Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 February 2013
443. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider measures to assist the construction industry by increasing the planning permission exemption dimension limits for extensions to private houses, such as the recent UK initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6592/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Planning and Development Acts 2000 - 2011, all development, unless specifically exempted under the Acts or associated Regulations, requires planning permission. Article 6 and Schedule 2 of the Planning and Development Regulations, 2001 set out certain classes of development which are exempt from planning permission requirements. Class 1 of Schedule 2 of the 2001 Regulations provides an exemption from planning permission for the extension of a house, by the construction or erection of an extension (including a conservatory) to the rear of the house or by the conversion for use as part of the house of any garage, store, shed or other similar structure attached to the rear or to the side of the house. This exemption applies where the house has not been extended previously, and the floor area of any such extension does not exceed 40 square metres. The exemption is subject to compliance with a number of other conditions and limitations.
There is a balance, in providing for exemptions from planning permission, between streamlining the consent process for minor works and supporting proper planning and sustainable development, including the need to ensure adequate third party participation rights. While all aspects of the existing regime for exempted development are kept under on-going monitoring and review, I have no plans to amend this exemption at this time.
