How do I Design a House in Ireland?

Home designs in Ireland go through a rigorous approval process.

Designing and planning the perfect house is a dream many people share. When you build a house in Ireland, however, you share that dream with the local Planning Authority--the equivalent of an American city or county council--long before you lay your first brick. Gaining its approval is sometimes difficult but absolutely necessary. Appropriate procedures can help the approval process move along without a hitch.

Instructions

1. 

   Buy directly from a farmer or go through an estate agent.

   Obtain details about land that may affect your design. Before you purchase land, contact the Planning Authority office in the county, borough or urban district council where you plan to build. It can inform you of building restrictions, electrical lines, water pipes or rights of way that may hinder construction. Uranium deposits in Ireland's soil can cause radon gas in buildings. Ask to see an environmental map showing areas where radon concentration is high. The Planning Authority also can tell you whether or not a property is properly registered and whether or not a percolation test is required.

2. 

   Farmland is attractive, but get permission to build before finalizing a contract.

   Buy land. You can negotiate a purchase directly with the seller or go through an estate agent. Ensure the land was approved for building, that it's properly zoned and is large enough for the house you plan to build. The minimum building plot is usually 1/2 acre with at least a 200-foot frontage. A purchase agreement should be contingent upon gaining permission from the Planning Authority, advises Just Landed, a website for people considering an overseas move.

3. 

   Get ideas from homes the Planning Authority has already approved.

   Get design ideas. Go for a drive around the area where you plan to build. Pay attention to neighboring homes to get an idea of what types of building designs have been approved by the Planning Authority. Either purchase home-design software that allows you to print detailed drawings, including elevations, or order already-prepared house plans from a reputable company.

4. 

   Will your family grow in Ireland?

   Design for the future. Design your new home according to your family's lifestyle, keeping future needs in mind. Many companies allow you to make changes to existing home plans to suit your taste. Room sizes in Europe are typically smaller than U.S. residents are used to. If buying existing plans, measure furniture to see if it fits. Remodeling, once you build, usually has to go through the same Planning Authority approval process as the original build.

5. 

   Announce your plans in the local newspaper.

   Advertise your plan. Announce your intention to build through a local newspaper advertisement. Obtain at least two copies of the paper containing the advertisement.

6. 

   The Planning Authority will assign a planning officer to review your application.

   Apply for permission to build. Pick up an application in the Planning Authority office. The completed application must be submitted within two weeks of placing the newspaper advertisement. An application fee, two copies of the newspaper advertisement and two copies of the site notice must accompany the application along with six copies each of a site location map, detailed drawings and a site layout plan. According to Plan-a-Home, the Planning Authority will then issue a receipt and reference number and assign a planning officer to review the application.

7. 

   Construction can begin only after plans are approved.

   Build or appeal. If the Planning Authority grants you permission to build, you have five years to complete your new home. If the application is denied, you can appeal the decision with the An Bord Pleanála within one month of the denial.

Tips & Warnings

• Planning permission varies by county. Contact your county Planning Authority office for a complete set of procedures.

• Building without proper permission carries heavy penalties, including fines and jail time.

References

• Just Landed: Building Your Own Home
• Plan-a-Home: Planning Permission

Resources

• Northern Ireland Planning Service: News, Advice and Guidance