Sir, – Homeowners with sufficient garden space may already build a 25 square metre standalone home office unit without planning permission. To alleviate the current housing crisis, this planning exemption could be increased to allow a 50 square metre one-bedroom residential unit, with a maximum occupancy of two persons, connected to the main house’s existing water, drainage and electricity supply.
This would enable modular self-built housing to rapidly be deployed nationwide in larger gardens without bureaucratic delays. This would be an attractive investment for many homeowners, given the applicability of rent-a-room tax relief to any rental income gained. Such units could also independently house younger adults or older family members. This approach could quickly reduce rents and increase housing supply. – Yours, etc,
RORY FITZGERALD,
Bandon,
Co Cork.