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Fisher German gain planning permission for eco-friendly dream house

16/04/2007

AShmontWhat may become the most energy-efficient, cost-effective ‘green’ design home in the UK has just been granted planning permission with the help of rural property surveyors Fisher German.  The house will provide the ultimate in eco-friendly living by maximising the use of natural and renewable resources. 

The rotund building – part house, part machine – is the brainchild of engineer and inventor Robin Hamilton.   Its unique rotating design means it will be self-sufficient in terms of generating and storing its own energy and will be partly made from reclaimed tyres and other sustainable materials.  Taking two years to build in a landscaped quarry near Ashbourne in Derbyshire, the property will boast extensive flexible open plan accommodation spread across three storeys.   The 700-tonne dwelling will be mounted on rollers on a railway track and will revolve to capture energy from the sun and wind, the latter processed by a new low-speed design of wind turbine.

“This dramatic and contemporary concept is certainly unique and is completely sympathetic to its natural surroundings and terrain,” says Kay Davies from Fisher German’s planning team.   “We believe this to be the first application under Planning Policy Statement 7 (PPS7)* not to be called in to inquiry by the Secretary of State.”

Commenting on the news, Robin Hamilton added:  “I’m really looking forward to starting work on this dream home.  I’ve been developing this highly topical concept for many years and am delighted that planning permission has been granted. 

“This property will certainly boast some rather distinctive features – it will store energy, generate its own power and export any surplus to the National Grid and has been designed for minimum maintenance.  I believe this house is the first of its kind and is taking a giant step towards meeting the challenges that we all face, such as dwindling resources and climate change.  It will demonstrate new concepts and techniques for design and construction, which I hope can successfully be incorporated into other buildings in both the housing and commercial sectors.” 

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