Log Cabin

Hi all. I’m thinking of purchasing a small plot of land about 1 acre in Letrim. The idea is to use the land to grow some veg / visit on the weekends / recreational use. I won’t be living there full time. Anywho, I would like to also maybe have a log cabin under 25sqm / 3.9m height. Would planning be required and would I need to let the local authority know ? Also any pointers on purchasing land? Things I should be aware of ? The land is on a high hill so I might also look to get an engineer to throw their eye over or it. Very sorry I’m totally new to all this so looking for advice !

Thanks

muffler

Will the log cabin be used to live in even for flying visits?

As there doesn't appear to be an existing house on the property the floor area and height you mention is irrelevant. You will need planning permission in any event so best to get a local professional involved before you do anything.

Deeec

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058225973/log-cabin

You probably would be better buying somewhere with an existing old cottage on it. Chances of you getting planning as a none local are slim and chances of getting planning for a log cabin are even slimmer.

mrcheez

Another option might be to buy a caravan, but lock it down for security, though be sure it's still movable in case local authorities enquire?

sydthebeat

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118419834#Comment_118419834

still requires planning permission if its going to be inhabited

El Tarangu

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118419823#Comment_118419823

+1

I looked on Daft and there are properties for sale in Leitrim for about €30k; buying one of these + a converted camper van for the odd overnight would work out a lot cheaper.

mrcheez

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118419865#Comment_118419865

interesting article here

https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/homes-and-property/if-i-buy-a-plot-of-land-do-i-need-planning-permission-for-a-caravan-1.3507296

hirondelle

Hi OP

like the others I would counsel caution on this- if you go ahead with any structure and somebody does report it the site may end p being listed as an Unauthorised Development and that can have implications down the line if you ever do want to apply for permission. Mobile homes have definitely been included as UDs in cases near me. A site with any sort of cottage would be a more sustainable (in terms of surviving the planning regs) solution in my opinion.

Thanks a million all. Just an idea at this stage. The caravan idea is also good for me as we really wouldn’t be there more than a few nights every off weekend. Reading that IT article above it seems difficult to do that also. Sorry I thought log cabins under 25sqm did not require planning. I don’t want to break any planning laws so will go with safest option. If I owned the land for 10 years plus without any UD could I apply for planning then ?

Thanks

Furze99

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058225973/log-cabin

Check the soil as well and consider shelter. Growing veg on a site on a 'high hill' mightn't be best idea. Also putting a cabin or caravan on such a site might attract extra attention if overly visible.

mrcheez

Curious on this.

Can you not own land, then park one of these on it for a few days in a row every odd weekend, and carry a generator for power etc?

As in... can you develop a garden, but basically have an empty spot where you periodically park the vehicle?

sydthebeat

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118419885#Comment_118419885

nothing in that article to contradict what i said.

there are some errors in it though

mrcheez

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118420432#Comment_118420432

not exactly.. you didn't mention the fact you could live in the caravan as long as it was moved within 10 days. This could be relevant for the OP if they were willing to try it in a mobile home and use the land for sporadic weekends away.

sydthebeat

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118420451#Comment_118420451

So your suggesting to the OP to bring the caravan with them, and then back away with them, every time they visit the site?? thats not very practical is it.

the rules are quite simple. If you want to leave a caravan / mobile home on a site in order to live in it for any period of time., you need planning permission.

mrcheez

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118420581#Comment_118420581

It's an option the OP may want to consider if they find a particular piece of land they want, and not one with a dwelling already in place and as the OP suggested they are not looking to stay there for an extended period of time, but only on occasional weekends.

The day 10 limit is actually perfect in this situation, but they would need to establish if it's 10 days per year, or 10 days per block of days (i.e. if they move away from the site for one day, can they come back for another 10 days?)

The motorhome idea is a workable idea and something they could consider in the meantime (motorhomes can be sold off once they find a more permanent solution).

Gumbo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058225973/log-cabin

Yes, for what you have described, Planning is required.

Gumbo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118419834#Comment_118419834

The ever Pub Talk about temporary structures and the like :)

Still needs Planning.

Gumbo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118419885#Comment_118419885

So the OP would have to lift the caravan and remove it from site every 10 days.

Fair enough I think planning is required so ! I’m wondering if you own the land for more than 10 years could you apply then ? For moment seems only people local to Leitrim can apply for planning.

mrcheez

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118423461#Comment_118423461

caravans have to be lifted to be moved? Just opt for the campervan as I suggested. And yes it's simple to move every 10 days as the OP is only looking for a weekender deal.. not a permanent move

Gumbo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118423477#Comment_118423477

Doesn’t matter how long you own the land. The local needs requirement is what dictates who can apply.

that might change during your ownership though and if you work the land you may be able to use this as part of your local needs to apply.