Retention Planning Permission

Secure Your Property's Future. Stay Compliant. Avoid Inconvenience.

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What is Retention Planning?

Retention Planning Permission is required when a development has taken place without the necessary planning permission, either in part or in full. It allows property owners to retain unauthorised works by applying to the local planning authority for retrospective approval.

This is a legal mechanism in Ireland under the Planning and Development Act, giving you the opportunity to regularise your development and avoid enforcement action or complications with insurance, resale, or future planning.

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Who Needs Retention Planning?

You may need retention planning if:

  • You built or extended a property without planning permission.
  • Changes were made during construction that deviated from the approved plans.
  • You inherited or bought a property that has unauthorised developments.
  • You’re preparing to sell or lease a property, and a solicitor flags planning issues.
  • You installed structures (e.g., a shed, garage, decking, driveway widening) that exceed exempted development limits.

 

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Why You Might Need Retention Permission

Retaining unauthorised developments is critical to:

  • Avoid planning enforcement notices or demolition orders.
  • Ensure compliance with local planning regulations.
  • Facilitate future planning applications for extensions or renovations.
  • Protect your investment – unauthorised works can lower property value.
  • Streamline property sales or remortgaging – most lenders and buyers require full planning compliance.

Ignoring unpermitted works could result in significant delays, legal costs, or financial penalties down the line.

Why Us?

  • Established and Experienced feature icon

    Established and Experienced

    Since 2001 we have provided property related engineering services to over 25,000 satisfied Irish families and businesses.

  • End-to-End Service

    From initial assessment to decision, we manage the entire process so you don’t have to.

  • Fast Turnaround

    We know time matters when you're preparing to sell. We act quickly to assess, prepare, and submit your application.

  • Local Authority Expertise

    We understand how each council works and how to present a strong, successful application.

Don’t Let Planning Issues Cost You a Sale

If you’re unsure whether retention planning applies to your property, don’t wait until your buyer’s solicitor finds out. By then, it could be too late to save the sale.

We can identify whether retention is needed, advise you on the best course of action, and handle the full process quickly and professionally.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Through our structural surveys, we often identify works carried out without planning approval. Retention planning permission allows property owners to regularise these unauthorised developments and bring the property into compliance.