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A bid to build “Kent’s greenest house” has been snubbed - amid concerns it would in fact “urbanise” an area of countryside.
Tree consultant James Woodward unveiled proposals in August for the eco-friendly three-bedroom home in Hawthorn Corner, Herne Bay .
Despite the 49-year-old’s claims that it will be the only carbon-neutral property of its kind in the UK , Canterbury City Council officers rejected it.
Their report says: “It is not considered that the proposal would meet the criteria to be an innovative and exceptional design.
"It is within open countryside and is on land that has not been previously developed.
“It is considered that the proposed dwelling would result in an unacceptable urbanising effect to the area and would result in a loss of open countryside.
"As such, the proposal would erode the rural character of the area and result in a loss of openness.”
The new-build, which was expected to cost £300,000 to construct, would have relied upon a wood burner and screed underfloor heating, which harnesses the warmth of the sun.
Mr Woodward vows to appeal the decision to the Planning Inspectorate, adding: “I can’t spend that sort of money and just walk away.”
Architect Paul Mallion said: “The council has an agenda to be carbon-neutral by 2030 – but what are they actually doing that will cut energy consumption or reduce emissions?”
Mr Woodward has been living on the plot, on the outskirts of the town, for the last three-and-a-half years in a caravan.
But Canterbury City Council issued him with an enforcement notice ordering him to move out, following a number of complaints from neighbours he was living in the caravan without planning permission.
An appeal to the Planning Inspectorate against the enforcement notice was thrown out, meaning Mr Woodward had until early this year to remove the caravan.
But any further action was put on hold following the outbreak of coronavirus.
City council spokesman Rob Davies said: "We are considering our next steps on the enforcement case to ensure the caravan is removed as soon as possible."
