Athlone councillor welcomes new rules on small back garden homes

An Athlone councillor has welcomed proposed Government changes to planning regulations that aim to make it easier for homeowners to build small homes in their back gardens, extend existing properties, and adapt houses to suit evolving family needs.

Cllr Aengus O'Rourke said the long-anticipated reforms to Exempted Development Regulations are designed to streamline the planning process for ordinary homeowners.

“These much talked about and long-awaited reforms to Exempted Development Regulations are designed to reduce unnecessary planning delays for ordinary homeowners while allowing local planning authorities to focus on larger and more complex developments,” the councillor said.

Among the most significant proposals is a new exemption that would allow homeowners to construct detached, habitable units in their back gardens, ranging from 32 to 45 square metres.

“One of the most notable changes is the introduction of a new exemption that would allow homeowners to build a detached habitable unit in their back garden, ranging from 32 to 45 square metres,” Cllr O’Rourke said.

“These units could provide valuable accommodation for older family members, adult children, carers, or others needing independent living space close to family support.”

The proposals also include the option to subdivide an existing home to create one additional self-contained unit within the current structure, a move aimed at increasing housing supply without major new development.

Other planned changes include increasing the exempted extension size for the main home from 40 square metres to 45 square metres, and raising the permitted size for garden structures, such as home offices, gyms, sheds, and storage units, from 25 square metres to 30 square metres.

Homeowners would also be allowed to install dormer roof box extensions and roof lights without full planning permission.

Cllr O’Rourke said the measures reflect changing family dynamics and housing pressures.

“These changes reflect the reality that many families need more flexibility in how they use their homes, particularly as housing pressures continue and multigenerational living becomes more common,” the councillor said.

The councillor also noted that the regulations have not undergone major reform in almost a quarter of a century.

“The regulations have not seen major reform in almost 25 years, and this update is both necessary and welcome,” Cllr O’Rourke said.

“It follows a major public consultation process last year, during which almost 1,000 submissions were received.”

Despite the proposed easing of planning requirements, all exempted developments will still need to comply fully with building regulations, fire safety requirements, and building control standards. The final regulations are currently undergoing environmental assessment and must also be approved by both Houses of the Oireachtas before taking effect.

“This is a practical step that can help families stay together, support independent living, and make better use of existing residential space across our communities,” Cllr O’Rourke added.