Hobbit houses get the go ahead
By Elgan Hearn, Local Democracy Reporter
The Morris family have been successful with their planning application for two “Hobbit houses” with the associated infrastructure at Trewern farm to the east of the village where they have a 320-acre sheep and dairy cattle farm.
Powys County Council (PCC) Planning officer, Rhys Evans, explained that the council’s Built Heritage officer and the Welsh Government historic environment service Cadw, had been consulted as part of the process.
This is because, the Trewern farmhouse is a Grade II listed building, and the application site is one kilometre from the scheduled ancient monument of “Tomen Cefn Glaniwrch”.
Tomen Cefn Glaniwrch was the site for a wooden motte and bailey castle during the 12th century.
Mr Evans said: “Cadw have been consulted on the proposed development and have raised no objection in terms of impacts upon the assets.”
He said that there is vegetation and buildings which would screen off the development from the farmhouse and castle site.
Agent, Richard Corbett had explained that the family wanted to offer a “unique holiday experience” allowing visitors to relax and escape, while having tourist attractions nearby.
Mr Corbett said “They realise the need to diversify due to the unpredictable dairy market.
“Tourism in Powys helps to support other industries such as agriculture, crafts and local services.
“Although only a small site, it will contribute to the local economy from the construction stage through to bringing visitors to the area.”
Created by the academic and fantasy novelist, JRR Tolkien, Hobbits are a race resembling very short humans, who live in underground houses in a part of Middle-Earth known as The Shire.
PICTURE: How the new accommodation could look.
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