Longford firm says new garden dwelling exemption a big 'opportunity for homeowners'

A Longford company, has welcomed the introduction into law of the new exempted development regulations, which allow homeowners to place a self-contained dwelling of between 32 and 45 square metres in their garden without a requirement for planning permission.

Framespace, one of Ireland’s leading manufacturers of certified steel-framed structures for the residential market, believes the change provides a significant opportunity for homeowners to introduce a high-quality, sustainable dwelling in their back gardens.

The company said whether for the homeowner's use or the use of third-party occupants it will offer more options, however, they strongly advised people to ensure they invest in properly certified and approved garden dwellings which will be compliant with new regulations.

The company said that while the new regulations remove the requirement for planning permission, they do not remove the requirement to comply with Ireland's building standards.

Every garden home intended for permanent occupation must still comply with the Building Regulations and the Building Control Regulations that apply to any other new home.

Framespace believes would-be owners should ensure suppliers are properly certified by the National Standards Authority of Ireland and the certification involved relates to both quality management and building standards.

The NSAI plays a critical role in the MMC sector (Modern Methods of Construction), providing technical evaluation, quality testing and certification to ensure off-site and modular systems are safe and comply with Irish building regulations.

The NSAI’s key role in such matters will not change following the introduction of the new exempted development regulations. Traditional CE marking covers building products but does not cover building systems.

The NSAI certification process evaluates how all the combined building components used in dwellings behave as a complete structure in the event of adverse weather, the impacts of noise, cold and heat and all manner of potential site environments.

Frank Madden, CEO of Framespace, said: “NSAI certification really matters and it matters greatly for those considering the purchase of a modular dwelling for their back garden.

"Not only does it ensure that would-be owners will avoid modular structures that may not comply with building regulations and therefore may not comply with the planning exemptions, but it will also assist any owners seeking mortgage finance for their new dwellings.

“Modular units installed in back gardens without NSAI certification are unlikely to be financeable.

"Likewise, they are unlikely to be insurable for use as dwellings and, to the extent that insurers do provide cover, any claims made under the relevant policies may be denied if and when issues of non-compliance are identified by the insurer.”

Mr Madden said Framespace welcomed the new regulations, “The new exempted development regulations have the potential to create thousands of high-quality homes in suitable gardens across the country.

While they are time-limited and are set to expire by 31 December 2030, it is hoped that, in the intervening years, we will see robust market demand for and the corresponding market supply of sufficient high-quality garden dwellings in tandem with a period of deep regulatory oversight of all manufacturers in the sector.”

He added, “For the long-term good of the market and all customers who acquire and install exempted garden dwellings, we would also hope to see other modular manufacturers of high-quality garden dwellings emerging and achieving NSAI certification, so that together all certified manufacturers can deliver modular garden dwellings at scale that meet the standards of our building regulations and NSAI certifications.”

Mr Madden concluded, “Good regulation protects everyone. It protects homeowners making a significant investment, it protects future occupants, and it protects responsible manufacturers who have invested in designing and building homes that meet Ireland's standards.

"We believe every habitable dwelling, including new garden dwellings, should be subject to robust compliance and certification requirements, with effective enforcement to ensure those standards are consistently met.”

Framespace operates from a 115,000 sq ft facility in Longford, designing, manufacturing and installing buildings made from light gauge steel frames.

More information is available at www.framespace.ie