LATEST: Tipperary family facing enforcement notice may be forced to sell cottage

A Tipperary family locked in a lengthy planning dispute over a mobile home placed beside a cottage they are renovating may now be forced to sell the property, according to a report this week in the Irish Independent.

As reported by journalist Amy Molloy, Lorraine and Nigel Shanahan bought a 100-year-old cottage in Ballycahane, Birdhill, described as being in very poor condition and in need of major renovation.

In 2023, they secured planning permission from Tipperary County Council to extend the 28 sq m property and to place a mobile home on site so they could live there while works were ongoing. However, the decision was appealed by a neighbour to An Coimisiún Pleanála.

The appeals body later refused permission, citing concerns that the proposed development relied on unauthorised works, including a septic tank and site access.

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A subsequent retention application covering the mobile home and associated structures was largely refused by the council, although permission for the extension was granted. A further appeal was deemed invalid.

On 6 February, Tipperary County Council issued an enforcement notice requiring the removal of the mobile home and other structures by 20 April. The family has been warned that failure to comply could result in legal action, including fines or possible imprisonment.

Speaking to the Irish Independent, Ms Shanahan said the situation has placed significant strain on the family, who have two sons, and that they are now considering selling the property despite having planning permission for the extension.