A PASSIONATE plea to take into account the 'cultural value' of a controversial roundhouse in Glandwr was among the points raised at a planning appeal meeting in Hermon earlier today (Tuesday).

Megan Williams and Charlie Hague were presenting the case to keep their turf-roofed eco home, which they built without planning permission on family land.

After a previous application for retrospective planning permission was turned down by Pembrokeshire County Council, the couple's hopes now rest on their home meeting strict One Planet Development policy guidelines.

For this, they need to demonstrate they can sustain themselves by what they produce on the land, and prove that the property has a low impact on the environment.

From how much food they grow, to the number of nappies the couple use in looking after young son Eli, every aspect of the couple's lifestyle was scrutinised by planning inspector Kay Sheffield.

As well as hearing from the couple, and county council planning officer Claire Jenkins, Mrs Sheffield invited friends, neighbours and supporters of the couple to give their views on the project.

Among them was local playwright Ceri Ashe, who said she has been inspired to write about the couple's planning journey, and the difficulties facing young people in Wales who want to stay in their local community.

She said Charlie and Megan had both been brought up in Pembrokeshire, but like many young people had found it impossible to afford a home here.

"Megan was brought up in Newport, where local people can no longer afford to buy," she said.

But, by opting to stay in the county, raising their son Eli to be bilingual, and pioneering a new kind of home, they were making a real difference to the community.

"Megan has done the only thing she could have," she said.

"Visiting her house is like going back in time, to when people did live with their families, and enjoyed the support this brings.

"If Welsh people can't afford to live together, then the Welsh language dies," she added.

The meeting was followed by a visit to the site, so Mrs Sheffield could see the property for herself, and establish whether a compost toilet included in the couple's OPD application can be included in her final assessment.

The couple also have until June 1 to work with local planning officers on an agreement over access to and ongoing use of the site, which must be forwarded to Mrs Sheffield for consideration.

Her verdict is expected to follow shortly after that date.