Services

Planning & Grants

Planning

The conservation of historic buildings is a specialised discipline and a level of specialised expertise may be necessary to guide on best practice in dealing with works to a protected structure. The planning process with regard to protected structures has become a minefield since the Planning and Development Act 2000 and thus having specialised conservation advice is particularly beneficial in negotiating through this process.

Carrig offers assistance in gaining planning permission. We can provide comment on the proposed designs from a conservation perspective through carrying out a review of architectural drawings so that architectural, artistic, historical and other special interests can be evaluated in order to assist with the application of sensitive and appropriate designs and interventions. Suggestions will also be put forward to ensure that new designs do not negatively affect the structure, but maintain or enhance its integrity. Building conservation is a specialised discipline and it is encouraged by planning authorities that expert advice be sought when considering undertaking works to protected structures.
It is also generally recommended that pre-planning consultations be conducted with planning authorities in relation to proposed development of protected structures. Carrig will participate in pre-planning discussions, if required, to assist in clarifying issues relating to proposed works/development.

Under the Planning and Development Act 2000 works which would normally be considered exempted development may not be exempt in a Protected Structure or a Proposed Protected Structure. Section 57 of the same Act allows for the owner or occupier of a protected structure to make a written request to the planning authority to issue a declaration as to the type of works which it considers would or would not materially affect the character of the structure, thereby clarifying which works would be considered exempted development. Under Section 5 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 any person may request in writing from the planning authority a declaration as to what in any particular case is or is not exempted development within the meaning of the Act. Any information necessary to enable the planning authority to make a decision on the mater should be provided to the authority. Carrig can undertake to apply to the relevant planning authority to agree the terms of application for exemption and also will continue to liaise with the local authority throughout the project in order to comply with the exemption.
Where a protected structure is of particularly high quality or rarity, the use of conservation expertise can be made a condition of a grant of planning permission. Carrig can continue to provide assistance and expertise post-planning and help in ensuring that planning conditions are complied with as well as ensuring aforementioned exemptions are complied with.

Grants
Direct grants for repair and conservation of historic buildings may be available from the Department of the Environment, the Heritage Council, some Local Authorities and other bodies such as the Irish Georgian Society. Owing to limited funds assistance may not always be available.
 The objective of the Conservation Grants Scheme is to assist the owner or occupier of a structure which is included in the Record of Protected Structures of the relevant planning authority because of its architectural, historical or other special interest to undertake necessary works to secure the conservation of the structure or part of the structure.

Buildings most likely to be considered for grants are those with significant architectural or historical appeal, where as much as possible of the original building survives intact and unaltered and in the context of their contribution to the overall historical heritage.

There is no automatic right to a grant under the scheme. Each local authority is allocated a fixed amount of money for a calendar year to meet grant payments. Accordingly grant applications are prioritised each year within available resources and in accordance with certain terms.

The engagement of professional advisors in relation to works carried out under the scheme is strongly encouraged.

Tax relief for expenditure on significant buildings may also be available where such buildings are open to the public under Section 482 of Taxes Consolidations Act 1997 which is known as Scheme of Tax Relief for Expenditure on Significant Buildings and Gardens. Carrig can review your property and upon assessment, make appropiate applications for the possible grant funding to the relevant bodies.Carrig can review your property and upon assessment, make appropriate applications for possible grant aid to the relevant bodies.