A YOUNG Glandwr family are hoping their home’s eco credentials will save it from demolition, following a positive appeal hearing last week.

At a hearing in Hermon on Tuesday (May 19), Charlie Hague and Megan Williams presented the case for their self-built eco home, which has been described as one of the best examples of natural building in the UK.

Built without planning permission in 2011, ahead of the birth of their son Eli, the couple’s home was discovered by planners, and they were issued with an enforcement notice in 2013 calling for it to be pulled down.

After an application for retrospective planning permission was turned down by Pembrokeshire County Council, the couple's hopes now rest on the outcome of a Welsh Government appeal, which hinges on their home meeting strict One Planet Development (OPD) policy guidelines.

For this, they need to demonstrate they can sustain themselves by what they produce on the land, and prove that the property has a low impact on the environment.

The couple’s plans to combine sales from Charlie’s woodworking business with income generated by small-scale renewable energy on site, and a soft fruits dessert business, were examined in detail by planning inspector Kay Sheffield.

From how much food they grow, to the number of nappies the couple use in looking after their young son, every aspect of the couple's lifestyle was scrutinised.

County council planning officer Claire Jenkins told Mrs Sheffield that the couple’s management plan ‘fundamentally fell short’ of what practice guidance said it should cover.

But James Shorten, principle author of the OPD planning guidance, said the couple had made clear what they planned to achieve, and were already meeting necessary targets.

As well as hearing from the couple, Mrs Sheffield also invited friends, neighbours and supporters to give their views on the project.

Among them was local playwright Ceri Ashe, who said she has been inspired to write about the couple's planning journey, and the difficulties facing young people in Wales who want to stay in their local community.

Making an impassioned plea for Mrs Sheffield to take into account the 'cultural value' of their home, Miss Ashe said Charlie and Megan had both been brought up in Pembrokeshire, but like many young people had found it impossible to afford a home here.

"Megan was brought up in Newport, where local people can no longer afford to buy," she said.

But, she added, by opting to stay in the county, raising their son Eli to be bilingual, and pioneering a new kind of home, they were making a real difference to the community.

"Megan has done the only thing she could have," she said.

"Visiting her house is like going back in time, to when people did live with their families, and enjoyed the support this brings.

"If Welsh people can't afford to live together, then the Welsh language dies," she added.

The meeting was followed by a visit to the site, so Mrs Sheffield could establish whether a compost toilet included in the couple's OPD application can be included in her final assessment.

The couple now have until June 1 to work with local planning officers on an agreement over access to, and ongoing use of, the site.

Speaking afterwards, Megan said: “We feel that the appeal hearing went as well as it possibly could have.

“The inspector was very fair and listened to both sides equally.

“All we can do from now until the decision is made is keep positive and keep living.

“Thanks to all who came along to the hearing, for the strong, heartfelt words that were spoken, and to all the positive messages that have carried us through.”

A verdict is expected in June or July.