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Pembrokeshire councilors vote to visit roundhouse |
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25 Jun 2014, 1:59 PM
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The future of a low impact roundhouse which has become known locally as the "hobbit house" remains unclear. Following their most recent meeting, members of the council's planning committee will visit the site of the eco-home in north Pembrokeshire.
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Pembrokeshire’s planning committee were asked to decide whether the house should be granted retrospective planning permission or face being torn down. Owners Charlie Hague and Megan Williams have spent years fighting against the demolition of their distinctive home - built on private land in Glandwr without planning permission.
A legal struggle and an online campaign via social media has won of the support of 96,000 people but the home may still have to be torn down.
Planning officials have recommended the retrospective planning application is refused.
On Tuesday, the head of planning Hywel Wyn Jones said there were 'fundamental shortcomings' in the application's reliance on the Welsh Government’s One Planet Development guidelines – which encourages sustainable development.
"The first main issue is whether there any exceptions to the strict control on local planning policy for development in the open countryside," said Mr Wyn Jones.
"It is considered that the development is not One Planet Development (OPD) and that there are no considerations sufficient to set aside national and local planning policy."
Megan, who addressed the committee, said that that Pembrokeshire Council had an opportunity to support sustainable development and allow young people from the area to live and work in their own community.
Speaking in Welsh, she said the OPD criteria was extremely high and that the couple were working towards meeting that guidance.
"Only 10 One Planet Development applications have been made across Wales in the last year and only one has been passed. We have to review this and look at ways of supporting those young people who wish to create sustainable homes and remain in the communities where they live."
Councillor Keith Lewis, who spoke in favour of the house, and left the meeting after declaring and interest, had urged members to visit the site.
Mum of one, Megan 26, acknowledged their property was built without prior consent and that 'wasn't the best start'.
Made from straw bales rendered in lime and situated on land owned by Mr Hague’s parents, it took less than 12 months to build and cost around £12,000.
The couple previously said it was the only way they could afford a home of their own after prices of conventional houses in the area increased.
Megan said the couple in no way intended to flout planning laws.
“We were living in a mobile home here previously, and it really wasn’t warm or comfortable.
“What is so nice is living in a home like this, is that has been created with such a positive process with friends and family willing to learn crafts and skills to build it as we went along.”
After the meeting, Charlie's dad, Shaun Hague, said the couple had been paying council tax for the last two years.
He added: "The visual impact the site has is almost nil. The house cannot be seen, particularly in the summer when there is lots of foliage. Wee have 4kW of solar power which feeds into ours and Charlie's home and we have plans for a water turbine. it would be wonderful if the council were able to embrace and encourage efforts towards living sustainably."
Despite the head of planning's insistence that OPD criteria was not met, committee member Jacob Williams said that planners needed to 'see the property for themselves in order to assess it on its merits'.
The committee voted in favour go a site visit, which will be held on July 19.
Credits:: Amanda Jackson - Wales Online
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| Positive review of this story |
polly  |
26 Jun 2014, 12:52 PM |
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good news. well written. Good luck Charlie & Megan, positive thinking the sun will shine on 19th & all councillors will get out of bed on the right side!
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