County Development Plans are tightening up zoning rules, effectively reducing the number of self-build greenfield sites. Louth, Wexford and Tipperary are the latest counties flagging issues with getting planning permission to build one-off houses on suitable land. Locals only rules update ROI’s Department of Housing tells Selfbuild its update to the 2005 Rural Housing Planning […] More
A self-builder is a step closer to building his home near his organic farm after a High Court judge ordered An Bord Pleanála (ABP) to review its decision to deny him planning permission. Bord Pleanála (ABP) showed “notable flaw[s]” in its reasoning when it turned down an appeal by an organic farmer who had applied […] More
Both NI and ROI have requirements in place to protect our environment, specifically water quality and human health. Cathal Keane of Graf outlines how to comply. How do I get a wastewater system installed in NI? To get an onsite wastewater treatment system installed in NI, the process is straightforward in that you just need […] More
The practice of site assessors recommending a specific make and model has to go, writes Pat Phelan of Biorock. In NI, specifying onsite wastewater treatment systems is in many ways much more effective than in ROI. Not only is there less paperwork, the process rightly focuses on the certified water quality you are getting at […] More
Ruairi from Graf Ireland Environmental Ltd answers your questions about wastewater tanks and shows us around the product. Get in touch – see more at Graf Ireland Environmental Ltd Supplier Hub Milltown Business ParkMilltownCo GalwayIrelandH54 RD78 T: 00353 9351765E: info@grafireland.ie Recorded at Selfbuild Live, Belfast in September 2021. Favourite More
The EPA’s Code of Practice for Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems (Population Equivalent ≤10) was published in May 2021, replacing the 2009 version. Here’s what you need to know. If you’re building in the countryside, chances are that you may not be able to connect to the local authority sewer system. This means you will […] More
In a traditional septic tank system, sludge removal will recover only a small portion of the total nitrogen and phosphorus present in raw domestic wastewater. The remaining nutrients are therefore being wasted and lost in the ground. Most of the remaining nitrogen and pharmaceuticals pass easily through the soil and can eventually end […] More
The ROI Serviced Sites scheme is expected to be unveiled this autumn. lans for the serviced sites scheme will be among the recommendations issued by the Town Centre First policy group, led by the Department of Housing and the Department of Rural Affairs. The group is to conclude its work in July/August with recommendations reaching […] More
A close to £350 million spend by the NI Executive on water and sewerage services is good news for self-builders, as it will make more sites serviceable and protect the environment.Infrastructure Minister Nicola Mallon announced her department is committing to the full amount recommended by the NI Utility Regulator in her 2021/2022 budget, to address […] More
Laois County Council prevented a couple from demolishing a landmark building that carried a dereliction order, reports the Leinster Express. The couple was applying for planning permission to build their two storey family home, which they secured with 15 conditions, but were told they couldn’t demolish the rundown building that used to be a local […] More
The ROI Department of Housing’s plan to publish a draft revision to the 2005 Rural Housing Planning Guidelines in June has been postponed, and is now slated for “later in 2021”, Selfbuild has learned. “Updated Rural Housing Planning Guidelines are currently being prepared that will continue to allow for the development of homes in rural […] More
Episode 39 – Seasoned self-builders Paul and Anne Dyer share how they managed to get planning permission in an area with a presumption against development (hint: it took a while), and how they hand built their underground house, leaving only specialist work such as tanking the roof and walls, to specialist trades. They discuss:– Wildflower […] More
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