Build first, ask later: How thousands have built extensions, garages, apartments, houses, log cabins and granny flats without planning permission

"Some even rented out the new additions as Airbnbs with applications for retention permission flooding in More than 11,000 applications for retention permission have been submitted in the last two years after thousands of people built extensions, garages, log cabins, apartments and gyms without planning permission. An investigation by the Irish Independent into the culture of "build first, ask for permission later" has revealed how more than half of all retention applications lodged since January 2024 have been approved by local authorities across the country."

"An investigation by the Irish Independent into the culture of "build first, ask for permission later" has revealed how more than half of all retention applications lodged since January 2024 have been approved by local authorities across the country."

More than 11,000 applications for retention permission have been submitted in the last two years after thousands of people built extensions, garages, log cabins, apartments and gyms without planning permission. Local authorities have approved more than half of retention applications lodged since January 2024. The pattern indicates a widespread practice of building first and seeking retrospective permission later. Some property owners converted new additions into rental units such as Airbnbs, driving a surge in retention filings. Councils are processing a large backlog of retrospective planning requests amid increasing unauthorised construction nationwide.

Read at Independent