Log cabin annexe

Lawful Development Certificate granted to provide new granny annexe

If you could use some extra space at home, you could consider a log cabin such as that pictured above. Perhaps you struggle to put people up comfortably when they come to stay; or could use somewhere to escape from your teenagers!

Most commonly, these cabins can provide residential annexes to allow extended families to live together. There are many personal reasons, these days, why families would like to live in closer proximity. Often, parents move in with their children to help with childcare for the grandchildren; or older parents may require more support whilst still wanting their own space.

Building an annexe can be costly and will require detailed planning permission, but a log cabin mobile home can be a simple and affordable option. Cabins which comply with the Caravan Act 1960 do not require planning permission if sited in a garden and occupied as ancillary accommodation.

We have recently obtained a Lawful Development Certificate for a log cabin for a family in Somerset. The cabin will provide a home for the homeowner's mother who is now in her 80s. She has recently experienced some issues with mobility and the cabin will allow her daughter to support her if she needs help.

We were able to prepare and submit the application fairly quickly. The submission consisted of a very full justification (the planning case is not straightforward!) and plans. Now that the Certificate has been granted, the cabin can now be delivered and installed and the applicant will be in in a matter of weeks.

This approach can be a really practical solution to provide additional residential accommodation. It can be quick, affordable and can be used where planning permission may not be granted.