If you’re thinking of making improvements to your home in Ireland, it’s important to know the rules and regulations regarding planning permission. While some changes may not require planning permission, others will, so it’s best to be informed before you start any work. In this guide, we’ll go over what you need to know about planning permission in Ireland for common home improvements.
Extensions
In Ireland, you generally won’t need planning permission for extensions smaller than 40 square meters. This means you can build an extension or conservatory to the rear of your house as long as it doesn’t increase the original floor area of the house by more than 40 square meters and is not higher than the house. The floor area of any extension above ground level must not exceed 12 square meters for terraced or semi-detached houses and 20 square meters for detached houses. However, the total floor area is calculated based on the floor area of the extension you are now proposing and any previous extensions, including those you previously got planning permission for. Additionally, the extension must not reduce the open space at the back of the house (used only by the people who live in the house) to less than 25 square meters. There are also detailed rules about the height of an extension, where the windows are placed, and how the roof is used.
Garages and Sheds
You can convert a garage attached to the rear or side of the house to domestic use, provided it has a floor area of less than 40 square meters. If you want to convert a garage for business use, you will need to get planning permission for a material change of use. You can build a garage or shed at the back or side of a house as long as it does not extend out in front of the building line of the house and is 4 meters or lower in height if it has a tiled or slated pitched roof, or 3 meters in height if it has any other roof type. You do not need planning permission for this type of garage or shed as long as the floor area on its own or in conjunction with any similar structures is limited to 25 square meters. The new garage or shed should not reduce the open space at the back or side of the house to less than 25 square meters. Garages or sheds to the side of the house must match the finish of the house.
Front Porches
You can build a front porch as long as it is 2 square meters in an area or smaller and is more than 2 meters from a public road or footpath. If the porch has a tiled or slated pitched roof, it must not be higher than 4 meters, or 3 meters for any other type of roof.
Capped Walls, Wooden Fences, Gates, and Access
You can build capped walls (made of brick, stone, or block), railings, and wooden fences up to 1.2 meters in height at the front of the house or 2 meters at the side or rear of the house, including security fences. You can build gates up to 2 meters high. You always need planning permission if you want to widen or create new access to a public road.
Central Heating Systems
You can install a central heating system chimney, boiler house, or oil storage tank (up to 3,500 liters capacity).
Gardens and Yards
You can alter your garden or yard to include car parking spaces, garden paths, ponds, and other items.
Objects on the Roof of the House
You can install a TV aerial on the roof as long as it is less than 6 meters higher than the roof. You can also install a satellite dish at the back or side.
In conclusion, it is important to familiarize yourself with the planning permission rules and regulations in Ireland before making any changes to your property. While many home improvements can be carried out without the need for planning permission, it’s crucial to ensure that you comply with all the necessary guidelines and restrictions.
If you’re uncertain about whether or not you need planning permission, it’s best to check with your local authority before commencing any work. This will help you avoid any potential issues and ensure that you can enjoy your home improvements without any unnecessary stress.
Finally, by adhering to the planning permission guidelines, you can not only improve your property but also enhance the value of your home. Whether you’re considering an extension, a garage conversion or simply installing solar panels, you can enjoy the benefits of these changes for years to come.