'Things have changed' warmer Laois welcome for log cabins

Laois planners may soon look more kindly on approving log cabins, after unified calls by councillors in light of the housing shortage.

The cheap, rapid build semi-permanent timber homes are being approved in Laois but only in low visibility locations.

Cllr Ben Brennan has asked Laois County Council "what's the problem" with the homes, and most of his colleagues agree.

"You are talking about modular homes, what's the difference between them and log cabins? We've a problem with the development plan, we are not allowed to build them. You build one house for €300,000 but you could build three cabins for that. What's the problem? We have people who cannot afford to build houses, they are living on top of each other. We need to put this in the county development plan," he said.

The Laois Director of Services for planning and housing is Angela McEvoy.

"The best thing is to bring a paper on this to the housing SPC (strategic policy committee). We'll prepare it through the planning department. 

"Things have changed through the years. We can advance and develop a policy to support affordable options, but all in the spirit of proper planning," Ms McEvoy said.

Cllr John Joe Fennelly agrees.

"The amount of people who say they can't afford to build houses. They are in dire straits. They can't get mortgages. Years ago these were to be allowed only in discrete areas. Could we look at that again," he requests.

Cllr Willie Aird asks "what's wrong with it?".

"People are being turned down for mortgages. If you have a site and can put a cabin on it, what's wrong with that? There was a lot of people living in mobile homes. They can have their own septic tank. It's a stepping stone. People will save up. One of a couple's salaries goes to rent accommodation. We've got to support the people who are not making the housing list. I am asking planning and the Chief Executive to have another look when applications come in," he said.

The cabins now have a lifespan of 40 years, Cllr PJ Kelly said.

"They will last the test of time," he said.

Also supporting the idea is Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley.

"I'd like you to review it. Are we going to drag everyone into court? When somebody has their own land and cannot afford to buy their own house, they should have the option of a log cabin. Most have no choice. If you are privately renting you are not able to save for a mortgage," she said.

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"Planning regulations can be put to one side to accommodate Ukrainians so why cannot we do it for people who need a home, so they can bring in a mobile or a modular house," Cllr Dwane Stanley said.

Cllr John King and Cllr Aisling Moran also call for leniency by the planners.

"Log cabins and modular homes are fast built in a factory. In a month you'd have one on site," suggests Cllr Moran.

The policy is to be presented to the September council meeting.