Muse/Granny Flat

karlitob

Hi all,

Just a general query. We have a long/wide back garden. Seems a waste to have a shed and was wondering about a garden room, then I wondered about a muse/granny flat.

Is there much in the way of restrictions beside the size? I mean can you build a single story (2-bed, bath, open plan living room etc) muse in your back garden if you have the space. Ideally for the kids when they grow up or the ol' pair when they're inform. In the mean time, I suppose it could be rented. Not much on local county council site.

Great to hear any opinions/advice.

DOCARCH

karlitob wrote: »

I mean can you build a single story (2-bed, bath, open plan living room etc) muse in your back garden if you have the space.

Of course you can...but...what you are talking about is a separate/new dwelling and you would need to meet all criteria for a new dwelling, including size/space requirements (in terms of areas of rooms), vehicular access requirements, off street parking requirements, drainage requirements, private open space requirements, etc., etc.

If you can't fulfill the requirements laid down (these would be outlined in your county/city development plan)...then...basically, you are looking at a shed (which may be used ancillary to the main house and not as a separate dwelling).

A granny flat is a different matter altogether, but, must be attached/connected to the main house.

karlitob

DOCARCH wrote: »

Of course you can...but...what you are talking about is a separate/new dwelling and you would need to meet all criteria for a new dwelling, including size/space requirements (in terms of areas of rooms), vehicular access requirements, off street parking requirements, drainage requirements, private open space requirements, etc., etc.

If you can't fulfill the requirements laid down (these would be outlined in your county/city development plan)...then...basically, you are looking at a shed (which may be used ancillary to the main house and not as a separate dwelling).

A granny flat is a different matter altogether, but, must be attached/connected to the main house.

Understood - thanks for that. What do you mean ancillary? As in, how would the 'shed' (a nice one) be used.

Gumbo

karlitob wrote: »

Understood - thanks for that. What do you mean ancillary? As in, how would the 'shed' (a nice one) be used.

Means it is used in addition to the house, not separate. So a store room, study, games room etc

I have seen planning enforcement officers enter sheds and check for fridges, and then check the date on food items within the fridge to try work out if it is being occupied.

martinn123

kceire wrote: »

Means it is used in addition to the house, not separate. So a store room, study, games room etc

I have seen planning enforcement officers enter sheds and check for fridges, and then check the date on food items within the fridge to try work out if it is being occupied.

I think the presence of a Bed, might be a better indicator that it is occupied, than the expiry date on items in the Fridge,

Gumbo

martinn123 wrote: »

I think the presence of a Bed, might be a better indicator that it is occupied, than the expiry date on items in the Fridge,

The presence of a bed is the first thing people think if. But when they get the call to arrange an inspection from an Enforcement officer, the first thing they do is remove the bed, but they forget to remove the little tell tail things that also give it away

hexosan

martinn123 wrote: »

I think the presence of a Bed, might be a better indicator that it is occupied, than the expiry date on items in the Fridge,

What specific powers do enforcement officers have to enter a home or site to inspect for building control issues. Is there a section in an Act or is it like a warrant issued to Gardaí ?

Gumbo

hexosan wrote: »

What specific powers do enforcement officers have to enter a home or site to inspect for building control issues. Is there a section in an Act or is it like a warrant issued to Gardaí ?

Planning Enforcement Officiers have no powers over Building Control, the same way a Building Control Officier has no power over Planning.

karlitob

kceire wrote: »

Means it is used in addition to the house, not separate. So a store room, study, games room etc

I have seen planning enforcement officers enter sheds and check for fridges, and then check the date on food items within the fridge to try work out if it is being occupied.

Thanks again. So what you're saying is that if I want to ever rent the muse it must be a specified as a dwelling with appropriate planning permission.

Otherwise, I can build a nice shed but should only be used for that. I mean would they prosecute if in the future your nice shed became a room for a 15-18 year old or even 18-21 year old during college - i.e. I didn't take rent from the son/daughter.

Gumbo

karlitob wrote: »

Thanks again. So what you're saying is that if I want to ever rent the muse it must be a specified as a dwelling with appropriate planning permission.

Otherwise, I can build a nice shed but should only be used for that. I mean would they prosecute if in the future your nice shed became a room for a 15-18 year old or even 18-21 year old during college - i.e. I didn't take rent from the son/daughter.

The short answer is yes, they can prosecute if they become aware that the shed is being used for habitable use. They will work with op you though and try get you to cease the use before going the legal route.

BryanF

karlitob wrote: »

Thanks again. So what you're saying is that if I want to ever rent the muse it must be a specified as a dwelling with appropriate planning permission.

Otherwise, I can build a nice shed but should only be used for that. I mean would they prosecute if in the future your nice shed became a room for a 15-18 year old or even 18-21 year old during college - i.e. I didn't take rent from the son/daughter.

Enough of the law skirting, it's either a shed or its accommodation