The Problem we have is that plots, especially rural ones are at a premium. This means that the price of a plot with planning permission far exceeds the cost of a small house. They are inevitably purchased by the wealthy white collar worker and a 5 bedroom mansion built, that only another white collar worker can afford to buy generally neither of whom work locally?
So no room for the agricultural worker, young family or first time buyer in our rural community. Not even those capable of looking after their own interest and building their own shelter.
Best solution it seems is to move to Canada or New Zealand ?
Well done Ben for opening a few eyes and sorting himself out. Proving that it can be done and that our planning policies do not always have the right idea.
IMO Ben's house will stay, in the next 50 years it will become accepted, and part of the landscape. Maybe even an icon of sustainable development and preserved for posterity. Worst case scenario it will be sold, transported and re erected on another plot, maybe even in the Weald and Downe museum
Inspiring but frustrating at the same time.
Cheers
Rich