calls are not valid submissions.