LOG cabins and straw bale huts could be the answer to West Dorset's housing problem, say campaigners.

West Dorset branch of Chapter 7 wants to see radical changes in planning policy to allow self-sufficient and sustainable developments to be built outside normal planning boundaries.

Jyoti Fernandes of Fivepenny Farm, Wootton Fitzpaine, told Bridport Environment Group that West Dorset would benefit from adopting a 'Low Impact Policy' for designated areas that would allow people to build their own homes and work the land.

She and partner James Wilkes and another couple built their own eco-friendly homes and organic vegetable business on some 40 acres of land in Wootton Fitzpaine in 2005 but were only given temporary permission after a long-running planning appeal.

She said: "Lots of people have said they really want to do this but not everyone wants to go through the same appeals.

"What we are suggesting is to put together a policy that would be a good way for planners to be able to evaluate projects like these and give people standards to regulate and show what is allowable."

She said that under such a policy the houses would be built in connection with land-based businesses and livelihoods - such as small-scale organic market gardens, livestock or forestry enterprises, such as coppice products, charcoal burning, green wood working, timber production, forest schools, timber framing, as part of a self-sufficient lifestyle.

Ms Fernandes said: "We are trying to encourage both organisations and individuals to sign up for our campaign.

"We are particularly interested in hearing from people who would be interested in building a low impact dwelling. It is important to let the council know that there is a demand for this type of housing.

"We believe that West Dorset has the potential to become a flagship district, with a vibrant and sustainable local economy, eco-villages and self-built affordable homes.

"It is time for the council to stop paying lip service to sustainability and really make it happen."

Ms Fernandes said that projects could range from single dwellings to whole eco-villages. Examples of buildings could be yurts, traditional Mongolian portable homes with light wooden frames and felt covering; timber framed buildings with thatched roofs; benders (hazel pole structures with a material cover); easily dismantleable timber cabins; and straw bale houses with low-pitched turf rooves.

Charles Wild, chairman of Bridport Environment Group, invited the campaigners to return to the group's next meeting and also promote their work at the Bridport Local Area Partnership.

He said: "There is also the whole issue of getting young people to farm the land and get them into farming."

Ms Fernandes said: "There are many young people who want to be doing this, yet the average age of farming is 65. This area has a vibrant food scene and this could help."

West Dorset District Council, in a report to next week's community development overview and scrutiny committee, acknowledges that affordable housing is a major concern.

The report says: "Despite the council's endeavours in recent years to maximise the delivery of affordable housing in West Dorset, there remains a perception that the council should be doing more."

District councillors will be discussing the affordable housing action plan at a meeting on Tuesday.