42 new homes could be provided in Offaly if former commercial premises are converted

Between 2018 to 2023 Offaly local authority received 14 notifications from the owners of vacant premises who wished to turn their commercial property into residential units. If enacted these would provide 42 homes.

Work has started on some of the premises which are located in Tullamore, Clara, Edenderry, Birr and Kilcormac. These former commercial premises are exempt from seeking planning approval.

Turning vacant properties into occupied homes is a key pillar of the government’s 'Housing for All Plan.' The planning exemptions introduced are one of a suite of measures to encourage potential homeowners to convert vacant commercial buildings to residential use such as ‘above shop’ living, to increase housing supply and drive the regeneration of town centres.

The Regulation was extended in 2022 up to the end of 2025, and provides an exemption from the need to obtain planning permission for the conversion of buildings that have previously been used as a shop, financial and professional services, offices and guesthouses,with a new provision for the conversion of former pubs introduced under a new use class in 2022.

This is subject to certain conditions including: the building must be vacant for at least two years prior to development taking place. Works to be mainly internal and not significantly affect the appearance of the building or streetscape It must not conflict with an objective in a local authority development plan or local area plan for structure to be in retail use, or with a condition of a planning permission. The building should not be in a special amenity area or special planning control area, and a declaration must first be sought in the case of a protected structure.

A maximum of nine residential units can be provided, and these must comply with all floor space requirements and daylight provision for habitable rooms

Those that have applied for the planning exemption in Offaly include:

A premises on River Street, Clara

Beaver Lodge Church Road

Laurelle Plaza, Market Square, Church Street, Tullamore

A premises on Main Street Ferbane

A second premises on William Street, Tullamore

1/1A Francis Street, Edenderry

Hole in the Wall, 4 Market Square Tullamore

Fr McWey Street, Edenderry

53 JKL Street Edenderry

The Station House, Pub Dublin Road, Edenderry,

Castlebarnagh, Daingean,

The Fivealley Inn, Fivealley, Birr,

29 JKL Street, Edenderry, Offaly

Premises on Main Street Kilcormac

Government grants are available to those who wish to turn a vacant property into a permanent home or a rental property. A grant of up to €50,000 is available. If the refurbishment costs exceed the standard grant of up to €50,000 a top up grant amount of €20,000 is available.

Up to the end of 2023, local authorities around the country received 1,165 notifications from developers intending to avail of the exemptions. If enacted, this would result in 2,716 new homes.