Couple win right to go on living in 'secret' bunker
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The owner of an underground house which remained secret from the world for five years, was yesterday given the go-ahead to continue living in it.
Simon Ormerod, 57, a former businessman, built the two-bedroomed house on a remote quarry site without mains water or electricity. The roof and two sides of the house at No Man's Land, St Breock, Cornwall, are covered with earth.
Power is provided by a water wheel and diesel generator and only a solar- heating area and the front windows are visible.
Mr Ormerod estimates the house cost just pounds 20,000 to build and the average weekly heating bill is just pounds 1.
The house was built without permission from North Cornwall District Council, which could have ordered bulldozers on to the site to demolish it. But councillors yesterday voted 10-6 to give the house planning permission and Mr Ormerod said: "This is the house of the future and the way forward."
The council only discovered its existence by accident last year and it was such a well-kept secret that the farmer who farms the adjoining 2,000 acres did not know it had been built until he was told by Mr Ormerod.
Mr Ormerod and his wife, Maureen, farmed on the site for 20 years and have lived there since 1988. Neither was available for further comment last night. The site is termed as being of great heritage value.
The decision contrasts with the fate of Trevor Sedgebeer, a Devon farmer who buried his house underground after he built it without planning permission. Mr Sedgebeer was jailed last December for three months for contempt of a court order to demolish it. He was later freed after he apologised to the court.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments