THEY look like Hobbit houses straight out of a J R R Tolkien novel.

But these 'earth-sheltering' homes could soon be built in the Test Valley countryside - if planners give the go-ahead.

The plans, designed by Portess and Richardson Architects, propose three single-storey, four-bedroom homes be built on land to the North of Stockbridge Road, Timsbury.

Their unique design uses the 'earth-sheltering' building technique in which the house is partially or wholly sunk into the site and then covered with soil.

This allows the earth to provide insulation for the home, making it fossil fuel-free, low carbon and a greener alternative to standard insulation.

Applicants Michael Wigley and John Glasspool are the owners of the application site and live opposite.

Their motivation for the project is that they and their families aspire to remain living in Timsbury while pursuing a life free of fossil fuels with a lifestyle that has a light touch on the planet.

In their design and access statement, the pair say the development in Timsbury will "lead the UK earth-sheltering movement".

The document adds: "Earth-sheltering homes blend seamlessly with the natural landscape and have minimum impact on the local ecology.

"Compared to conventional development techniques, earth-sheltering is more energy efficient, has less environmental impact and contributes positively to local ecology.

"Earth-sheltering buildings are aesthetically pleasing while ensuring that the maximum habitat is left alone for wildlife."

However, planners at Test Valley Borough Council, have marked the application for refusal, despite several local residents supporting it.

Paul Cadier, of East Wellow, said: "It is about time that reducing the environmental footprint of housing developments is taken seriously in the Test Valley.

"This is just the kind of project whose scale and content will get my support."

Richard Bradshaw, of Romsey, added: "There is a real need in this country for developments that both address the need for more housing and are sympathetic to the environment - this development addresses both issues.

"I live nearby and am a regular visitor to the local area. I can see no reason why this development would negatively impact the area.

"It is creative and thoughtful proposal that would help the local council set a fantastic example to many others.

But, not everyone agrees.

Michelmersh and Timsbury Parish Council, which covers the area of the site, says it is opposed to the plans.

"The site is in the countryside: the development would be contrary to the current Borough Local Plan," its objection letter read.

"Our understanding is that the is no shortfall in the five-year supply of housing land in Northern Test Valley and the development could not be justified on that ground.

"When the land was sold by Southern Water to private purchasers, we recall that the Borough Council removed permitted development rights, which would otherwise have been attached to this agricultural land. This is a strong indication that the Borough Council identified the site as being of significant landscape value as ’open land’ and sought to protect it from development. The Parish Council was pleased that the Borough Council took this action at that time."

The plans will go before planners and councillors at the Southern Area Planning Committee meeting on October 31 at Crosfield Hall, Romsey.

The meeting starts at 5.30pm.