Planning Permission - "Private Open Space" definition?

CreativeSen

Need some insights if anyone knows a thing or two?

Thinking of doing an extension in 2019 and will be hiring an architect but i want to get an idea of the timeline and potential costs. We live in a typical dublin north side red brick end of terrace house. There was extension added to the original building about 20 years ago, 12sq m ground floor and 12 sq m on the 1st floor.

Its my understanding that we can add a further 16sq m on the ground floor (this is the perfect size for what we want to add) without planning permission.

However, this will use up all of the available patio/outdoor space. There is a further 25 sq m of outdoor space but this is technically a car parking space, its slightly raised above the ground level of the house and has access to the street through a garage door.

Dublin City Council - FAQ wrote:

Can I cover my entire back garden with an extension of 40sqm?

No. The extension shall not reduce the "Private Open Space" of the back garden to less than 25 sq. m. Hard surface areas to the rear of a house are exempted development, providing they are used for a purpose incidental to the enjoyment of the house and not used for the parking of cars.

Am i correct in reading that because it is technically a car parking space we cannot consider it as "Private Open Space"?

Gumbo

CreativeSen wrote: »

Need some insights if anyone knows a thing or two?

Thinking of doing an extension in 2019 and will be hiring an architect but i want to get an idea of the timeline and potential costs. We live in a typical dublin north side red brick end of terrace house. There was extension added to the original building about 20 years ago, 12sq m ground floor and 12 sq m on the 1st floor.

Its my understanding that we can add a further 16sq m on the ground floor (this is the perfect size for what we want to add) without planning permission.

However, this will use up all of the available patio/outdoor space. There is a further 25 sq m of outdoor space but this is technically a car parking space, its slightly raised above the ground level of the house and has access to the street through a garage door.



Am i correct in reading that because it is technically a car parking space we cannot consider it as "Private Open Space"?

You need Planning.
You cannot use the 40 Sq. M exemption if the 25 Sq. M of open space is not adhered to. Parking spaces done count. It has to be accessible open space to the rear of the property or to the side if its accessible.

Did the original extension require planning?
the 12 Sq. M rule for first floor extensions is very rate in Dublin as you also have to be 2m from the next door boundary, and most fail this.

Angry bird

Yep, in a terraced or semi-detached street, a two storey exempt extension is almost impossible to achieve. Seek planning for the lot is the best advice.