The term “Taking in Charge” means that the Local Authority assumes responsibility for certain services located within the common areas and public areas associated with a particular estate. When a residential development is completed to the satisfaction of the Local Authority, the developer or, in certain circumstances the majority of homeowners, may make a written request to the Planning Department to have the estate taken in charge. The application may be made using the appropriate Taking in Charge application form which can be found in the policy below.
When a residential development has not been completed to the satisfaction of the Local Authority, the majority of homeowners may still make a written request to the Planning Department to have the estate taken in charge. The Planning Authority shall consider such a request in accordance with S.261 of the Planning and Development Act 2024.
The decision on taking in charge is a reserved function of the local authority i.e. the decision is taken by elected members at a council meeting.