Plans have been put forward for a self-built, part-underground “hobbit-house” on the Herefordshire-Powys border.

Alan Heeks of Hay-on-Wye is seeking permission for the plan next to the Dulas Brook at Cusop, “inspired by the underground Hobbit houses featured in the works of JRR Tolkien”, his application (number 250895) says.

“Mr and Mrs Heeks were inspired by the place, and believe that the only appropriate solution is a part-buried dwelling which maintains the local and wider landscape character,” it adds.

Lying in a former orchard next to the grade II listed Dulas House, only a slightly sunken entrance to “Deephallow” would be publicly visible, while around it the previous orchard would be restored.

The three-bedroom house would be “simple in form, with expressed oak frames echoing the traditional framing of Herefordshire”, and internal walls having a curved profile.

It would be “super-insulated” and would incorporate “the latest heat pump technology”, while accommodating those with impaired mobility.

Also out of view, a new parking area would accommodate at least three cars.

Two previous attempts by a different applicant to gain permission for partly submerged houses at the same site were withdrawn in 2022 and 2023 following objections, though pre-application advice on the schemes had been sought as early as 2016.

Mr Heeks’ plan “looks to address all previous concerns” which would have likely led to refusal of the previous schemes – chiefly the impact on neighbouring properties and on the Dulas Brook.