Planning laws for back garden modular homes to be relaxed

As part of government efforts to tackle the housing crisis, planning laws on cabins and modular homes in back gardens could be eased.

Currently, extensions of up to 40sqm to a home can be built without going through the planning process.

Under the new proposal being examined by Minister of State John Cummins, similar planning exemptions could also now apply to modular or cabin style homes.

Speaking on the move, Aisling O'Sullivan, Senior Executive Planner with Waterford City & County Council said the plans are to accommodate intergenerational movement:

“This is very much in its infancy, so we don’t have much detail, but my understanding is its to accommodate intergenerational movement, so maybe parents downsizing into a modular home at the rear of their house and children taking over the main property.

 “Like with any planning and development exemptions, there are conditions and limitations attached, so it will be up to the local authority to enforce those.

“I think it’s probably a little bit off yet, and the finer details will take a while to work through I imagine" she added.

The proposal was welcomed by a number of councillors in the Comeragh District this week.

Cllr John O’Leary said: “We all know we have a housing problem, so this can be an advantage to young people who can’t get on the housing list and an advantage to elderly people who want to downsize. When we’re in a housing crisis something extraordinary has to be done.

Cllr Seanie Power added: “I think this should be allowed and I think it would be a huge help to people."