Trouble over bottled water

Major companies are interested in marketing the water

A public inquiry has been held after a man from Sussex was refused permission to bottle mineral water he discovered in his garden

David Purseglove, of Framfield, found what has been described as the "the most uniquely balanced water" after digging a 120-foot deep hole in the middle of his back yard.

He has spent £6,500 on making the pit after claiming he experienced a recurring dream about hidden treasure in his grounds.

The water has also attracted interest from big businesses such as Boots and Virgin who could promote it as a health tonic.

Mr Purseglove found the water 'after a dream'.

Mr Purseglove, who describes himself as a psychic, applied to the local Wealden District Council to build a water bottling plant in his garden.

However, planning officials turned down the application, citing there was not an "overriding and essential need" for such a plant on the site.

Planning members also expressed concerns about increased traffic in the area.

Mr Purseglove, whose appeal against the decision has resulted in the public inquiry, said: "The council said that there was no overriding justification for a plant on the site.

Legal requirement

"But mineral water must be bottled direct from source as opposed to spring water which can be carted to a bottling plant for processing. This is a legal requirement.

"To say that no overriding justification has been made is clearly wrong. The law requires it. What other justification can be needed."

"Furthermore, the traffic, which will be non-HGV, will be limited to two vehicle movements per day plus normal domestic access. This can hardly be construed as excessive use."

Laboratory tests described the water as "the most uniquely balanced water with more minerals in it than we have ever tested".

A spokeswoman for Wealden District Council said a judgement from the chairman of the inquiry, who has been appointed by the government, is expected in about six weeks.