Planning FAQs

Navigating planning permission in Ireland can feel daunting. At JPW Plans, we provide clear, reliable advice for self-builders and homeowners across Wicklow and surrounding areas to help you understand the planning process before commissioning your drawings.

Everything you need to know

Find answers to common questions about planning drawings, site layouts, local authority requirements, and development feasibility for your one-off house, extension, or garden room.

Do I need planning permission for a house extension?

In Ireland, domestic extensions to the rear of a house are often exempt from planning permission up to 40 square metres, provided specific conditions are met regarding remaining garden space, height, and finishes. If your proposed extension exceeds this size or does not comply with exemption criteria, full planning permission is required. We can review your proposal to confirm whether your build is exempt.

What is required to apply for planning permission in Wicklow?

A standard planning application to Wicklow County Council requires comprehensive architectural drawings (site layout, floor plans, elevations, sections), an accurate site location map, a site notice, a published newspaper notice, and completed council application forms. For rural one-off houses, site suitability assessments for wastewater and demonstration of local housing need are also typically required.

What is a development feasibility study and why do I need one?

A development feasibility study assesses your site's planning potential before you invest in detailed architectural designs. We analyse local development plan zoning, site access, environmental constraints, sightlines, and planning history to give you an objective evaluation of your chances of securing planning permission.

Can I build a garden room or home office without planning permission?

Standalone garden structures such as home offices, gyms, or sheds up to 30 square metres are generally exempt from planning permission, provided you retain at least 30 square metres of private open space in your rear garden and the building is not used as a dwelling. Roof heights and boundary distances must also adhere to statutory limits.

What qualifications or local criteria apply to rural one-off houses?

Rural areas in County Wicklow operate strict "local housing need" policies under the County Development Plan. Applicants generally need to demonstrate intrinsic links to the immediate rural community, such as growing up in the area, farming, or working locally. Our feasibility reviews evaluate your local connection criteria prior to preparing full design packs.

What details are included in a site layout plan?

A professional site layout plan includes precise boundary lines, building footprints, proposed and existing ground levels, vehicular entrance and sightlines, surface water drainage, percolation areas, and landscaping proposals. This is a crucial document for planning authorities to assess site integration and traffic safety.

How long does the planning permission process take in Ireland?

Once submitted to the local authority, the planning department has eight weeks to make a decision, seek further information, or issue a split decision. If further information is requested, you generally have up to six months to respond. After a grant of permission is issued, there is a mandatory four-week statutory appeal period before final grant approval.

What do I need to prepare before commissioning planning drawings?

To begin, it is helpful to have your Land Registry site map (folio map), site photos, an outline of your design ideas, and any previous planning reference numbers for the site. If you do not have these ready, we can assist you in gathering the essential property information.

Ready to discuss your project?

Whether you are planning a one-off house, an extension, or a garden room in Wicklow or neighbouring areas, we are here to guide you through every step of the planning process.