Innovative homes given the thumbs up (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Innovative homes given the thumbs up

THE Cotswold Water Park is set to become a worldwide beacon for architectural excellence after plans for eight cutting edge homes were given the green light.

Designs for futuristic 'eco-homes' at Lower Mill Estate, near Somerford Keynes, include houses with rooftop swimming pools, glass-fronted buildings and rooms that open up and extend over Howell's Mere, a new lake within the estate, besides which the homes will be built.

Architect Piers Gough, designer of the spiral-shaped Watermark House, said modern designs such as these belonged in rural areas.

He said: "It is clear that with cutting edge architecture in the past that it evolved in the countryside. Some of the great country houses were the most innovative designs of their day. As architects we like to think we can make a contribution to the countryside."

Cllr Sue Herdman was among those who welcomed the plans and said: "I think these are wonderful houses. I wish we could see more of them in contrast to the dreadful pastiches we have to give permission for."

Other councillors described the designs as 'exciting' and 'imaginative'. Cllr Clive Bennett, who represents the water park ward, said: "It is one of the biggest things to hit the area in terms of architecture."

However, Cllr David Broad raised concerns the properties might not look so good once built.

Councillors voted to grant permission for all eight houses, subject to a legal agreement limiting their occupation as holiday homes only.

Speaking after the meeting Richard Reid, who came up for the concept of the landmark homes with Lower Mill owner Jeremy Paxton, welcomed the decision.

Piers Gough said gaining planning permission was the first step in creating something that could see the Cotswolds receive world acclaim. He said: "It is a feather in the cap for the area without a doubt."

Work on the houses is set to begin once the final extractions and landscaping work has been carried out on Howell's Mere.