Waterford minister leading planning review that would make garden cabins exempt

Minister of State for Planning and Fine Gael TD John Cummins has announced a public consultation, giving members of the public an opportunity to feed into the process underway to fully update planning exemptions for the first time in almost 25 years.

Under proposed changes, there would no longer be a requirement for planning permission for certain developments.

Waterford Minister Cummins has detailed his plans to allow for modular-style homes to the rear of a dwelling up to 45 sq/m to be exempt from planning permission.

He said the proposal to allow for detached modular homes to the rear of a property is a practical and common sense move which will provide housing options for people such as those with a disability or a young person who wish to live independently of the family home in the short-term.

It will also give the option for parents who wish to right-size within their own community while maintaining the support of their family. Minister Cummins has been clear that he does not envisage the units for rental purposes.

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He said: “All modular homes will have to comply with building regulations and strict conditions that are already in place for extensions to homes that are attached to the rear of the dwelling.

“I have been clear that this is not a solution to the housing challenges we face but it does provide an option for people who want to live independently of their family home.

The four-week public consultation also outlines proposals for consideration in the areas of agriculture including slurry storage, health, education and infrastructure.

Minister Cummins added: “Increasing the number of development types from requiring planning permission is aimed at simplifying the planning system and removing things that are unnecessarily clogging up the planning departments within Local Authorities.

“Common sense and practical planning exemptions will free up local authority resources for larger-scale developments, particularly for housing, and additionally would allow homeowners and other stakeholders to proceed with small-scale projects more quickly.

“This consultation provides a great opportunity for people to have their say and make submissions on these important proposals to change Exempted Development Regulations which have not been substantially updated in nearly 25 years.”

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