RESIDENTS living a low impact experimental lifestyle in woodland on the outskirts of Moretonhampstead eventually intend to make it their permanent home.

That hinges on a further temporary permission for them to remain in Steward Wood – there are currently 12 adults and eight children on site in the eight structures.

Dan Thompson-Mills told a public inquiry that since the community moved into the woodland in 2000 it had been a model of sustainability and permacultural practice.

Answering questions from the inspector Brian Cook, at the inquiry in Moretonhampstead on Tuesday, he said it was always the intention to apply for permanent permission following re-evaluation after the temporary permission expired.

Mr Cook replied that it was unusual for permission to be given for a second trial run.

Mr Thompson-Mills and nine other members of the Steward Community Woodland are appealing against enforcement notices served by Dartmoor National Park Authority after a five year temporary planning permission for the site expired in August 2007.

The allegations in the notices include a change of use of the land for residential purposes, including a forest school and other courses, retreats and activities available to the public, the erection of nine residential units, a communal longhouse and kitchen, a bathhouse, workshop and three compost toilets, without permission.

Mr Thompson-Mills also applied for a low impact living development incorporating sustainable agriculture and forestry, permaculture and education for a temporary five years.

He said that based on their achievements there was great potential to carry the project forward to meet their amended aims across the board.

He claimed the foundation of their management plan continued to be to restore the woodland, predominantly to broadleaf and to enhance biodiversity.

'Our restocking plans have been approved by the Forestry Commission.

'The value of living on the land rests to a large extent on subsistence. Shelter, water, fuel, food, electricity etc are all basic needs.

'Our needs analysis sets out how we met 78 per cent of these basic needs in 2008 from our activities on site, and thus in an eco-friendly fashion.

'As we face the huge challenges of Peak Oil, climate change, and other environmental issues, there is nothing more urgent for humanity than to find and rediscover ways of living in harmony with ourselves and our world.

'Steward Wood Community is a shining example of solutions to these challenges in the areas of community, low impact living and permaculture,' he stated.

Counsel for the DNPA, Peter Wadsley, said that when an inspector gave permission on appeal, he had made it clear that it was an experiment in practical sustainable living and not permanent.

Mr Wadsley said the community's proposed sale of woodland products, a community composting scheme, charcoal and organic vegetable boxes had failed to materialise.

'The last annual report and the material produced for the appeal appear to rely heavily on revenue coming from organising and delivering educational courses,' he said, adding that there had been limited success in managing the woodland during almost nine years.

Mr Wadsley maintained the appellants had failed to justify any exceptional or overriding need to live in the woodland.

The inquiry continues.