Back     Latest news from Green Building Press    Subscribe to our newsletter

Earth House Plans Go To Appeal

Posted: 09/11/2006

A Hertfordshire man is taking plans for his dream eco home to appeal. Neil Bedford from Water End has asked for a public inquiry into his plans to build an earth-sheltered property on Green Belt land near Brookmans Park. Welwyn Hatfield councillors threw the proposals out in April despite a recommendation from officers that the project was exceptional enough to be built.

Mr Bedford, who has lived in the area all his life, said: "I just want to stay local and build my own home. "I am not a developer and this is not a commercial enterprise, but I am an interior designer and this one-off project has been a dream of mine." He added: "This is cutting edge architecture and has been called an exemplar house by central government. I am feeling fairly confident about the appeal because this project has national support, which is quite rare."

The plan is for an isolated building with two thirds sunk into the ground and sustainable features. Mr Bedford said the site itself - land known as Friday Grove off Hawkshead Road - contained another house until the 1800s, so was not totally undeveloped.

The North Mymms District Green Belt Society (NMDGBS) is one of the key objectors to the house. Bob Horrocks from the group told the WHT: "We will be doing everything we can to oppose this, including speaking at the inquiry and writing to the inspectorate. With all the pressures that there are on the Green Belt we see no reason why 21 acres of Green Belt should be built on for just one house."

He said they did not feel the very special circumstances for building on the green belt had been met in this case. The NMDGBS was due to discuss the matter on Monday night and North Mymms Parish Council will meet this evening. - Anyone wishing to comment should send three copies of their letter to the planning inspectorate by December 4.

The address is 3/04 Eagle Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The Quay, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6PN.The date and venue of the inquiry is yet to be decided.

Welwyn and Hatfield Times  
 

Back     Latest news from Green Building Press    Subscribe to our newsletter

1682