What is the most asked question of the year? You might guess: – “Does my log cabin need planning permission?” The quick answer to that would be – it might.
Ireland’s planning system was introduced on the 1 October 1964, when the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963 came into effect. Good news is that if you are planning to build a small log cabin at the back of your house you can go as big as up to 25 sq meters as free-standing structure. Buildings that can be erected without planning (subject to planning regs) are; non-habitable garden houses – max 25 sq meters (270 sq ft) and extensions to buildings not previously extended – max 40 square meters (430 sq ft).
All bigger permanent dwellings need planning permission. Our log houses are built on timber frame and block pad foundation and do not classify as permanent structure however if you decide to go for bigger log cabin we would advise you to check with your local council regarding the planning permission.
Main reasons of refusals are known to be visual impact, area of high amenity or outstanding beauty, one-off housing and sporadic development contrary to the County Development Plan. If you already own a home it will be more difficult.
Ireland is also one of the few European countries that has an independent third party planning appeals system. It is operated by An Bord Pleanála, (the Planning Appeals Board). If you are refused the planning permission for the Log Cabin or Log House we strongly recommend to contact “An Bord Pleanala” and appeal the decision. An Bord Pleanala recently overturned a refusal by Carlow Planning Authority. Their report stated,” I consider that the Planning Authority’s decision, in this case, represents an undue bias against log house construction and versatility and innovation in the evolution of ‘new’ construction materials in the Irish context.”
If you want to build a log cabin in your garden, the first question to consider is whether you need to obtain planning permission for log cabins. The rules concerning this are quite simple and are generally based on the size and location of the cabin, but there are exceptions.
Local authorities can implement different conditions, and how you intend to use the cabin is also an important factor as planning permission is not needed in every case. It is therefore important to have a clear idea of the type and size of the log cabin you want, along with a suitable location to build it.
Do You Need Planning Permission for Log Cabins in Ireland?
Planning permission is required for permanent structures, but due to the way that log cabins are built, they are not necessarily classified as permanent. At Loghouse, our log cabins are built on timber frames and block pad foundation, which means they are not considered to be permanent structures.
If you are building a log cabin to the rear of your home, you are less likely to require planning permission. However, if it is to the side of your home, or on land specifically purchased to build a log cabin, there is a strong chance you will need to obtain planning permission, no matter what size the cabin is.
Planning Permission for a 25 Square Metre Log Cabin in Ireland
Non-habitable garden houses at a maximum size of 25 square metres do not generally require planning permission, but as always it is worthwhile checking if the local authority has any special requirements.
It’s not just non-habitable garden houses that can be this size – the good news is that if you are planning to build a small log cabin at the back of your house, you can go as big as up to 25 square metres for a free-standing structure.
Our standard size log cabins fit within this category, so most Loghouse log cabins will not require planning permission based on their size. However, we do offer a custom design service that allows you to have a cabin designed and built to your specifications, which can be smaller or larger than our standard log cabins.
Log Cabins Over 25 Square Meters
Even though they may still not be classified as permanent structures, should you decide to go for a bigger log cabin, we would advise you to check with your local council regarding the planning permission requirements.
Some local authorities will allow the construction of such a building without planning permission, while others will require planning permission for log cabins at larger sizes – it down to their individual discretion.
Do I Need Planning Permission for a Mobile Home in Ireland?
The requirements for planning permission for mobile homes are the same as the requirements for planning permission for log cabins. In general, the location and size of the building are the most important factors, but as with any type of planning permission, it is wise to check with the local authority.
Planning permission for log cabins and other structures can be refused for several reasons including the visual impact the structure may cause or due to it being built in an area of natural beauty.
Should you need to obtain planning permission and you are concerned that you may be affected by any of these issues (or other related issues), please contact us. We have great experience in obtaining planning permission for log cabins of all kinds, and we’re happy to help with the process to ensure you get the mobile home log cabin you want.
Can You Appeal Decisions for Planning Permission for Log Cabins?
Yes, as Ireland has an independent third party planning appeals system. Even if your planning application has initially been refused, you may be able to have the decision overturned.
Residential log cabin Planning Permission in Ireland
A log cabin built in a residential area is subject to the usual planning permission regulations. If you build a log cabin intending to live in it permanently, you will certainly need to obtain planning permission as well as ensuring you adhere to building regulations and other rules.
Can you live in a log cabin in Ireland?
As you’ll see above, non-habitable garden houses under 25 square meters don’t usually require planning permission. Working in a log cabin does not constitute living in it – therefore, if you want to build a log cabin to live in, you will certainly need planning permission.
All permanent dwellings, no matter what size they are, will need planning permission. This applies to both planning permission for log cabins in Dublin and in all other areas too.
Additionally, log cabin building regulations will need to be considered for a residential building to ensure its suitability and safety. Living in a log cabin in your garden sounds like a great idea but checking exactly what is required by the local authorities is vitally important.
How do I get Planning Permission for Log Cabins in Ireland?
While you are perfectly free to apply for planning permission for log cabins on your own, the team at Loghouse is here to help.
We will be with you at every step of the way with your log cabin. Whether you choose a standard design or allow us to design a custom log cabin for you, we will share the production drawings of the garden log cabins with your architect and will provide all the information you will require to help you complete the process, liaising with the planning permission team where necessary.
While applying for planning permission may initially seem like a daunting task, we’ll do all that we can to make the process as smooth as possible. Please do not hesitate to contact one of the showrooms or chat with us online if you have any questions.
We’re here to help you get the planning permission you need for your log cabin, don’t forget if you’re wondering – Can I get a mortgage for a log cabin? Loghouse can also offer finance for Log Cabins via humm by flexifi
