It is expected most of the houses would be self-built by residents

Plans for the self-sufficient community on farmland at Glandwr near the Preseli mountains were unveiled on Saturday.

Around 30 houses would be built from natural materials and residents would generate their own electricity and make their livelihoods off the land.

Lammas, who are behind the scheme, said it would hold consultation meetings before seeking planning consent.

The group was formed last year with the aim of creating a "model for highly sustainable development".

Spokesperson Paul Wimbush said it had taken time to identify a suitable site but Lammas would unveil its plans and draft design at an open day at the Queen's Hall in Narberth on Saturday.

The project will place Pembrokeshire at the cutting edge for sustainable living solutions Paul Wimbush

"It is the perfect location for our project," he explained.

"We have developed a good working relationship with the owner of the land and held initial meetings with the immediate neighbours, which went very well.

"We will be holding more community consultation meetings in due course.

Traditional skills

"Should things continue to evolve as smoothly as they have to date, we expect to apply for outline planning permission this autumn or winter."

He said the development on 175 acres would be made-up of about 30 smallholdings.

There are also plans for a community centre, shop, workshop and hostel.

"It will create a wealth of land based produce and will revive many traditional rural skills as well as explore innovative approaches to living on the land," he added.

"Residents of the proposed settlement will need to create their own electricity and will need to demonstrate to the local planning authority that they are substantially meeting their households' needs from the land.

"All buildings will be made from local, natural materials and will visually blend with the landscape.

"A proportion of the plots will be reserved for local people. The project will place Pembrokeshire at the cutting edge for sustainable living solutions."

Pembrokeshire Council and the National Park Authority have made provision in their development plan, which governs the use of land in the county, for low-impact living.

Local councillor Lynn Davies said "This site is about half a mile from Glandwr."