A Grand Designs-style "eco-dwelling" compared to Gary Neville's 'Teletubbies' house cannot be built after it was blocked by Bolton Council.

The applicant, Gary Dent, applied for planning permission for a site between Bolton and Bury, on Ringley Old Brow, around six months ago.

The application for an "eco-dwelling" with energy-efficient features such as a green roof was a resubmission of one refused by the council last year on the basis of its impact on the Green Belt and its impact on a Public Right of Way.

After alterations such as the removal of a garage it was up for consideration by the planning committee at the request of Tracey Wilkinson, a councillor for the ward, to allow the applicant a say when it met at the town hall this week.

The Bolton News: An illustration of the "eco-dwelling"

Mike Stone, of Origin Planning, said: "The proposal is in line with and not in conflict with the Green Belt. 

"I hope councillors can support Mr Dent's lifelong desire to deliver this sustainable, self-built eco-dwelling."

The report for consideration by the planning committee recommended refusal on the basis of the impact on the Green Belt. The impact on the Public Right of Way was addressed and it was no longer an issue according to the report.

It said the design of the dwelling, although not harmful to the appearance or character of the area, was not "exceptional" or "innovative" enough to allow the development of the Green Belt next to the villages of Ringley and Stoneclough. Councillors on the planning committee agreed and it cannot be built after it was blocked.

The Bolton News: Artist impression of the Gary Neville Teletubbie House.

Debbie Newall, a councillor for Kearsley Ward, said: "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and the applicant is taking the trouble to present this as a development which deserves merit but my opinion is it is a bit of an eyesore. Even if it was not in the Green Belt it would be incongruous in this setting."

Mudasir Dean, a councillor for Bradshaw Ward, said: "I will be supporting refusal. It reminds me of an application in my ward from a footballer and it is inappropriate development in the Green Belt so I will be supporting refusal."

The application in Bradshaw Ward from a footballer is Gary Neville's 'Teletubbies' house which received planning permission more than a decade ago. The comparison to the home of Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa Laa and Po came from its semi-submerged appearance on the moorland close to Harwood.

Although it received planning permission the ex-Manchester United captain did not progress with the plan.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.