Do You Need Planning Permission for A Shed in Ireland?
Garden sheds are an excellent way to provide extra storage space, workspaces or even living spaces. Whether you plan to use it for garden equipment or as an extension of your home, a garden shed can be a valuable addition to your property.
When you won't need planning permission to erect a garden shed in Ireland:
As long as the floor area of this type of garage or shed, either on its own or together with similar structures, does not exceed 25 square metres, planning permission is not required. Additionally, the new garage or shed must not result in reducing the open space at the back or side of the house to less than 25 square metres.
However, before you start planning to erect a garden shed, it is important to know the legal requirements in Ireland regarding planning permission. This article will explore whether planning permission is required for garden sheds in Ireland.
In general, planning permission is required in Ireland for any development or change to a property. This includes erecting a garden shed. However, there are exceptions to this rule, and in some cases, garden sheds may be exempt from planning permission.
One of the main factors that determine whether planning permission is required for a garden shed is the size of the shed.
According to the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended, a garden shed can be exempt from planning permission if it is not more than 25 square metres in area, and if it is not more than 3 metres in height. Additionally, the shed must be at least 2 metres from any boundary of the property.
This means that if your garden shed is smaller than 25 square metres in area, less than 3 metres in height, and is located at least 2 metres from any boundary, you may not need planning permission to erect it.
It is important to note that these size and location restrictions apply to the shed itself, and not any additional structures that may be attached to it, such as a lean-to or porch. If you plan to attach any additional structures to the shed, you will need to ensure that the combined size and height of the structures still meet the exemption criteria.
If your garden shed does not meet these exemption criteria, you will need to apply for planning permission from your local authority. This involves submitting a planning application and paying a fee.
The application will be reviewed by the local authority, who will assess whether the proposed shed complies with planning regulations and does not have any negative impact on the surrounding environment or neighbouring properties.
The local authority may also consult with other relevant bodies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency, before making a decision on the application.
In some cases, even if your garden shed meets the exemption criteria, you may still need to apply for planning permission if your property is located in a special planning control zone.
Special planning control zones are areas where there are restrictions on certain types of development, and they are usually designated by the local authority. If your property is located in a special planning control zone, you will need to check with your local authority to determine if there are any additional restrictions on garden sheds.
Listed Building & Conservation Areas
It is also worth noting that if you live in a listed building or a conservation area, there may be additional restrictions on the size and appearance of any garden shed you wish to erect.
This is because these areas are protected by law due to their architectural or historical significance, and any development within them must be in keeping with their character and appearance. If you live in a listed building or a conservation area, you should check with your local authority to determine whether there are any restrictions on garden sheds.
In addition to planning permission, you may also need to comply with other legal requirements when erecting a garden shed. For example, you may need to obtain a building permit, which is issued by your local authority and ensures that the shed meets building regulations.
Building regulations cover areas such as fire safety, structural stability, and insulation, and ensure that any development is safe and complies with certain standards.
Overall, whether planning permission is required to erect a garden shed in Ireland depends on the size and location of the shed, as well as any additional restrictions in your area.
If your shed meets the exemption criteria, you may not need planning permission, but you should still ensure that you comply with any other legal requirements, such as building regulations.
If your shed does not meet the exemption criteria, you will need to apply for planning permission from your local authority. It is important to note that failure to obtain planning permission or comply with other legal requirements can result in enforcement action being taken against you, such as the removal of the shed.
SUMMARY
In conclusion, whether you need planning permission to erect a garden shed in Ireland depends on the size and location of the shed, as well as any additional restrictions in your area. If your shed meets the exemption criteria, you may not need planning permission, but you should still ensure that you comply with any other legal requirements, such as building regulations.
When erecting a garden shed, you should also consider practical considerations such as the purpose, location, materials, design, and additional features of the shed.
By considering these factors, you can ensure that your garden shed is a valuable and functional addition to your property.