Developer loses appeal over partially-submerged homes in green belt near Doncaster

The unnamed developer went to appeal after Doncaster Council refused planning permission for the "earth-sheltered" buildings, earmarked for a site off High Common Lane, two miles from Tickhill.

The plans included using recycled car tyres filled with rammed earth, or broken up recycled concrete and sand for the retaining walls, with water pumped from a borehole. Air source heat pumps were to be installed and wildflowers planted on the rooves of the buildings.

The proposals had the backing of an academic at Sheffield Hallam University, who said the project would be a useful source of data as "non-standard construction is a relatively rare occurrence".

The applicant argued that the plans would cause significantly less harm to the green belt than the site’s current use as an open storage yard.

However building on the green belt round Doncaster is regarded as "inappropriate" and only allowed in certain circumstances, including if it is a design of exceptional quality.

Inspector Mark Caine said the aim of green belt policy is to "prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open".

While there were some distribution warehouses and dwellings nearby, it was “undisputed” that the site is outside the development limit.

Mr Caine said the land would have to be raised to shelter the homes and "a likely range of associated domestic paraphernalia, including parked cars, gates, washing lines and garden furniture, in an area where there is not any built development would inevitably alter its character”.

He noted the university’s support as well as the use of salvaged materials, sustainable construction and energy efficiency measures, but added: "Nonetheless, design is subjective and given my findings in respect of the visual aspects of openness, and character and appearance, the proposal would not significantly enhance its immediate setting or be sensitive to the defining characteristics of the local area."