Knocking an existing house to build a log cabin

bosco1979

Hey Guy, 
Has anyone on here gone through the process of knocking an existing house to build a log cabin.
I bought some land in Limerick with an old 50s style cottage on it around 12 years ago. I then moved away due to work and the house has gone beyond repair. I would like to build something cheap on it to keep for when I travel home and possibly rent out seasonally.
How handy is it to get planning, ideally I would like to build the log cabin in a different location as there is around 3 acres behind the existing derelict house. but if its going to be too much hassle i would build it on the same foundation.
The other option I have is to rebuild the existing cottage.
Whats the story with that, do you need planning to build like for like??

https://www.limerick.ie/council/services/planning-and-property/apply-or-search-planning-application/when-do-i-need-planning

Knocking down needs planning permission,
Building new whether on the same footprint or elsewhere will need permission.
Renovating might or might not need permission depending on the state of it or how many changes you are making.

Would a log cabin meet all building regulations - they are often marketed as garden rooms for a reason.

bosco1979

Well pg633, 
I know ill need planning no matter what I do. I kind of want to find out whats the handiest thing to do is. I dont want to spend to much money and I dont want to spent 12 to 24 months waiting for planning. I was hoping to do something that a draftsman could draft up rather than going to an architect which I tried a few years ago and couldn't find anyone that was interested all too busy. for example if i was to keep 2 walls and build on the same footprint. surly that wouldn't take to long to get passed. The house is a complete eyesore at the minute.
Would you have to get a peculation test for example.

Regarding the log cabin if I went down that road I seen two built in ireland from the company im thinking of using from Finland. One in Wicklow and Waterford. not like some of the crap you see advertised this looks the right job.

henryporter

The main points of any planning application are:
- Design of the dwelling - depending on the site (and the planning authority) a proprietary log cabin may or may not be deemed suitable (ie if it were in amongst trees, not very visible and in Cavan then yes, not so much if highly visible) The reason for this is that some local authorities have a certain design standard in mind.
- Site Suitability for wastewater treatment (existing system will not be considered adequate in this case). There was no standards applicable in the 50's when the original house was constructed, so you will come up against all the issues of ensuring compliance with environmental standards. Is the site boggy (ie are there reeds growing on it) or rocky, or well draining? Each of these types need different wastewater treatment solutions.
- Traffic safety: you need to determine that vehicles can enter and exit the site without endangering traffic. For this you need to check what the visibility requirements for the specific public road accessing the site is. This may require legal agreements with adjoining landowners to maintain visibility splays at all time.

If I were you I'd arrange a meeting with the planning officer for the area and check what you can and can't do in terms of design. Also check planning applications in the vicinity to see what issues the applicants came up against (again I'm thinking road safety and wastewater treatment, and also appeals if any)

Edit - forgot to mention you will also need to check if there are any restrictions on who can apply on the site based on residency.

Bigus

If you can make the current structure any way habitable, with a bit of waterproofing and insulation, you will save an awful lot of admin and professional costs , then when you re-establish a viable dwelling after a year or 2 you could expand with less hassle .

Gumbo

OP, prepare for the full planning process. There is no quick option here as what you describe is a full redesign of a dwelling. You need waste treatment, current regulation compliance etc

Also, a log cabin in the traditional sense will not get granted.