Retention Planning Permission for Works Already Built
 

Have You Carried Out Building Works Without Planning Permission?

Have you built an extension, converted your attic, added a dormer window or made alterations to your property without obtaining planning permission?

You may need to apply for retention planning permission to regularise the works.

At RetentionPlanning.ie, our registered architects specialise in helping homeowners throughout Ireland obtain planning permission for works that have already been completed.

Whether the works were carried out recently or many years ago, we can assess your property, prepare the necessary architectural drawings and manage your retention planning application with your local authority.

Already built it? We can help you sort out the planning permission.
 

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What Is Retention Planning Permission?

Retention planning permission, sometimes called retrospective planning permission, is a process that allows property owners to apply for planning permission after building works have already been carried out.

Normally, planning permission must be obtained before construction begins. However, where works have been completed without the necessary permission, it may be possible to submit a retention planning application to the local council.

This commonly arises where:

• A house extension was built without planning permission.

• An attic conversion or dormer was constructed without the necessary approval.

• Windows, doors or other external alterations were made to a property.

• A garage was converted into living accommodation.

• A porch, balcony or other structure was added without permission.

• Building works differ from previously approved planning drawings.

• Unauthorised works are discovered when selling or purchasing a property.

Not every alteration requires planning permission. Some works may qualify as exempted development. Our architects can review your situation and advise whether a retention planning application is necessary.
 

What Types of Building Works May Require Retention Planning Permission?

Retention Planning for House Extensions

If you have already built a rear, side or front extension without planning permission, you may need to apply for retention permission.

Although certain domestic extensions can qualify as exempted development, this depends on their size, location, design and the applicable planning regulations.
 

We can review your extension, establish its planning status and prepare a retention planning application where required.
 

Retention Planning for Attic Conversions and Dormers

Attic conversions, dormer windows, roof alterations and hip-to-gable conversions can raise planning issues, particularly where the external appearance or roof structure has been changed.

Whether planning permission is required depends on the nature of the works and the regulations applicable when they were carried out.

Our architects can assess your completed attic conversion and advise on the appropriate planning solution.

Retention Planning for Garages and Outbuildings

Garages, garden buildings, sheds and other outbuildings may require retention planning permission where they were constructed or converted without the necessary approval.

We can assess the existing development and advise on the steps required to regularise its planning status.

Retention Planning for Windows, Doors and External Alterations

Changes to windows, door openings, balconies, roof structures and external finishes can sometimes require planning permission.

If you have altered the external appearance of your property, particularly to the front or side elevations, we can review the works and advise whether a retention application is needed.

Do You Need Retention Planning Permission for Works Built Years Ago?

One of the most common questions we receive is whether planning permission is still required for building works completed many years ago.

The age of the works does not automatically make them authorised.

Although time limits can affect a local authority's ability to take planning enforcement action, they do not automatically grant planning permission or regularise unauthorised development.

This can become particularly important when selling a property, applying for a mortgage or dealing with a solicitor's planning enquiries.

Our architects can review the history of your property and advise whether retention planning permission or another planning compliance solution is appropriate.

Have the New Planning Exemptions Changed the Rules?

Changes to Ireland's exempted development regulations came into effect in July 2026, expanding the circumstances in which certain residential works may be carried out without planning permission.

However, these changes do not automatically regularise building works carried out before the new exemptions came into effect.

If your extension, attic conversion, dormer or other alteration required planning permission when it was built, it may still require retention planning permission today.
 

We assess each property against the relevant planning regulations, including when the works were carried out.

Unsure whether your existing building works require planning permission? Contact us for professional advice.
 

How Do You Apply for Retention Planning Permission?
 

At RetentionPlanning.ie, we provide a straightforward architectural service to help homeowners through the retention planning process.
 

Selling Your House? Unauthorised Building Works Can Cause Delays
 

Many homeowners first discover a planning problem when selling their property.
 

During the conveyancing process, a purchaser's solicitor may request confirmation that extensions, attic conversions or other alterations comply with planning requirements.
 

If building works were carried out without the necessary permission, the issue may delay the sale or require further investigation.

Depending on the circumstances, you may need retention planning permission, an opinion of exemption or other appropriate planning documentation.
 

At RetentionPlanning.ie, we regularly assist homeowners who need to resolve planning issues before completing a property sale.

If your solicitor has raised concerns about unauthorised building works, contact us and we can advise on the appropriate next steps.

Can Retention Planning Permission Be Refused?
 

Yes. Retention planning permission is not automatically granted simply because the building works have already been completed.

The local authority assesses the development against relevant planning policies and other considerations, including:

• The size, scale and design of the development.

• Its impact on neighbouring properties.

• Overlooking, overshadowing and residential amenity.

• Compliance with the local development plan.

• Access, parking and other site-specific requirements.

Where planning concerns arise, it may be necessary to consider alterations to the existing works or alternative solutions.

Our architects can assess the development and help identify potential planning issues before submitting an application.
 

Retention Planning Permission Across Ireland

RetentionPlanning.ie provides professional architectural and retention planning services to homeowners throughout the Republic of Ireland.
 

We assist with retention planning applications in Dublin, Meath, Kildare, Wicklow, Louth, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Donegal and all other counties nationwide.
 

Whether you require retention permission for a house extension, attic conversion, garage conversion or other completed building works, our team can guide you through the process.
 

n, but a registered architect can assess the planning issues, prepare accurate drawings and manage the application process on your behalf.
 

Is retention planning permission guaranteed?

No. Every application is assessed by the relevant planning authority, and permission may be granted, granted with conditions or refused.
 

Need Retention Planning Permission? W
e Can Help.
 

If you have already completed building works and are unsure whether you need planning permission, our registered architects can help you understand your options.
 

From initial advice and architectural surveys to preparing and submitting your retention planning application, RetentionPlanning.ie offers a professional service throughout Ireland.
 

Get professional advice and take the first step towards resolving your planning issue.
 

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