The Log House Company have just started a new Planning and Design Service. This is because a lot the of designs that we received were technically flawed and because many architects and engineers do not understand log house construction. Some of the designs that we received were for timber frame or cavity block construction. A number of people have paid a lot of money for this service and have to pay again for a redesign. The advantage of using this service is that the same company is involved in Planning, Design, Importation and Building. Starting at €I,500 our prices are very keen.

The Log House Company can supply the full service or we can supply plans only and you can process your own application or use your own architect or planning consultant. We like to keep our services flexible to suit builders and self-builders.

Any habitable building needs planning permission. If you don’t believe me check An Bord Pleanala web site for unauthorised houses being refused retention. This means that you are required to remove the structure and put the site back to its original condition at your own expense. Below are 2 refusals for retention of dwelling by An Bord Pleanala.

http://www.pleanala.ie/REP/201/R201754.DOC

http://www.pleanala.ie/REP/209/R209780.DOC

You will need to place a Site Notice on the roadside boundary of the site & Notice in Newspaper with name, address and description of the proposed development. It is important that all the info is correct, as they will refuse the application, even based on a wrong spelling. These notices must be in place before you submit your Application to the Planning Authority (max 2 weeks). Copy of site notice & newspaper page showing date must be submitted with the application. The site notice shall be maintained in position on the land or structure concerned for a period of 5 weeks from the date of receipt of the planning application by the planning authority.

You will need 6 copies of the following:
Location Maps - Ordinance Survey 1:2500 or 1:1000 - with site boundary marked in red.
Site Layout Plan - 1:500 - showing levels, proposed house and distances to treatment plant?
House Plans - 1:100 - Plans, Elevations, Section & Specification.

Where it is proposed to dispose of wastewater from the proposed development to an on-site treatment system, you must supply evidence as to the suitability of the site for the system proposed. Refer to EPA 2000 guidelines.

www.epa.ie/downloads/advice/water/wastewater/house/epa_wastewater_treatment_single_houses.pdf

The fee for an application to build a house is €65. The Planning Authority have 8 weeks to make a decision or during that period might require the applicant to submit further information or evidence of information supplied. Then they will either grant planning permission with conditions, or refuse with reasons. Then the applicant or objectors have 5 weeks to appeal this decision to An Bord Pleanala, who take about 18 weeks to make a decision. The board’s decision is final and can only be challenged by judicial review in the High Court.

Note: The Log House Company would advise you to consult with the appropriate Planning Authority before commencing any development or purchasing land.

Regards

Eamon Murray

Filed under: CAD design & planning service for log homes. on July 24th, 2007