Louth councillor welcomes plans for relaxation of planning laws around log cabins

Dundalk-Carlingford's Cllr Andrea McKevitt has welcomed proposals for the relaxation of planning laws around log cabins and modular homes, under a public consultation on Government plans to make log cabins in back gardens exempt from planning permission.

The local councillor said that the current proposal would allow people to build cabins or modular homes up to 45 square metres in size in their back gardens, provided at least 25 square metres of garden is retained.

Cllr McKevitt, who says she has long championed the rural housing cause, has welcomed this proposal stating “this move will support the longevity of our rural communities by empowering locals to establish their homes in their own communities where they were born and raised.

“And although this will not solve the housing crisis it will enable and help people who wish to put a modular home in their back garden, to do just that I do acknowledge that while this may not be ideal for everyone, it is a great addition for many constituents of mine who are living with their parents and trying to raise their own family in crowded conditions, this proposal will allow for independence for people who wish to erect a modular home or log cabin in their garden.”

Read also: €1m for Ardee Castle will close funding shortfall says Louth councillor

“The people of the peninsula are finding it extremely difficult to get planning permission to build a family home under the current development plan in the county so this move is very much welcomed”, the Fianna Fáil councillor added.

The deadline for submissions/observations to this public consultation, which can be lodged on the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage under exempt development regulation, is Tuesday 26th August at 5pm.