Since 27 July 2026, new Irish planning regulations have introduced Class 3A, a new exempted-development provision for certain detached auxiliary dwellings in the rear gardens of existing homes.

For qualifying properties, Class 3A allows a permanent detached auxiliary dwelling of between 32m² and 45m² to be constructed or placed in the rear garden of a principal house without making a full planning application.

At 38m², our flagship Dwell model has been designed with this new opportunity in mind.

However, not every property will qualify automatically. Class 3A has a number of conditions and limitations, and all relevant Building Regulations and Building Control requirements continue to apply.

That's where we come in.

The first step is a site consultation.

Give us your Eircode and, where possible, an idea of where you would like your Dwell to sit. We'll review your property and identify any obvious issues relating to access, positioning, services and installation.

For a Dwell to potentially benefit from the Class 3A exemption, the proposed development must satisfy the requirements of the regulations. These include requirements relating to:

• Location — the Dwell must be located in the rear garden of the principal house.

• Size — the auxiliary dwelling must be between 32m² and 45m², subject to the applicable rules concerning other qualifying structures on the property.

• Private open space — at least 25m² of private open space must remain for the occupants of the principal house.

• Boundaries — minimum separation distances apply to the building and its windows.

• Access — independent pedestrian and/or wheelchair access must be available within the curtilage of the principal house.

• Services — the auxiliary dwelling must be connected to the services of the principal house.

• Road access — the exemption does not permit the creation of a new vehicular or pedestrian access onto a public road.

• Existing development — existing garden structures and previous development may affect whether the exemption can be used.

• Use — the auxiliary dwelling must remain associated with the principal house and cannot be separately sold or subdivided from it.

• Short-term letting — the Class 3A exemption cannot be used for short-term letting.

• Principal residence — specific conditions apply to the status and use of the principal house.

• Timing — the current Class 3A exemption applies to development commenced and completed within the statutory period, which currently runs until 31 December 2030.

These are only some of the conditions. Every condition of Class 3A must be satisfied for the exemption to apply.

If your property appears suitable for the Class 3A route, we'll help you understand the next steps.

Class 3A developments require notification to the relevant planning authority at least 14 days before the development takes place. This is different from applying for planning permission: where all of the statutory conditions are satisfied, the development is exempted development and a full planning application is not required.

We'll work with you to establish what information and documentation is required for your project and coordinate the practical process of getting your Dwell onto your property.

It's important to understand that exempted development does not mean exempt from Building Regulations.

Even where a Dwell qualifies for the Class 3A planning exemption, all relevant Building Regulations, Building Control Regulations and Fire Safety requirements continue to apply.

Dwell Modular Homes works with the relevant professionals and our manufacturing partners to ensure that the technical requirements of each project are properly addressed.

Our aim is to make the process as straightforward as possible — from the first site assessment to the day your Dwell arrives.