'Hobbit' house plan in Powys border countryside submitted
Plans have been put forward for a self-built, part-underground 'hobbit-house' on the Powys border border.
Alan Heeks of Hay-on-Wye is seeking permission for the plan next to the Dulas Brook at Cusop, 'inspired by the underground Hobbit houses featured in the works of JRR Tolkien', his application (number 250895) says.
'Mr and Mrs Heeks were inspired by the place, and believe that the only appropriate solution is a part-buried dwelling which maintains the local and wider landscape character,' it adds.
Lying in a former orchard next to the Grade Two listed Dulas House, only a slightly sunken entrance to 'Deephallow' would be publicly visible, while around it the previous orchard would be restored. The three-bedroom house would be 'simple in form, with expressed oak frames echoing the traditional framing of Herefordshire', and internal walls having a curved profile.
It would be 'super-insulated' and would incorporate 'the latest heat pump technology', while accommodating those with impaired mobility.
OTHER NEWS:
Also out of view, a new parking area would accommodate at least three cars.
Two previous attempts by a different applicant to gain permission for partly submerged houses at the same site were withdrawn in 2022 and 2023 following objections, though pre-application advice on the schemes had been sought as early as 2016.
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Powys County Times
25-04-2025
- Powys County Times
'Hobbit' house plan in Powys border countryside submitted
Plans have been put forward for a self-built, part-underground 'hobbit-house' on the Powys border border. Alan Heeks of Hay-on-Wye is seeking permission for the plan next to the Dulas Brook at Cusop, 'inspired by the underground Hobbit houses featured in the works of JRR Tolkien', his application (number 250895) says. 'Mr and Mrs Heeks were inspired by the place, and believe that the only appropriate solution is a part-buried dwelling which maintains the local and wider landscape character,' it adds. Lying in a former orchard next to the Grade Two listed Dulas House, only a slightly sunken entrance to 'Deephallow' would be publicly visible, while around it the previous orchard would be restored. The three-bedroom house would be 'simple in form, with expressed oak frames echoing the traditional framing of Herefordshire', and internal walls having a curved profile. It would be 'super-insulated' and would incorporate 'the latest heat pump technology', while accommodating those with impaired mobility. OTHER NEWS: Also out of view, a new parking area would accommodate at least three cars. Two previous attempts by a different applicant to gain permission for partly submerged houses at the same site were withdrawn in 2022 and 2023 following objections, though pre-application advice on the schemes had been sought as early as 2016.
Wales Online
25-04-2025
- Wales Online
Couple inspired by Lords of the Rings with underground hobbit house plans
Couple inspired by Lords of the Rings with underground hobbit house plans The border spot could be getting a 'hobbit house' - but two previous attempts to build a partially underground property at the site were withdrawn following objections from neighbours Plans have submitted for a three bedroom underground hobbit house on the border of Wales (Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service ) Plans have submitted for a three bedroom underground hobbit house on the border of Wales by a couple inspired by Lord of the Rings. Alan Heeks, from Hay-on-Wye, has submitted plans for the unusual home in grounds adjacent to Dulas House near the Powys-Herefordshire border in Cusop. Planning documents submitted to Herefordshire council show Mr Heeks has applied build the unique dwelling where the only visible part will be the entrance to the property named Deephallow. Alongside the plans for the hobbit house is a landscaping project to rejuvenate the surrounding orchard. The application reads: "Mr and Mrs Heeks were inspired by the place and believe that the only appropriate solution is a part-buried dwelling which maintains the local and wider landscape character." Article continues below An elevation of the proposed house in Cusop, Herefordshire, near the Welsh border (Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service ) The design for the three-bedroom abode is described as "simple in form, with expressed oak frames echoing the traditional framing of Herefordshire", featuring curved internal walls. Aiming for high energy efficiency, the house would be "super-insulated" and include "the latest heat pump technology", also ensuring accessibility for those with mobility impairments. Hidden from view would be a new parking space, providing room for at least three vehicles. Love dreamy Welsh homes? Sign up to our newsletter here There have been two prior applications by another party for similar semi-submerged houses on the site, both of which were withdrawn in 2022 and 2023 after facing objections, despite seeking pre-application advice since 2016. Article continues below The Heeks' proposal "looks to address all previous concerns" which might have caused the rejection of earlier plans – specifically, the effect on neighbouring properties and on the Dulas Brook.
Telegraph
20-04-2025
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The revival of the Church is to be welcomed
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