Log cabins wood be great say councillors!

A clear planning policy on building log cabins for use as permanent homes could go a long way to addressing the housing crisis, Cork County Council has heard.

During a Cork County Council meeting this week, councillors said they are experiencing a steady increase in enquiries from constituents regarding the construction of affordable log cabins and similar structures.

The homes are seen as a far cheaper and environmentally friendly option for people looking to build a home on their own land.

However, councillors said many of the planning applications are either being turned down or abandoned due to a lack of clarity surrounding planning permission.

Speaking at Tuesday’s meeting of Cork County Council, Fianna Fáil Cllr William O’Leary asked that the council define a clear planning policy for the construction of the cabins, given that the Cork rural design guide currently has no guidance on the “finishings” of such structures.

He said the market for log cabins and similar structures, which are considerably cheaper than traditional brick builds, has seen a major increase in recent years, which has triggered an increase in advertising by construction groups.

“Individuals looking to build a low footprint and sustainable type of premises on their own land are being met with unreasonable obstacles and unfair uphill battles,” said Cllr O’Leary.

Responding to a particular line in the council’s written response which suggested such structures are better suited to heavily forested areas, Cllr O’Leary quipped: “I mean, who in the name of God do we think is applying for them, Red Riding Hood?”

Fine Gael Cllr Anthony Barry said with the ongoing nationwide housing crisis, Ireland must look at “totally different” ways to deliver housing.

He said: “There is a perception that with log cabins, you're nearly going back to a ‘Little House on the Prairie’ kind of a job. If anyone looks at log cabin design, it bears no resemblance in any way, shape or form to the log cabins that we would have in our mind.”

Cllr O’Leary’s motion will now be brought forward to the next meeting of the Housing Strategic Policy Committee (SPC).