What Do You Need Planning Permission For?

Making changes to your home can be an exciting project - but it’s important to think about whether or not you’ll need to obtain planning permission before you get started. If you make alterations to your property without getting permission from your local council or authority, you could run the risk of finding yourself in court.

You should always speak to your local council ahead of any large-scale home improvements to find out if planning permission is required. But to give you an idea of what kind of renovation plans you could do without seeking planning permission first, keep reading.

Do I need planning permission for a log cabin?

Ireland’s Local Government Planning (Planning and Development) Act 1963 stipulates that free-standing structures, such as non-habitable garden houses that are no bigger than 25 square metres can be erected in the rear of your home without planning permission. This means that it is possible to build a log cabin in your garden without obtaining permission from your local council, as long as it does not exceed the maximum size – and doesn’t have a permanent or concrete base. If you wanted to build a log cabin that is bigger than 25 square metres, you would first need to check with the local authorities regarding planning permission.

Do I need planning permission for a shed?

Like a log cabin, the Local Government Planning (Planning and Development) Act 1963 classes a shed as a non-habitable garden house, meaning that you will not require planning permission, as long as it is no bigger than 25 square metres. If you wish to build a shed in your garden that is bigger than this, it’s a good idea to seek advice from your local council.

It’s also worth noting that if you want to demolish an existing shed that is larger than 25 square metres and replace it with a shed of the same size, you will still need to obtain planning permission. Alternatively, you could replace the existing shed with a model that is no bigger than 25 square metres, in which case you would not need to obtain planning permission.

Do I need planning permission for a fence?

Planning permission is not needed for wooden fences as long as they do not exceed 1.2 metres in height, or two metres at the side or rear. It’s important to note that this does not include security fencing. If you wish to build a security fence around your property, you will need to get advice for your local council first.

Do I need planning permission to build a wall?

Just like fencing, you will not require planning permission if you want to erect a capped wall that is no bigger than 1.2 metres in height, or two metres at the side or rear. If you wish to build a wall larger than this, then you may need to require planning permission before you begin.

Do I need planning permission for a dormer window?

If you plan to convert your attic into a liveable space, you might consider installing dormer style windows. However, while you may not need planning permission to make internal changes to your attic which will not interfere with the overall external appearance of the building, you may be required to seek permission if you also intend to fit dormer windows. The installation of dormer windows is likely to require significant changes to the roof, such as raising the height, therefore planning permission would be needed. It’s important to consider the structural implications of such work, so it’s best to discuss your plans with your local council to find out what permission you’ll need.

Do I need planning permission for a bay window?

The design of bay windows means that they protrude outwards from the house slightly. Because bay style windows tend to project further than the principal elevation of a property, you will need to obtain planning permission before installing them.

Can I convert my garage without planning permission?

Planning permission is not needed if you want to convert a garage that is attached to the rear or side of a house for domestic use, provided it has a floor area of less than 40 square metres. You will also not need planning permission as long as the garage does not extend past the building line of the house, and that it does not exceed four metres in height if it has a slated or tiled pitched roof, or three metres if it has any other type of roof.

It’s also important to bear in mind that if the garage is to the side of the house, it must match the finish of the property and may not be lived in, used for commercial purposes or for keeping animals such as ponies, horses, pigeons, pigs or poultry.

If you’re unsure whether your garage conversion meets these requirements, it’s advised that you speak to your local council.

Can I extend my house without planning permission?

Generally speaking, you will not need planning permission if you extend the rear of your house by no more than 40 square metres, and the extension is not higher than the existing property. Planning permission is also not required as long as the extension does not reduce the open space at the back of the property to less than 25 square metres. Meanwhile, if your house has been previously extended, the floor area of the extension that you are proposing, plus the floor area of the existing extension, must not exceed 40 square metres.

Knowing whether you need planning permission to renovate your property can be tricky to get your head around. If you’re unsure, it’s best that you speak to your local council. It’s also important to update your home insurance policy so that it reflects the new value of your home once your renovations are complete.