Council planners have given the green light for an "earth-covered" home in Eathorpe.

Fine-Eco-Homes has been given planning permission for the structure at Fosse Way.

Plans show the home would have three bedrooms and will be submerged into the ground and covered with earth.

The land is currently designated as farmland but has not been used as it for a while.

"The benefits of an earth sheltered house are numerous, both for the occupants in terms of the internal environment and the wider site," the application stated. 

"The insulative nature and heat retention capabilities of an earth covering are well known as internal spaces are less susceptible to changes in outside temperature. 

"They require much less energy input. 

"The sustainable nature of the structure is also augmented by the natural plant covering which will not only assist in retaining the overall character of the original site, but also provide a species rich habitat, increasing the biodiversity of the area. 

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"This 'exterior' also requires much less maintenance than a conventional dwelling."

The approved application is only for outline designs of the home.

A second 'reserved matters' application will now need to be signed off to deal with the exact details of the design.

Signing off on the application, a Warwick District Council report said: "The proposal is also not considered to represent 'inappropriate development' in the green belt.

"Officers consider that the proposal will represent a sustainable form of development and no adverse impacts will significantly or demonstrably outweigh the benefits associated with the proposal. 

"The development is considered to represent a sustainable form of development and it is recommended that planning permission be granted."