IT is a pipe dream that many in Stroud might have considered at one point or another - going off grid and building a small sustainable eco home in the woods.

But this is exactly what the founder of Mills café in Stroud has done on his land in Thrupp.

John Mills, who ran the small business in the Shambles for 25 years, built his dream eco home in a small area of woodland he owns just off Rope Walk.

He and his wife had been living in the single story cabin for five months before the neighbours discovered one tiny detail they had forgotten to mention – that they had never applied for planning permission.

Now the couple are embroiled in a heated planning dispute with the council and a host of furious neighbours – and may be ordered to tear it down.

Stroud News and Journal:

Mr and Mrs Mills have now officially applied for full retrospective planning permission, and submitted the official documents on April 29.

But nearby residents are complaining that the couple flouted planning regulations and built the house in secret without any consultation.

The timber clad bungalow, named The Cabin, has an open plan kitchen, living area with one bedroom, a log burner and a small shower area.

There are also gravel pathways, a pond and a wide range of planting and grassed areas, including a large orchard with chickens.

It is also connected to water and some electrical services and also has access to a wooden compost toilet.

The woodland had been part of a cottage that Mr and Mrs Mills had owned just off London Road.

But when they sold the property in November last year, the couple took over sole lease on the two acre land and moved in to their new home.

In a planning statement given to the council, they said they’d been working for years to “enhance” and improve the area.

They argue the co cabin is highly sustainable, environmentally friendly, has created new habitats and blends seamlessly into the natural landscape.

However not everyone living in the community agrees with them.

June Buckle, who sold the cottage and land to Mr Mills in 2004, said she was “astounded” to find out the woodland she’d owned had been built on.

“This cabin occupies what once was a lovely green open space,” she said. “It is completely out of keeping with its surroundings and had tainted a beautiful bit of land.

“I think it should be torn down at once.”

One comment on the planning website, written by Mr Dangerfield from Thrupp Lane, described the building as “an eyesore” that should be removed immediately.

Another from Mrs K Redfern, from Thrupp Lane, described the cabin as “scruffy and out of place”.

She said the building was outside settlement boundary and if allowed, it could set a president for further buildings within the same area.

Thrupp resident Mr Brown, said he was more annoyed by “the sheer cheek” of it.

“I spent thousands of pounds and many hours of my life following the planning system like everybody else when I launched a successful application just up the road,” he said.

“I consulted and worked with my neighbours every step of the way to make sure we emerged with something our community would be happy with.

“In this case however the owner has completely disregarded both the planning system and his neighbours.

“It’s incredibly cheeky. So it is no wonder some of them are up in arms.”

Planners at Stroud District Council are currently considering the application.

However, if they refuse the application the couple could be forced to tear down the property.

A spokesman said: “The cabin has been built without planning permission.

“Mr and Mrs Mills have submitted a retrospective planning application which is currently under consideration.

“Anyone wishing to view or comment on it can do so as part of the planning consultation process.

“The planning application reference number is S.16/0961/FUL.”

The SNJ approached Mr Mills. But he was not available to comment.