If you are a homeowner embarking on an attic conversion, you may be asking yourself a very important question: How do you go about getting attic planning permission in Ireland?
The first step in figuring this out is to determine whether your conversion will actually require planning permission in the first place.
Explore our clear, step-by-step guide on planning permission for attic conversions, with practical tips to help ensure your project runs without a hitch.
When do you require attic planning permission in Ireland?
As already mentioned, it’s vital to discern whether or not your attic renovation will require planning permission before getting stuck into the nitty-gritty of applications and paperwork.
Exempted development
Many attic conversions in Ireland fall under the category of exempted development, meaning they will not need planning permission.
This applies to projects that stay within certain limits and don’t alter the appearance of the building in a material way.
Usually, conversions that are categorised as “non-habitable” are exempt from planning permission. These include spaces that are used for storage, or that involve the addition of rooflights, such as Velux windows, on a rear roof slope, and do not involve structural alterations or external changes.
Conversions that require attic planning permission in Ireland
There are a number of instances where planning permission will be required for an attic conversion. These include:
- Adding dormer windows, extending the roof or altering the shape of the roof.
- Installing front-facing windows on the attic façade.
- Using the attic as a habitable room, for example, a bedroom, office or lounge area, rather than just a storage space.
- If your house is a protected structure or one of historic importance, in which case, as per the Loft Conversion Guidelines, “alternative approaches to meeting the fire safety requirements of the Building Regulations may need to be considered.”
However, with government proposals to potentially widen the exemptions for attic conversions due to be finalised in late 2025, it’s advisable to stay up to date on evolving planning policy.
The process of getting attic planning permission in Ireland
If your attic conversion does not fall under exempted development, it’s time to start the process of applying for planning permission. Here’s what’s involved:
Step 1. Engage an experienced architect
Although it is not a legal requirement to hire an architect for an attic conversion, it will drastically simplify the process and improve the end result.
Therefore, the first step on your planning journey should be to hire an RIAI-registered architect to produce design drawings and organise compliance documents.
Step 2. Prepare and submit your documentation to your local authority
There is a list of documents required to apply for planning permission. This typically includes:
- Architectural drawings
- Planning forms – site notice, newspaper advert, Ordnance Survey maps, consents and forms.
You will also need to include a fee, which will vary depending on the type of application.
After this point, your local authority may validate your application or request further information.
Step 3. Your application is subject to public consultation
Once your application has been validated, it will be publicly displayed so that neighbours can comment or object to the proposed plans.
Depending on the feedback, you may need to respond or revise your design.
Step 4. Decision time
Following the public consultation, a decision will be made on your application: it will either be approved, approved with conditions, or refused.
The rule of thumb is that a local authority must decide within 8 weeks of receiving the application, but this timeframe could be extended if they need more information or if the decision is appealed. Following the initial grant, there is a further 4-week wait prior to the final grant; this is to allow for appeals.
Step 5. Post-planning works and compliance
Once your application has been approved, you must build according to the submitted drawings and adhere to the relevant building regulations as featured in the Loft Conversion Guidelines.
Attic planning permission in Ireland: Tips to avoid project delays
Once you have decided to convert your attic and the plans have been drawn up, it’s natural to want to get stuck in straight away. To ensure your project gets going at the earliest point, there are a few boxes you can check to keep momentum up:
- Engage a qualified architect early on in the process to guide you through each stage.
- Check the practices of your relevant local authority, with the help of your architect, in the context of planning permission, as different counties may interpret rules slightly differently.
- Keep external changes modest, as the more your design deviates from existing rooflines, the more scrutiny you’ll face.
- Respond promptly to any requests for further information from your local authority to avoid further delays.
With proper planning, documentation, and expert support, your attic conversion has a strong chance of approval.
Attic planning permission in Ireland simplified with the help of AtticPlanning.ie
At AtticPlanning.ie, we handle the full attic conversion planning application process, from design and filings to liaising with your local authority on your behalf. We currently hold a 99% success rate for attic conversion applications.
Our RIAI-registered architects bring specialist expertise to every project, handling all aspects of planning applications and building compliance with efficiency and professionalism, giving you peace of mind from start to finish.
Call us today on 01 895 8551 for your free quote.
