Planning path cleared to turn former Mayo pubs into new homes

A Mayo TD has highlighted the signing of new planning regulations by Housing Minister, Darragh O’Brien that will exempt the conversion of former pubs into residential units from requiring planning permission.

The new exemption allows a change of use of certain vacant commercial premises to residential use such as the concept of ‘above shop’ living.

This includes vacant areas above ground-floor premises.

The new exemptions aim to increase the re-use of vacant commercial buildings to increase much-needed housing supply and renew urban areas.

Deputy Alan Dillon said: “Under current exemptions since 2018, 46 exempted developments delivered 103 new residential units in Mayo.

"The regulations signed by the Housing Minister extend the exemption to the end of 2025.

"For the conversion of former pubs into a home/homes, both the pubs' license must have lapsed and a limit of nine residential units can be produced under an exempted development.

"The addition of the new planning exemptions and the extension of the current ones is a step in the right direction to bring vacant properties into use for residential use and bring more housing stock to the market.

"The exemptions have delivered over 100 new homes since 2018 in Mayo with a much faster pace in the past year or two.

"For instance, 60 of these new homes were delivered alone in 2021 compared to two in 2018.

"The addition of new exemptions will deliver a further boost in the number of new residential units in Mayo.”

Deputy Dillon added: “Recent funding increases have ensured that local authorities such as Mayo County Council can ensure the role of a Vacant Homes Officer is fully resourced as a full-time official.

"This will also compliment the role of potential Town Regeneration Officers, provided for under Town Centre First.

"Vacant Homes Officer will have a particular role in driving two new Housing for All schemes.

"In particular, the Croí Connaithe (Towns) Initiative, which will attract people to build their own homes, and support the refurbishment of vacant properties. And secondly, to develop a Compulsory Purchase Order programme, to be implemented by local authorities, to purchase vacant properties for resale on the open market to ensure their use for residential purposes.

"I have been banging the drum on making every effort to increase housing and increase usage of vacant properties so this is definitely a step in the right direction and should make some progress in delivering new housing stock close to existing amenities.”