Kya deLongchamps: Why we should never ignore planning permission 

'There are troubling assumptions and persistent misunderstandings when it comes to planning permission'

Don’t let a dream tiny home or garden cabin become a nightmare, writes Kya deLongchamps. Talk to a local engineer about planning permission before you get started. File picture

Many of us are familiar with the distressing story of Sean Meehan, and his determined battle with Tipperary County Council regarding his timber-clad mobile home which he has lived in for over five years. During his time in the quaintly styled cabin, Sean made impressive improvements to the efficiency of his home and beautified the surrounding grounds on a site he owns. 

He believed that due to the structure being a mobile home, that planning was simply not required. Tipperary County Council was not moved by his plight, and in June he was again refused retention permission on a number of grounds.