Contract based on undermining planning code cannot be enforced

[Paul Clerkin]

..... Mr Swanton's proposal for the development of the site was to replace the roof on the ruin in order to make it a redevelopment building in the eyes of a planner; to redevelop the existing dwelling as an "executive residence"; and to apply for planning for a residence in a part of the site covered by trees and scrub in the name of a local person claiming a housing need, whom he would provide. He reasoned that the first would cost approximately €250,000 to develop and would yield approximately €1 million; the second would cost approximately €450,000 to develop and would yield approximately €1.8 million and the third would cost about €300,000 to develop, but would take approximately five years to sell because of the planning restrictions which required the involvement of a local person.......

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/0112/1231515545183.html