Am I required to obtain planning permission before building my log cabin in the UK? The answer depends on many variables, as log cabin sizes and shapes differ; additionally, local council requirements for planning permission can differ between UK locales.
Typically, any “development,” including building construction or engineering work, requires planning permission. There may be exceptions called “permitted development.” To learn what qualifies in your area as permitted development contact your local council’s planning department and give guidance. Usually certain home extensions or garden rooms fall within this category without explicitly needing planning approval.
At Loghouse Factory, our aim is to assist with all your planning permission needs. We are happy to provide production drawings of garden log cabins as well as information to guide through the planning permission process in the UK. Should any queries arise during your planning permission process, do not hesitate to get in touch.
Main reasons of refusals are known to be visual impact, area of high amenity or outstanding beauty, one-off housing and sporadic development contrary to the County Development Plan. If you already own a home it will be more difficult.
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). If you are refused the planning permission for the Log Cabin or Log House we strongly recommend to contact “An Bord Pleanala” and appeal the decision. An Bord Pleanala recently overturned a refusal by Carlow Planning Authority. Their report stated,” I consider that the Planning Authority’s decision, in this case, represents an undue bias against log house construction and versatility and innovation in the evolution of ‘new’ construction materials in the Irish context.”
Do You Require Planning Permission for Log Cabins?
When planning to construct a log cabin in your garden, various factors determine whether planning permission is required:
- Size and Location: If your cabin is built behind or next to an existing structure and doesn’t consume more than 50% of available space, planning permission may not be required. Furthermore, connecting it directly to your main building may count as an extension, which may or may not need approval depending on its size.
- Height and Proximity to Boundaries: Log cabins located within 2 metres of your land boundary should not surpass 2.5m at their highest point, while buildings with apex roofs cannot go higher than 4 metres while other roof types should not exceed 3 metres; their eaves must not reach over 2.5 metres in height.
- Designated Areas: If your property lies within an “area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,” planning permission may be necessary regardless of its size.
- Local Variations: As regulations can differ depending on your council, it’s wise to confirm what rules pertain to you before taking action.
- Residential Use: If your log cabin will serve as your permanent residence, planning permission and compliance with building regulations may be required.
How to Achieve Planning Permission for a Log Cabin in the UK
If your log cabin requires planning permission, submitting an application to your local planning department is crucial. While this can be completed independently, Loghouse Factory offers assistance with standard and custom log cabin planning applications, including liaison with any necessary teams such as those managing planning approval.
Appealing Planning Permission Decisions
If your application for planning permission is rejected, you may appeal to either your local planning authority or online. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland you can submit an appeal through the Planning Inspectorate at https://www.gov.uk/appeal-planning-inspectorate while for Scotland please submit appeals at http://eplanning.scotland.gov.uk/
At Loghouse Factory, our planning permission specialists have extensive experience securing planning approval for various types of log cabins. Let us guide you through this process and secure any required permissions for your log cabin project.
Remember, all applications are assessed separately by their local planning departments, so check with them prior to making purchases or starting construction projects. For the latest and most up-to-date information on planning portal, visit: www.planningportal.co.uk
Hi I bought second hand cabbin 18wide 25 ft long , on blocks no base concrete , wud this size need planning , thanks patrick
Dear Patrick,
As this cabin is above 25sq meters it would generally need the planning permission. You mentioned its not on concrete base so it doesn’t qualify as permanent structure so it would fall in to the grey area of the planning permission requirements in our opinion.
Hi….
Have you had any experience with Westmeath co. Council??
Thanks
Hi. What about connecting electricity and septic? I’m thinking wind and maybe solar. Any idea if that impacts needing planning permission or not? ( Less than 25sqm).
Thanks
Dear Tristan,
In our opinion you can do all above with no planning permission. However if you will live in that cabin it will be classified as residential and would require planning permission. You can use it as office with bathroom no problem.
Hi I’m thinking of a small cabin extension connected to the side of my semi-d in South Dublin Co.Co. area. Footprint of approx. 14sqm only. Lean to roof from gable of house and connecting door to house in gable. Do you think this will need planning permission? Intended use as a kids playroom. Appreciate any feedback thanks.
Dear Mike,
Was the house extended before? If no you wouldn’t need planning permission to our knowledge.
Loghouse
Have you any experience in malahide, with Fingal co co? Thanks
Dear Natacha, unfortunately we haven dealt with Fingal council.