The answer is YES you can

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

Can I build a Log Cabin without planning permission?

Lots of our customers have built their log cabins at the back of an existing house, or in a farmyard, without planning permission. There are some restrictions in relation to maximum log cabin sizes, which are addressed in the next paragraph. the second question

What can I build without planning permission?

You can build up to 40 m2 (cumulative) of usable internal floor space as an extension, to the rear of an existing house without planning permission. we can build you a custom extension, talk to us today about your plans. Anything over that you intend living in requires planning – even a mobile home! But don’t worry – a lot of people have been given planning permission for our cabins.

The general rule regulating log cabins in Ireland states that any building under 25 sq m and less than 3.9m high to the side or rear of your house doesn’t require planning permission. But since the local rules might slightly differ it is a good idea to check with your local authorities

If you are building a log cabin to the rear of your home, you are less likely to require planning permission.

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, checking if local authority has any special requirements is best practice.

You can also build up to 25 m2 of usable internal floor space as a standalone garden structure without planning permission, as long as there is a minimum of 25 m2 of garden space remaining. We have a large selection of garden rooms and even a 1 bed log home that come in under 25 m2 - Ballinasloe 1 Bed

Our standard size log cabins fit within this category, so most IrishLogCabins.ie 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 – its down to their individual discretion.

We can accommodate you what ever your p.p. requirements are, if you need a rendered (plastered) wall.

A lot of people have been given planning permission for our cabins. A lot of people have built on their own land without planning. It depends on the area you’re in sometimes.

Please keep in mind that Irish Log Cabins only provides the log cabin you requested and is not responsible for planning permission, which is the customer’s responsibility there is plenty of information on local councils’ websites and on http:/citizensinformation.ie or http://www.galway.ie/en/services/planning/

If you want to see what the chances of success are for a formal application for planning permission, apply for outline planning permission first.

If you are going for planning permission, refer to the structure as a Timber Framed Building, rather than a Log Cabin. Some people just don’t get the great benefits of log cabins; environmental, financial etc. Because log cabins are made from timber, technically they are also timber framed structures, which is a more widely understood construction method.

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).

The Department publishes a series of leaflets on all aspects of the planning system and these are available free of charge from the Department or from planning authorities. They cover a whole range of issues including how to make a planning application, lodge an appeal, requirements for change of use, building extensions, in a word everything you need to know but didn't know who to ask.

Leaflets on the planning system are available in PDF format below.
PL1. A Guide to Planning Permission
PL2. Making a Planning Application
PL3. Commenting on a Planning Application
PL4. Building a House - The Planning Issues
PL5. Doing Work Around the Houses - The Planning Issues PL6. Agriculture and Farm Development - The Planning Issues PL7. Planning and the Business Person
PL8. The Development Plan
PL9. Environment Impact Assessment
PL10. Making a Planning Appeal
PL11. Guide to the Building Control System
PL12. Guide to Architectural Heritage
PL 13 Archaeology in the Planning Process

To download any of the above leaflets, or view the guide for your area, please click on the following link. http://www.environ.ie/en/Legislation/DevelopmentandHousing/Planning/FileDownLoad,8797,en.pdf

FAQ`S

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 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 I build without planning permission for log cabins?

Lots of our customers have built their log cabins at the back of an existing house, or in a farmyard, without planning permission. There are some restrictions in relation to maximum log cabin sizes, which are addressed in the next paragraph.

The beauty of building close to an existing structure is that there are generally connections to water, sewerage and electricity, which means your log cabin can be built a lot quicker and cheaper than otherwise.

Some of our customers have told us that getting an ESB connection is not a problem – as expected, it is not free, but you don`t need to have planning permission to get a new ESB connection for your cabin.

What is the maximum size I can build without planning permission?

There are some planning restrictions when it comes to building a log cabin. If not connected to your house you can build a cabin up to twenty five square metres in area. However, with an extension, you can build up to forty square metres without planning permission, as long as the house has not been extended previously. It is also an ideal fit for many extensions. One minor change would be required in order for this cabin to work as an extension – moving the windows from the front to the side of the cabin. As long as the existing building was suitable – wall length, position of door and windows etc. – this might be a perfect fit for your extension!

Of course, if this cabin did not suit, there might be another cabin in our collection