An application for a low-impact eco-village was refused by county
council planners this morning.
Plans for nine-eco smallholdings at Pont-y-Gafel, Glandwr, were
discussed at today's planning meeting.
Lammas Low Impact Initiatives Ltd applied for nine
eco-smallholdings, which would feature renewable energy, and produce
goods from the land. They also hope to include a campsite and
community building on the 31 hectare site.
advertisement
The application is the first of its kind to be considered under a
new low-impact policy, but has been recommended for refusal because
it failed to meet aspects of the stringent criteria.
A report to the planning committee stated: "There is some doubt
that the proposal will provide sufficient livelihood and
substantially meet the needs of residents.
"The type, number and construction of buildings in terms of
labour and technical expertise are not considered to be low
impact.
The report added: "They set a target for achieving self
sufficiency at five years rather than the three years required. No
justification is given for the longer target date."
There were also concerns about the impact on the local road
network and the landscape, and possible adverse effects on the local
community.
Speaking after the meeting applicant Paul Wimbush said: "We're
disappointed of course, but this was not completely unexpected given
the nature of the policy, and the application is cutting edge.
"I'm happy that what we are proposing will make an over all
positive contribution socially, environmentally and
economically.
"The message we will take back is that we need to work on our
traffic and business plans.
"We have been working in this application for two years and it is
tailor made to fit the policy.
"We will come bouncing back again with the information that they
have requested and resubmit the application."
I suspect that if this was given
planning permission then in a few years there would be several
"failed" small-holdings which will then revert to homes with land -
one of the most expensive types of property on the market. If they
are eco-friendly then why are they so far from schools, shops, etc,
which presuppose car travel - that's not very eco, is it?
I suspect that if this
was given planning permission then in a few years there would be
several "failed" small-holdings which will then revert to homes with
land - one of the most expensive types of property on the market. If
they are eco-friendly then why are they so far from schools, shops,
etc, which presuppose car travel - that's not very eco, is it?
If you liked this article and would like to share it with others
on the web who might be searching for good content we've made it
easy for you to do it.
At the bottom of all articles, you'll see links to six sites.
These sites - commonly called 'social bookmark' or 'social news'
sites - have large communities of web users who share and rate
interesting, useful and fun things on the web.
Clicking the links will automatically add the address of the
story you are reading to one of these sites, letting you share it
with others. Each site will ask you to register to share stories.
Registration is free and once a member, you can store, recommend and
search for stories that interest you.
Print
Email this
Comment
