For the past 16 years, Hilaire Purbrick of Brighton, East Sussex has practiced living an eco lifestyle in his eco friendly home. Only, it’s not what you would call a traditional eco-friendly home: it’s actually a 7-foot wide cave that he dug on his own land. And he’s very happy living there, despite talk from the town.
Some groups, like the Brighton and Cove City Council, have tried everything to get Purbrick evicted from the home, like claiming that he sold homegrown vegetables illegally to local residents, and that he was keeping chickens and bees without permission. These claims were fought hard by Purbrick, but it looks like he has officially lost his fight this year.
The fight for rights
The East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service finally found a way to shut down Purbrick’s eco friendly home. They declared it “unsafe” because it didn’t have a fire exit, and they believe that it could collapse at any time.
Purbrick will take his case to the highest European courts to salvage his eco friendly home, but even the courts think that his is a lost cause. What do you think?
You can check out another eco friendly home at our blog post titled Beer Bottles Used in China for Solar Power.
Source: Telegraph.co.uk
I believe that the council & people of Brighton, England should live Mr Purbrick alone.
To evict him because he doesn’t live up to the standards of others. So He’s a bit different. So what!!!
A fire exit & they belived it was unsafe…hmm He lived in that cave for what 16 yrs?! No one paid him much attention then. So whats the big deal??? A dirt & stone cave seems pretty safe to me. Should he have a fire, it would be contained! Has there been any earthquakes lately that the council should be so concern with this man? I bet the Council isn’t evicting other people from their homes.
I say strongly, LEAVE HIM ALONE!!! LET HIM BACK IN. IF THERE IS SUCH A HUB BUB ABOUT THE SAFETY OF HIS DWELLING….THE COUNCIL SHOULD PUT IN A FIRE EXIT FOR HIM.!!!