Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 July 2024
108. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider implementing a separate and more simplified planning route with regard to renovating existing properties; his views on whether that such a change could assist in bringing vacant properties back into use in a more efficient manner. [28477/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (the Act) and its associated Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended (Regulations), exemptions are provided removing the need for planning permission for certain works.
Section 4(1)(h) of the Act provides that development consisting of the carrying out of works for the maintenance, improvement or other alteration of any structure, being works which affect only the interior of the structure or which do not materially affect the external appearance of the structure so as to render the appearance inconsistent with the character of the structure or of neighbouring structures, shall be exempted development.
In addition, Part 1 of Schedule 2 of the Regulations provides for further exemptions to structures for sundry works under Classes 9 to 13 subject to certain conditions, for the:
• Construction, erection, renewal or replacement, other than within or bounding the curtilage of a house, of any gate or gateway.
• Plastering or capping of any wall of concrete blocks or mass concrete.
• Construction of boundary fences and walls
• Painting of any external part of any building or other structure.
• Repair or improvement of any private street, road or way, being works carried out on land within the boundary of the street, road or way, and the construction of any private footpath or paving.
It is also the case that a change of use of from a building that was previously used for commercial purposes to residential use that may include up to 10 residential units, is exempt development provided the residential units provided meet building control and other required standards.
Where an individual is unsure if work they propose to undertake as part of renovation is exempted development, they may seek a declaration from the relevant planning authority under Section 5 of the Act as to what, in any particular case, is or is not development or is or is not exempted development within the meaning of the Act.
