Homelessness charity raises concerns over Government’s ‘garden homes’ proposals

By Gráinne Ní Aodha, PA

There are “serious risks” to the Government’s proposal to allow so-called ‘garden homes’ to be exempted from planning permission, a homelessness charity has said.

Threshold said that any unintended consequences from the exemptions need to be considered, such as the increased risk of elder abuse.

The Government is examining whether to exempt modular-style homes up to 45sq m to the rear of a main house.

There has to be at least 25sq m of private garden space remaining.

Threshold is concerned that the garden homes may unintentionally expose older homeowners to undue influence from family members, or third parties

After a four-week consultation process, more than 900 submissions from the public were received about the various proposed planning exemptions.

More than half of the submissions by the public related to the modular-style homes and are “predominantly supportive”, the Department of Housing said.

But Threshold, a charity aimed at preventing homelessness, raised concerns in its submission about “substandard” garden units being rented out without appropriate inspections and protections in place.

It has called for “robust” safeguards and standards to underpin any new regulations.

Threshold said that while Minister for Housing James Browne said the new exemptions do not intend to expand the private rental market, it believes that many garden homes could be rented out without the usual planning, safety or tenancy protections in place.

Threshold said people who live as renters in such accommodation could be evicted “with little or no notice”.

It said any newly exempted development, such as a garden home, that becomes a rental property must comply with housing standard regulations such as room size, heating and sanitation.

It also said it should be made “clear” such renters have “full” tenancy protection.

“Threshold is concerned that the garden homes may unintentionally expose older homeowners to undue influence from family members, or third parties, seeking to benefit from their properties, placing them under pressure to vacate their homes or build a garden home for rental purposes,” it added.

“Threshold proposes that garden homes should only be permitted for use by carers or family members.”

Threshold’s national advocacy manager Ann-Marie O’Reilly said they recognised the “urgent” need to increase housing supply.

“However, it is crucial that efforts to address housing supply do not inadvertently undermine housing security or even undermine the intended benefits of the increased supply itself,” she said.

“Tenant protections, housing quality and appropriate protections for older family members are necessary.

“Modular units like garden homes require clear regulatory frameworks and minimum living standards, especially if intended as long-term dwellings.

“Potentially placing more people into the private rental market without the protections of the Residential Tenancies Act is not a result anyone wants to see.”

I have always said this measure will only be appropriate in certain settings and with conditions that will be outlined in the draft regulations

Minister of State John Cummins, who has responsibility for planning and local government, said: “The feedback received in the public consultation will help shape our proposals, including plans for modular-style homes to the rear of the dwelling.

“I have always said this measure will only be appropriate in certain settings and with conditions that will be outlined in the draft regulations.

“The public’s input will be invaluable in informing the drafting of the new regulations.

“The regulations have not been substantially updated in 24 years – the close of the public consultation phase marks real progress towards realising fit-for-purpose Exempted Development Regulations.”