Converting external granny flat in to main dwelling

DonnieCorko

Hi all,

Im thinking about buying a place with an external granny flat. I understand it doesn't have planning permission to be habitable etc.

However, I know if it is connected to the main house, it is legally allowed.

So what I am thinking is, would a glass conservatory of sorts that connects the house and the granny flat suffice?

And also, if I just waited to see if there was any enforcement attempts, could I then build this connecting conservatory/corridor etc and it would then be legally compliant?

Thanks!

Mellor

However, I know if it is connected to the main house, it is legally allowed.

It order for that would work, the area if the connection plus the granny flat has to be less than 40sqm. And it has to all be an extension of the house. Granny flat use gas to be removed.

And also, if I just waited to see if there was any enforcement attempts, could I then build this connecting conservatory/corridor etc and it would then be legally compliant?

If enforcement notice was given you’d lose that ability to convert to exempt development. You’d need planning.

DonnieCorko

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123286351#Comment_123286351

Thanks for the reply.

I thought granny flats were permissible as long as they were connected?

So if the council finds out and says we needed planning and give an enforcement notice, we would need to apply for planning then to connect it to the main house?

In this instance, what would be the reason for them refusing planning? Could they say the purpose is just to connect this external building so we don't allow that?

Mellor

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123288443#Comment_123288443

granny flats require planning. If the council issued enforcement you’d need retention for the flat, plus permission for the connection or any new work.

Connecting to the house would only work if it wasn’t a granny flat and was an extension.