Hebden Bridge man fundraising to help move his self-built home

Angus Mitchell lives in the structure with his partner Michelle Oxley on land at Bents Farm, but has been told he has to move the property by March 24 by the landowner.

Mr Mitchell says he has lived in the property for 20 years, but that a dispute has been going on with landowner Jacob Newhouse for 17 months after the death of Mr Newhouse’s father.

Mr Mitchell is hoping to raise enough money to transport the structure to Cornwall and use it as an AirBnB destination for holidaymakers.

His appeal has raised £2,500 so far, but Mr Mitchell estimates he needs to generate at least £20,000 to cover the costs it would incur.

He said: “I’ve no money to buy any land or transport it. That’s why we initially went down the route of selling it.

“We had people come along but they didn’t have the land or the money.

“But it didn’t feel right selling it. Eventually a company in Cornwall called and said if I could bring it down and rebuild it, then we could run it as an AirBnB and go in on it 50-50.

“We reckon we need between £20,000 and £30,000 for all the equipment, crew, trailers, tractors and transport.

“But of course it’s weather dependent too.

“We’ve raised £2,500 so far and I’ve got £5,000 of my own money to put in.

”If we can do it, it would just mean it hasn’t all been for nothing and I can get on with my life.

“I’ve put so much work into it, I just want to save it, so that other people can enjoy it too.”

Landowner Mr Newhouse was contacted for comment by the Courier but did not wish to do so.

To donate to the appeal, visit https://www.facebook.com/The-Sett-Eco-Build-110996793708687/.