Couple win council go-ahead to build futuristic earth shelter in Ludlow

A futuristic earth shelter hidden away from the surrounding world will be built in Ludlow after county planning officials gave the scheme the go-ahead.

The home, which is being built by Peter Donald as a relaxing place to live for him and his wife Jennifer, will be completely enclosed by covered by the earth.

An outdoor decking area will overlook panoramic views of the countryside to the south of the town.

It will be virtually invisible from above as it will be covered by grass, while even the driveway will be made of green grasscrete, disguising its appearance.

It will be built on land off Starstile Meadow, next to the railway line near Ludlow town centre.

Planning officers at Shropshire Council approved the scheme last week, although it is not yet known when the home will be built.

Conditions have also been laid down that no trees are harmed during building work and that bat boxes are set up on the site before work starts.

Mr Donald, who lives in a house just yards from the development site, has previously said he wanted to build the house as somewhere for his wife, who has suffered from illness in recent months, to recuperate.

He has not previously given a time-scale for when he wants to build the house by.

A spokesman for Shropshire Council said: "The submitted scheme preserves the open character of the parcel of land and the surrounding area."