Planning exemptions for modular homes brought to Cabinet
A proposal has been brought to Cabinet this afternoon to provide planning exemptions for modular homes of up 45sq/m in peoples back gardens.
Brought forward by Minister for Housing James Browne and Minister of State John Cummins, the Exempted Development Regulations for Residential Dwellings aims to free up planners and offer freedom for people to adapt their homes.
Regulations to exempt development have not been extensively updated in 24 years and are directly linked to the need for homeowners to make the most of residential space.
There are some rules surrounding the proposed changes:
The homeowner must be living in the primary house.
Separate entrances from the main house.
A certain distance from the main residence.
The garden must be at least 25sq/m.
Along with this, the Rent a Room scheme will now cover these units, meaning the owner can receive €14,000 in rent tax-free per year.
With these new buildings, all relevant Building, Building Control and Fire Regulations, including those for habitable dwellings, will apply.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne said: “Since taking up my responsibilities as Minister for Housing, I have been laser focused on cutting red tape, reducing bureaucracy and streamlining systems to get Ireland building better and faster.
“People are rightfully impatient to see more housing delivered quicker, and it is incumbent on any Government to make the necessary changes.
“Today, with regard to planning, we are making the system easier for citizens while freeing up planning resources for more complex priorities.”
Minister of State for Planning and Local Government, John Cummins, added: “As Minister of State for Planning, my priority has always been to remove things from the planning system that don’t need to be there.
“I have already introduced Agriculture exemptions, and now I am bringing forward these residential exemptions, which will give people autonomy over making small changes to their homes without needing planning permission.
“I have always said there will be limitations, and these changes, particularly permitting a detached unit to the rear of the dwelling, will only be appropriate in certain settings.
“These reforms are about empowering people in terms of their own garden space or space within their own home and allowing families to make decisions in relation to their own living space.”
The new regulations will be introduced when the environmental assessment is completed, but should be signed when it is approved by resolution of the Houses of Oireachtas.