The conversion of former pubs into residential units will be exempted from requiring planning permission following the signing of Planning Regulations by the Housing Minister.
The new exemption will allow a change of use of certain vacant commercial premises – including vacant areas above ground-floor premises – to residential use such as ‘above shop’ living.
The change in regulation aims to increase the re-use of vacant commercial buildings in Tipperary and increase much-needed housing supply.
There are some conditions attached including that the pub’s license must have lapsed and there’s a limit of 9 residential units can be produced under an exempted development.
Since 2018, 94 residential units have been provided in county Tipperary through 61 notifications of exempted developments.
