When selling or buying a property in Ireland, it is crucial to make sure that all building, conversion or renovation work complies with planning laws. This typically requires one of the following: Planning Permission, Retention Permission, or a Certificate of Exemption. If these documents aren’t readily available, your solicitor will likely carry out a planning search to identify any outstanding or historical planning issues.
In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between these permissions, why they matter, and how they affect property transactions.
What Is Planning Permission?
Planning Permission is formal approval from your local authority to carry out construction, extension, conversion or significant renovation work on your property.
When Is Planning Permission Required?
- Building an extension
- Adding an attic conversion with dormer windows
- Constructing a standalone structure, such as a garden room over a certain size
- Any renovation or change of use that significantly alters the property
The Planning Permission Process
- Application: Submit plans to your local authority.
- Review: The council reviews the application, and neighbours or other interested parties can make submissions.
- Approval or refusal: The council will either grant or refuse permission.
- Appeal (if necessary): If permission is refused, you can appeal the decision to An Coimisiún Pleanála, or revise your plans and resubmit.
Without Planning Permission, any development is considered unauthorised and may require corrective