Lost middle-class tribe's 'secret' eco-village in Wales spotted in aerial photograph taken by plane
For five happy years they enjoyed simple lives in their straw and mud huts.
Generating their own power and growing their own food, they strived for self-sufficiency and thrived in homes that looked more suited to the hobbits from The Lord of the Rings.
Then a survey plane chanced upon the 'lost tribe'... and they were plunged into a decade-long battle with officialdom.
Yesterday that fight, backed by more modern support for green issues, ended in victory. The eco-community in the Preseli mountains of west Wales was set up in 1993 and lived contentedly away from the rat race round a 180-acre farm bought by Julian and Emma Orbach
In 1998, it was spotted when sunlight was seen glinting off a solar panel on the main building, which was built from straw bales, timber and recycled glass. When the pilot reported back, officials were unable to find any records, let alone planning permission, for the mystery hillside village surrounded by trees and bushes.
They insisted the grass-covered buildings should be demolished.
The eco-community endured a decade of inquiries, court cases and planning hearings.
The 22 villagers fought planners even when they were within hours of the bulldozers moving in to demolish their eight homes.
Now, however, they can celebrate, thanks to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority's 'sustainability' policy.
With green issues now getting a more sympathetic hearing, the commune has been given planning approval for its roundhouses along with lavatories, agricultural buildings and workshops.
Community founder Emma Orbach, a 52-year-old mother of three, said yesterday: 'We are really excited and happy as it has been a very long battle.
'Even when planning inquiries and court hearings went against us we were determined to fight on.
'The villagers are pioneering a new lifestyle and are determined to prove it's possible for people to live more simply.'
Tony Wrench, 62, who lives in the original roundhouse with his partner Jane, said: 'We are very relieved and delighted.
'We have been able to prove to the planners that it is possible to have a sustainable and low-impact community in the countryside.
3 comments:
MX, I like the disc golf idea and encourage you to strive toward getting to Pembrokeshire! However, aren't the petroleum based discs counter to the sustainable philosophy? And, where will you find an adequate supply of fuzzy glow sticks with which to equip even eco friendly discs for night time play? Cheers to the commune members for battling the nefarious Officialdom and prevailing!! Now that's sustainability!! Get your AmerEnglish to Gaelic dictionary warmed up!! Tally ho!!
I think the answer to the petroleum-based discs is pretty straight forward...cow pies. You just have to let them dry out for a few days and have a few backups for when they break. I'm sure they're not as aerodynamic, but they'll get the job done. Or maybe you could just keep playing in NJ...
haaahaha the woman in the first picture looks exactly like my drawing/painting professor from last semester!!! hahaha....and dad, your always thinking about disc golf arent you..
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