Over 30 planning exemptions granted in Longford to convert vacant commercial properties into homes

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD has published figures showing a total of 30 notifications were received by Longford County Council to change suitable commercial premises into homes between 2018-23.

If realised, these have the potential to result in 84 new homes across the county.

Turning vacant properties into occupied homes is a key pillar of the government’s Housing for All Plan. The planning exemptions, introduced by The Planning and Development (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2018, and extended by S.I. No. 75/2022, remove the requirement for planning permission to convert certain types of vacant commercial properties into homes until the end of 2025.  

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Specifically, in 2023, a total of 267 change of use notifications were received by local authorities across the country. Properties with a previous commercial use showing the highest potential include former shops (30% of notifications received), followed by services such as barbers and accountants (18%), offices (18%) and public houses (12% of notifications received).

Since the exemption was extended to include public houses in 2022, 92 notifications for a change of use relating to vacant public houses have been received by local authorities over two years, which would provide 295 new homes if developed.

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Minister O’Brien said, "This is one of a suite of measures which has proved effective in encouraging potential homeowners to convert vacant commercial buildings to residential use such as ‘above shop’ living in Longford, to increase housing supply and drive the regeneration of our town centres. Refurbishment and the return to use of such commercial properties helps to reduce pressure on existing housing stock, increase supply, and ultimately, provides much needed homes for people in more vibrant communities across the country.’’

In addition, the recently published Bringing Back Homes Manual for the Reuse of Existing Buildings 2024 supports and facilitates the reuse of vacant and derelict buildings for residential use through guidance on the schemes available and updates to building regulations.

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