Donegal landlords apply to convert 40 empty shops, offices (and pubs!) into homes

Almost 40 applications have been submitted to convert empty commercial properties across Donegal into residential homes without planning permission.

The move is part of the government’s overall strategy of “housing for all”.

The government said the 40 change of use notices for commercial premises could result in 72 New homes across Donegal.

Interestingly, seven of the change of use notifications involved Vacant bar Funding has been received from Donegal County Council during 2022 and 2023 which will provide 16 new homes If developed.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien today released the figures which considers the following applications: 2018 and 2023.

They said transforming empty properties into habitable homes was a key pillar of the government’s Housing for All plan.

The planning exemptions introduced by the Planning and Development (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2018 and amended by SI No. 75/2022removing the requirement for planning permission to convert certain types of vacant commercial property into residential housing by the end of 2025.

Specifically, in 2023, a total of 267 change of use notifications were received by local authorities across the country.

Properties with commercial uses that showed the highest potential included former shops (30% of notifications received), followed by service premises such as hairdressers and accountants (18%), offices (18%) and pubs (12% of notifications received).

Since the exemption was extended to public housing in 2022, Donegal County Council has received seven notifications of changes of use for vacant pubs between 2022 and 2023 which, if developed, would provide 16 new homes.

Nationally, over the same period, local authorities received 92 such notices, which, if developed, could have provided 295 new homes.

Minister O’Brien said: “This is one of a range of measures that have proven effective in encouraging potential homeowners to convert empty commercial buildings to residential use, such as ‘shop-above’ homes in County Donegal, thereby increasing housing supply and driving regeneration in our town centres.

“Renovating and repurposing commercial properties like these can help relieve pressure on existing housing stock, increase supply, and ultimately provide much-needed homes for people in more vibrant communities across the country.”

In addition, the recently released 2024 Bringing Homes Handbook for Repurposing Existing Buildings Support and promote the re-use of empty and derelict buildings for residential use through guidance on existing schemes and updates to building regulations.

Donegal landlords apply to convert 40 empty shops, offices (and pubs!) into homes Last modified: August 13, 2024 go through Staff Writer