Log cabin firm could ease Exmoor housing shortage

A BARNSTAPLE firm may have the answer to providing affordable housing within the Exmoor National Park.

Lodgico, based on the Taw Mill Business Park in Barnstaple, is an independent company which supplies log cabins, mobile log cabins and log houses for a variety of uses.

The company was recently approached by an Exmoor pressure group, Exmoor Uprising, which is concerned about the future of the moor and the families who live and work there but cannot afford to buy local housing.

Rob Clarke, managing director of Lodgico, said: "We were invited to put up a stand at a recent event put on by Exmoor Uprising to showcase our mobile log homes and buildings.

"We were very well received and afterwards David Wyborn, head of planning and community for the Exmoor National Park, asked to meet up and discuss the suitability of our log cabins as an alternative to traditional housing.

"Having talked through with David the planning policies that are relevant to new housing in the National Park, and the criteria needed to qualify the building as 'local affordable housing', we are now studying various examples of Exmoor Park architecture and how that can be integrated into Lodgico buildings."

The company has been asked by Mr Wyborn to design two concept buildings — a single storey and a two storey — using local design features.

Rob said: "We are looking at different external finishes such as natural slate roofs or even grass roofs, western red cedar or thermowood heat treated timber cladding, and timber doors and windows.

"If these designs are accepted by David and his team they can then be used as a basis for future designs and planning applications."

Mr Wyborn added: "Within the Exmoor National Park it is possible to build local affordable housing within and adjoining the villages across the moor.

"Housing Associations have made an important contribution providing homes for rent and there are also opportunities for local individuals to build their own homes.

"There are opportunities for local firms, such as Lodgico, to design and deliver affordable houses, providing homes for local people in a way that ensures the buildings are in sympathy with Exmoor.

"Planning officers are very happy to work with applicants and their advisers to ensure that planning applications have every opportunity of being approved."

Rob Clarke added: "Flexibility is the key with all our buildings as we have a huge choice of options available.

"We also encourage the use of renewable energy sources such as ground or air source heat pumps, solar energy, wind turbines, and grey water systems.

"If successful, our company could provide the opportunity for many families on Exmoor, who have previously found themselves priced out of the housing market."

For more information visit www.lodgico.co.uk.