Eco village refused

10:55am Tuesday 9th October 2007

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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.

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."