Human settlement in Wales
Lammas Ecovillage (Welsh: Tir-y-Gafel) is a low-impact, off-grid ecovillage in Glandwr, near Crymych in Pembrokeshire, West Wales, comprising nine households and a community hub on a 76 acres (31 ha) site. Buildings are constructed of natural materials and energy obtained from renewable sources. Planning permission took some years to obtain, but has established a replicable template for similar future developments in Wales.
Development
The project was the first ecovillage in the UK to attain prospective planning permission, and this was achieved in 2009 after a three-year planning campaign culminating in a public hearing.[1] The project had applied under an innovative local planning policy designed to support low-impact development. The policy required residents to live a sustainable lifestyle and substantially support themselves from land-based livelihood.[2]
Concept
The ecovillage is centered on a Community Hub, from which courses, conferences and open days are run.[3] It was constructed using local timber, straw bale insulation and locally sourced aggregate as well as incorporating various green technologies (such as a masonry stove, passive solar heating and a wood-fired kitchen). Funding for the Community Hub came from the Department of Energy and Climate Change.[4]
The project has been designed as a replicable template - with each household purchasing a 1000-year agricultural lease from the organisation which provides them with autonomy and security.[5] Each household has access to approximately 7 acres (2.8 ha) of land from which they derive food, fuel and income. One resident utilises permaculture techniques for managing the land,[5] and electricity is generated by solar panels and a micro hydro turbine.[6][7]
The nine smallholdings demonstrate a range of natural building techniques though there have been challenges over compliance with building regulations which led to some of the residents being taken to court by Pembrokeshire County Council.[6] These issues have since been resolved.[8][9]
The site is listed by RCAHMW and featured on Channel 4's Grand Designs, Series 17, Episode 6 in 2016.[10]
Post-establishment
Since Lammas, the Welsh Government introduced a national low-impact policy, "One Planet Development", which creates a framework for land-based smallholdings and ecovillage projects to be established in Wales.[11]
One house, built at a cost of £27,000 over several years, was destroyed by fire in January 2018, with a total re-build estimate of £500,000. The house was not insured as construction had not been completed.[12]
