Permission refused for retention of 'log cabin' on outskirts of Tullow

The owner of a log cabin style bungalow on the outskirts of Tullow is facing the possibility of having to remove the property after An Bord Pleánala refused retention permission.

According to planning inspector Bernard Dee, the 49.85 square metre home is a "single storey log cabin type construction" on a site close to Castledermot Road in the town.

The log cabin structure rests on a concrete platform while a hardcore surface has been laid on the site "to elevate the floor level of the house to road level presumably to protect against flood risk."

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In addition to seeking retention permission, the applicant had also sought permission to complete all ancillary site works and services associated with the development. This included the application of "a rendered board finish over the log walls" to try and make the house blend in with other properties in the areas.

The local authority cited four specific reasons for its decision to refuse permission and that decision was later appealed to An Bord Pleánala which has now upheld that decision.

Enforcement proceedings were also previously initiated by the council in relation to the property.

In his report, Mr Dee noted the development is located in an area which is at risk of flooding and that he is not satisfied, on the basis of the available information, that it does not "give rise to a heightened risk of flooding".

He also noted that the cabin is located close to the Slaney River Valley Special Area of Conservation and that the development "is out of character with the established pattern of development in the area and would result in the unsatisfactory juxtaposition of different house types."

Recommending that the application be refused, he stated: "The development thereby constitutes a substandard form of development which would seriously injure the amenities of the area and be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area."

Members of the board formally refused permission at a meeting earlier this month.