A public inquiry recently was held after a man from Sussex, England, was refused permission to bottle mineral water he discovered in his own back yard.
David Purseglove, of Framfield, England, found what has been described as "uniquely balanced water" after digging a 120-foot deep hole in the middle of his back yard.
He reportedly has spent £6,500 – more than $10,000 U.S. – on making the pit, after claiming he experienced a recurring dream about hidden treasure in his ground on his property.
The water has also attracted interest from big businesses such as Boots and Virgin who could promote it as a health tonic.
Purseglove, who describes himself as a psychic, applied to his local Wealden District Council for a permit 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.
Purseglove, whose appeal against the decision has resulted in the public inquiry, stated to the BBC: "The council said that there was no overriding justification for a plant on the site. 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."
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 five weeks.
Source: BBC News
