New Planning Regulations Ireland 2026

Is My Attic Conversion Exempt Under The New Planning Regulations?

New Attic Conversion Planning Exemptions Ireland 2026 — What Homeowners Need To Know

Planning & Development Act 2024

What Does This Mean For Homeowners?

The Government has announced proposed changes to Ireland’s exempted development regulations.

These proposals are intended to make it easier for homeowners to adapt their homes without the need for a full planning application.

Find Out More @ Gov.ie

Historically, most attic conversions have already been exempt from planning permission where:

The works are largely internal

The roof structure is not significantly altered

The ridge height is not raised

Rooflights are positioned appropriately

The attic remains ancillary to the house

The proposed regulations may significantly expand what can be carried out under exempted development, particularly for dormer attic conversions.

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Jeffrey B.

3 months ago

Helpful and engaging throughout the process.

Nicolai B.

3 months ago

Well informed, efficient and concise, little to no delays and are quick to reply to questions or emails. Would recommend.

Donal O C

4 months ago

I used Attic Planning for my dormer conversion planning application. Stephen was very knowledgeable, easy to deal with and the permission came through without any issue.

Bernadette B.

6 months ago

I contacted JEArchitecture to get planning permission for my attic conversion with a dormer. Stephen's expert guidance through the planning process was excellent. The whole process was easy and stress-free.
Stephen kept me up to date with every stage of the planning.
I highly recommend them for any planning permission.

Stephen M.

6 months ago

Would recommend Attic planning to others, very easy to deal with and all options explained. Thanks again

jude M.

6 months ago

I contacted JEArchitecture to get planning permission for my attic with a dormer at the back through my agency who is converting the attic. They did a great job and the planning permission was approved on time. The whole process was easy and stress-free. They kept me updated at every step and let me know what to do next. Joseph English is very polite and always happy to give updates whenever I needed. I highly recommend them for any planning permission needs.

Ines C.

7 months ago

Very pleased with the support of the Attic Planning team. Always kept up to date, very quick progression and very responsive. I would use them again and can strongly recommend them.

Brian C.

8 months ago

Stephen’s expert guidance through the planning process saved us time and stress. The final plans exceeded our expectations ( with permission granted ) which will create a space that is both beautiful and perfectly suited to our needs. We highly recommend them without reservation

Thomas B.

11 months ago

Delighted with the support I got from Attic Planning, excellent clear communication ensured that I knew each step in the process and they kept me up to date with the planning process and timelines. One visit to my house was needed for measurement purposes & they took care of the rest. Highly recommended.

Laila Océane P.

1 year ago

Stephen K.

2 years ago

Exceptional service and support from start to finish from JEA for my recent attic conversion planning application. Great communication and extremely efficient, I would have no hesitation in highly recommending JEA

Liam M.

2 years ago

Very happy with the service and despite my research into planning applications in the area, I received a more favorable outcome than
i expected. This was as a result of the architect's guidance and his suggestions

Dara M.

2 years ago

JEA were excellent to work with. I engaged them to plan my recent attic conversion. Stephen guided me through the whole planning process and designed the best use of the space I had to convert. I’m delighted with the finished result. Would highly recommend JEA.

laura S.

2 years ago

Delighted with how cost efficient and easy the process was with JEA architecture - all of Stage 1 design and planning was effortlessly taken care of by them with successful result (planning granted and we love the design!) and with care and attention to detail which means we were happy and then our builder could quote and can now get to work using the plans. Highly recommend.

Wayne R.

2 years ago

The guys at JEA have been fantastic and provided a very professional and friendly service, from first phone call to submitting application for planning permission. A pleasure to deal with!

Deniss

2 years ago

A fantastic company and a pleasure to deal with. Absolutely seamless from quotation to completing the planning aplication for our atic convertion. Amazing customer service and nothing was a problem. We are delighted with our decision to use JEArchitecture, all of the team were really professional and easy to work with and we could not recommend them highly enough.

Sarah C.

2 years ago

We used JEA architecture for our attic conversion and we were very pleased with the service. They were professional and easy to deal with. Would recommend

We Assess Every Property Individually

We can advise whether your project is likely to be:



Exempt from Planning

We confirm whether your project qualifies under the new exemptions.



Certificate of Exemption

We can advise if a Certificate of Exemption is the most suitable route.



Planning Application

In many cases a full application is the best route to maximise your space.



Habitable Attic Status

We advise on achieving habitable room classification for your conversion.

Get A Free Quote

Do I Need An Architect For An Attic Conversion In Ireland? - AtticPlanning.ie (1)

Every Property Is Different

How Do I Know If My

Attic Is Exempt?

Factors that can affect whether your attic conversion qualifies for exemption include:

Existing Roof Shape

The current form of your roof plays a key role in determining eligibility.

Proposed Dormer Size

The scale of any proposed dormer extension is assessed against permitted limits.

Front-Facing Alterations

Changes visible from the front elevation are generally subject to stricter rules.

Protected Structure

Protected Structure or Architectural Conservation Area status may apply.

Previous Works

Prior extensions or attic works may affect your remaining exempt allowance.

Final Regulations Wording

The specific wording of the enacted regulations will determine eligibility.

Types Of Attic That Require Planning Permission

Roof Dormer

All dormer extensions to front, side or rear will require a planning application.

Hip To Gable

When a hip roof needs to be raised to create a gable this will require planning permission.

Front Windows

New windows placed in the front elevation of the attic will require planning permission.

Habitable Room

To create an existing bedroom in your attic which is not classed as storage will require planning permission.

New Planning Regulations Ireland 2026

Is My Attic Conversion Exempt Under The New Planning Regulations?

Planning & Development Act 2024

What Does This Mean For Homeowners?

We Assess Every Property Individually

Exempt from Planning

Certificate of Exemption

Planning Application

Habitable Attic Status

Every Property Is Different

How Do I Know If My

Attic Is Exempt?

Existing Roof Shape

Proposed Dormer Size

Front-Facing Alterations

Protected Structure

Previous Works

Final Regulations Wording

Types Of Attic That Require Planning Permission

Roof Dormer

Hip To Gable

Front Windows

Habitable Room

Get A Free Quote Now!

01 895 8551