As a general rule, planning permission from the local authority (local council) has to be obtained in order to undertake any building works on a property. However, in the planning legislation there are provisions whereby certain building works may be carried out under exemption from planning approval. Much of the exempted development involves ancillary works to an existing domestic dwelling. With more than a decade of experience, 1300 completed projects, and involvement with many professional including planning officers, architects, building surveyors and legal counsel, we have gained a significant understanding of the planning requirements and exempted development.
What follows is a brief summary of the planning status of building works in the context of a private home. Further information is available during a site survey when our staff can discuss the issues in greater detail. If you continue to have any doubts regarding planning permission for your proposed project you should contact your local planning authorities.
Shomera Studios, Small House Extensions
In most cases planning permission will not be required because the Shomera Studio falls into the category of Class 3 exempted development while small home extensions often fall within Class 1 of exempted development in the Statutory Instrument.
It is important to note that in some situations a Shomera Studio can be exempted as a building, but the use may require planning permission. If you are interested in using a Shomera Studio for one of the following purposes, you will most likely require planning permission:
- as a public building (crèche, classroom, etc)
- a commercial office with staff
- as a habitable dwelling (especially if you intend to obtain rental income)
Large House Extensions
Class 1 exempted development (S.I. No.600 of 2001) allows a home-owner to build a house extension up to 40 m2 without planning permission to the rear of the house.
In the case of a semi-detached or terraced house 12 m2 can be added to the First Floor and 20 m2 can be added to the First Floor of a detached house without planning permission. In either case the overall area being added cannot exceed 40 m2.
House extensions require planning permission in the following situations:
- When the extension can be viewed from the front of the house
- Less than 25 m2 of free space remains in the garden after the extension is completed
- If the house already has a converted garage or a previous extension which, when combined with the proposed extension exceeds 40 m2
Further information is available during the preliminary conversations of our Design Service. If you have any doubts regarding planning permission you should contact your local planning authorities.