The Government is working on new regulations to make cabin homes in back gardens exempt from planning. The Minister of State John Cummins believes there needs to be planning exemptions to allow family members to live together on the same site. The proposal could include both detached cabins and modular style buildings.
Currently, planning exemptions allow a 40 square metre extension to the rear of a property once it’s attached to the house. The regulations, if implemented, would remove the requirement for the extension to be attached to the main dwelling in situations where there is sufficient space to the rear of the property. The option might be beneficial to a younger person enabling them to live independently of the family home in the short-term. The proposal is to be put before all government departments before any final decision is made. The measure is one of a number of new housing initiatives under consideration including measures to increase the amount of zoned and serviced land to increase housing output.
The possible changes may have implications for 66 year old Tipperary man Sean Meehan who is due in Cashel court tomorrow morning in relation to the home he has provided for himself on his own land at Woodinstown near New Inn.
Tipperary County Council and An Bord Pleanála have refused applications for retention and full planning for the structure which is a mobile home surrounded by cladding to give a log cabin type appearance with a covered front deck. Mr Meehan is hoping to take a Judicial Review of the decision by An Bord Pleanála issued last December to refuse permission. The pensioner had been refused Free Legal Aid and is now fundraising to cover the costs involved via a GoFundMe page and the sale of car stickers. A judge has previously ordered Mr Meehan to remove the structure or face imprisonment if he did not secure planning permission.
