‘Log cabin’ builder in Tipperary applies for retention permission of his mobile home

Sean Meehan of Woodinstown, Cahir, County Tipperary, lodged the application for retention permission of the unauthorised development with Tipperary County Council on April 18.

The plans consist of retaining a mobile home, presently cladded in timber as to appear as a log cabin, along with two outbuildings and the use of same as a domestic storage, a septic tank and percolation area, entrance and driveway plus all associated site works.

Mr Meehan has also applied for planning permission for a new external cladding with plaster finish to the mobile home. The case is due to be decided on or before June 12 next, with a submissions deadline of May 22.

Independent Tipperary County Cllr Mairín McGrath has been nominated as the public representative in respect of the application. Coolquay Consulting Engineer prepared a site suitability test report for the proposed house at Woodinstown, Poulmucka, County Tipperary.

Planning records show that permission for a dormer bungalow and sewage treatment plant was refused for two reasons. The decision was appealed to An Bord Pleanála who upheld the decision of Tipperary County Council and refused permission for three reasons.

These reasons included that the proposed development would give rise to an “excessive density of development in a rural area lacking certain public services and community facilities” and would contravene the policy of the planning authority.

The proposed development would “constitute undesirable ribbon development in a rural area outside lands zoned for residential development and would, therefore, be contrary to the proper planning and development of the area.”

Thirdly, “having regard to the soil conditions, high water table and the existing development in the vicinity served by septic tanks, the Board is not satisfied, on the basis of the submissions made in connection with the planning and application and the appeal, that the site can be drained satisfactorily by means of a septic tank, notwithstanding the proposed use of a proprietary wastewater treatment system. The proposed development would, therefore, be prejudicial to public health.”

Today's News in 90 Seconds - April 25th

Tipperary County Council has brought enforcement proceedings against Mr Meehan at Cashel District, where the case appeared before Judge Brian O’Shea on April 4 this year.

Mr Meehan’s case has attracted significant attention locally and nationally, and many of his supporters gathered at the Courthouse to extend him their best wishes.

Tipperary County Council maintain that on December 15, 2022, Mr Meehan failed to comply with an enforcement notice served on him by the prosecutor on June 3, 2022, pursuant to section 154 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, within the period required by the enforcement notice.

In Court, Judge O’Shea agreed to a request from Solicitor Colin Morrissey for the case to be put back to June 6 for mention at Cashel District Court.