DIY Builds
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Do you need permission for a log cabin?

Yes, you can get planning permission for log cabins. If you do go for planning permission for a log cabin, best to apply for a “timber frame” construction rather than a “log cabin”. Anecdotal evidence suggests that planners, in general, are averse to the term “log cabin“.

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Planning Permission for log cabins – it’s a bit of a chore. And you’re going to hear lots of opinions about it, so the best thing to do is to talk to a planning expert in your local area.

YES! You CAN get planning permission for log cabins!

Let’s be clear – YOU CAN GET PLANNING PERMISSION FOR LOG CABINS!

Here is an interesting article from the Irish Times about planning.

Do I need planning permission for a log cabin on my land?

lots of people come to us at Timber Living to buy log cabins – and one of the main questions we are asked is about planning permission for log cabins. You need planning for anything over 25 square metres that you intend living in – even a mobile home! But don’t worry – A lot of people have been given planning permission for our log cabins.

How long does planning permission take for a log cabin?

Can I build a log cabin on my land in Ireland?

What size can you build without planning?

Planning permission for log cabin on agricultural land?

A lot of people have built on their own land without planning. It depends on the area you’re in sometimes. Some people have argued that they’re a flatpack build, and not fixed to the ground so they’re a temporary structure, although this statement might not be an accurate reflection of the current planning regulations.

Can you get planning permission for log cabins?

Yes, you can get planning permission for log cabins.

If you do go for planning permission for a log cabin, best to apply for a “timber frame” construction rather than a “log cabin”. Anecdotal evidence suggests that planners, in general, are averse to the term “log cabin“. But there’s a strong environmental argument for building log cabins. The fact that the carbon footprint of one of our cabins is minuscule compared to a block built house is a strong argument. You will need to contract an engineer to work on your log cabin build if you go for planning. The engineer will need to certify the construction method for the building – how the walls, floors and roof are constructed. This certification is required in order to demonstrate that your building complies with the latest building regulations.

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We have developed a range of timber frame buildings at Timber Living, to cater for people who want to build an affordable, stylish, comfortable home, and who are going for planning permission. The main differences between our log cabins and our timber frame houses are as follows:

and our are as follows: higher insulation levels in walls and roof

Cement board finish on exterior

PVC windows and doors

Steeper slope on the roof

Appealing a Planning Decision

While the planning process in Ireland does seem to be overly cumbersome, at least we have an appeals system through An Bórd Pleanála. (Click here to visit their website.) It is important to appeal a planning decision if you are refused by your local council. We have heard of a few examples where log cabin planning refusals have been overturned. The environmental argument is always a very strong one with An Bórd Pleanála. Although we cannot say this about all county councils, there seems to be a bias against timber construction, and in particular, timber exteriors on buildings. If you make the argument that the carbon footprint of a timber construction is minuscule compared to a conventionally built block house, this can help your case immensely. And already stated, the sustainability/eco-friendly/environmental argument has won quite a few cases for log cabin owners. Please remember that planning regulations vary over time and between regions. What we state here is just general information. You need to check the finer details with your local council. If you are thinking of going for planning permission, we would be glad to chat with you about all of the different options – type and quantity of insulation, internal and external wall coverings, heating systems. Make sure you bring your plans with you when you come to our showrooms. Contact us or visit our showrooms in Tullow, Boyle and Cork for more information.

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