Planning exemptions review ‘near completion’
The Government hopes to “quickly” finalise new rules on planning exemptions after opening a public consultation on the issue later this month.
Minister for Housing James Browne told the Cabinet today (4 June) that a review of the issue was “nearing completion” and that draft updated regulations would soon be available for public consultation.
The review forms part of the implementation plan for the Planning and Development Act 2024.
Under the review, proposed planning exemptions to allow for the adaptation of dwellings to changing may include:
- Attic conversions (including rooflights),
- Sub-division of existing dwellings,
- Conversions and extensions to provide housing options for older people,
- Current design limitations of extensions to existing buildings, and
- Detached modular-type buildings that could be used as habitable space within the boundary of a primary dwelling.
Public submissions ‘important’
Minister Browne said that the ability to expand and improve existing planning exemptions to allow for the appropriate adaptation of homes to changing needs was a key area for consideration in housing policy.
“Furthermore, if we can have more exemptions, this would take many applications out of the system that really don’t need to be there – freeing up local-authority planners’ time and allowing more resources to be focused on larger projects,” he added.
The minister said, however, that public submissions would be “extremely important”, as some exempted developments could have unintended impacts on neighbouring properties.
John Cummins (Minister of State for Planning) said that providing modular-style homes at the rear of a dwelling was “a common-sense and practical measure” that would provide more housing options.