Vol. 439 No. 5
99 Ms. F. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for the Environment the plans, if any, he has to deal with the present weakness in the Planning Acts whereby developers wishing to avoid planning requirements relating to conversions to multiple dwellings simply provide only one kitchen in the residence which is used communally by the residents who occupy the house under a single tenancy agreement.
The use as two or more dwellings of any structure previously used as a single dwelling constitutes a material change of use for planning purposes and requires planning permission. It is a matter for An Bord Pleanála, and ultimately for the courts, to decide any question which may arise as to whether a material change of use has arisen in any particular circumstances. The question of whether any modification of planning law may be needed in respect of circumstances such as those outlined will be considered in the context of any future proposals for legislation in this area.
