In this article, we cover:

  • The Careys’ case – and why their log cabin retention was refused
  • What counts as unauthorised development and why councils take a hard line
  • Current planning rules for log cabins, including size limits and distance requirements
  • A possible policy shift that could double the exemption size to 45sqm

A Wicklow family’s battle to keep the log cabin they’ve called home for six years shows the risks of relying on unauthorised temporary accommodation – and hoping to get it approved after the fact.

According to the Irish Independent, Isabella and Brendan Carey were granted permission in 2021 to build a farmhouse on their farm land in Aughrim. The permission from Wicklow County Council planning office came with a clear condition: the existing log cabin had to be removed before construction could begin on site.

Their architect, Pat O’Connor of Ashford Property Services, said in a recent planning appeal that construction of the new farmhouse has not yet started because of “financial constraints” but that the family is actively seeking funding and hopes to break ground soon.

The log cabin – measuring 68sqm with four bedrooms, a living/kitchen space and one bathroom – has been home to the Careys and their children since 2019. All the children attend local schools, and – as Mr O’Connor argued in a previous application – the log cabin provides necessary on-site accommodation for farming the 160-acre holding.

“This can’t be done from a nice semi-detached [house] in Aughrim village,” he wrote, describing the council’s condition to remove the cabin before building as “unjust.”

In April this year, the Careys sought short-term retention of the structure and a septic tank on their land at The Trees, Mongnacool Lower, Aughrim.

However, Wicklow County Council refused, saying that allowing the cabin to stay would amount to “consolidation of unauthorised development” and breach the 2021 planning conditions. It also argued that the cabin “would be contrary to the established housing standards of the Department of the Environment, that deems such accommodation as being unfit for human occupation.”

The family has now lodged an appeal with An Coimisiún Pleanála, with a decision due by November 5.

There could be some relief on the way for future small log cabin projects. The government is considering raising the exemption size for garden cabins and modular homes from 25sqm to 45sqm, allowing some smaller structures to be built without planning permission – though still well below the size of the Careys’ log cabin.

More than 900 submissions were received in a public consultation earlier this year looking at a major overhaul of the planning exemption rules. The Department of Housing saying the response was “predominantly supportive.” Any change, however, will require sign-off by both Houses of the Oireachtas before it becomes law.

What you need to know about log cabins & planning
Planning permission rules for log cabins in Ireland depend on size, location and use.

Size matters: The current exemption is 25sqm or under – anything bigger generally needs permission. A proposed change could raise this to 45sqm, so watch for updates.
Living in it = planning needed: Even under 25sqm, you need permission if it’s used as a dwelling.
Mind your distances: Cabins within 10m of the main house, or closer to a public road than the main house, typically require permission.
Pre-planning is your friend: Book a pre-planning consultation with your local authority to check your plans before you submit.
Appeals are possible: If refused, you can appeal to An Coimisiún Pleanála or revise your application.