The department of housing is considering exemptions that would mean free standing structures would not need planning permission. The proposal has been welcomed by Cavan-Monaghan TD David Maxwell. Currently homeowners can build extensions of up to 40 square metres without planning permission provided the extension is attached to the main house, with this idea the attachment rule would be reversed.
Speaking on this morning's Joe Finnegan Show, Deputy Maxwell said such proposals will not act as a silver bullet when it comes to solving the housing crisis but will allow people to build a certain type of dwelling to a good standard. Mobile homes or caravans will not be included under this proposal according to Deputy Maxwell. Despite this, he believes that such an exemption could provide an alternative housing option for young people who want to stay in their own community and later for parents who wish to downsize; "I'm bringing forward the concerns of people that have came to me over the last 20 years who wanted to build a log cabin or a modular home to the back of their house for a family member and they just can't do it."
