The Planning Authority has issued Planning Circular 2/26, providing updated guidance on a number of procedural and policy matters relevant to development management. The circular forms part of the Authority’s ongoing commitment to ensure clarity, consistency and best practice in the planning process.
Planning Circulars are issued to keep applicants, periti and stakeholders informed of changes, clarifications and improvements to planning procedures and policies. Circular 2/26 addresses four key areas, as outlined below.
The circular introduces changes to the way agricultural land is mapped and linked to approved agricultural stores under the Rural Policy and Design Guidance (RPDG). Going forward, only the registered land parcels required to justify the size of the permitted agricultural store will be linked, avoiding unnecessary restrictions on additional land holdings.
As of 14th May 2026, applications being decided or recommended for approval must include a block plan clearly indicating the land parcels to be linked. The circular also introduces a new administrative procedure allowing architects (periti) to request amendments to agricultural constraints, subject to an online fee.
Declaration of adherence to general restoration principles: Facade restoration
A new declaration is being introduced for facade restoration works, replacing the existing Restoration Method Statement in most cases. This aims to simplify submissions while ensuring that restoration projects continue to adhere to international charters, conventions and recognised best practice.
The declaration must be supported by high-resolution photographic documentation, together with deterioration and intervention mapping. Certain types of interventions remain excluded and will still require a separate Restoration Method Statement. The declaration is to be submitted electronically through the eApplications system.
Best Practice Guide – Visual simulations
The Planning Authority has published an updated Best Practice Guide – Visual Simulations, 2026, replacing the 2015 guidelines. The revised guide introduces a proportionate approach to visualisations, updated methodologies and new sections covering areas such as digital twins, cumulative photomontages and night-time views.
All visual simulations submitted in relation to applications lodged on or after 1st May 2026 must comply with the updated guide, and professionals are required to submit a declaration confirming compliance.
Submission of minor amendment requests by Perit of Case
As from 1st June 2026, the submission of Minor Amendment Requests will be restricted to the perit of the original case file. While a Change of Perit procedure may still be carried out for the entire application, changes relating only to individual units within a larger development will no longer be permitted. This measure is intended to clearly define professional responsibility for approved development permissions.
A full PDF version of Planning Circular 2/26 may be downloaded from the Planning Authority website.
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