PLANS for an eco-home in Hoylandswaine have been refused despite three similar earth sheltered houses in the Penistone area being given the go ahead in the last year.

Brent Matthewman, of Hamper Lane, Hoylandswaine, wanted to demolish his 1930s bungalow and replace it with a house set into the hillside.

But councillors at a planning board meeting on Tuesday turned down the application. One called the house 'more Malibu Beach than Penistone'.

Mr Matthewman had hoped to build his eco-home with a series of rectangular blocks cut into the landscape that would have been mainly single storey with a two storey circular drum at the front to give the best views.

Materials for the home were to be locally sourced and include dry stone walling, timber panelling, and glass and grass roofs.

Coun Paul Hand-Davis said: "I can't support this. It is more California or Malibu Beach to me than Penistone. I don't know of anything like this, it does not fit in with the surrounding countryside." Coun Jim Smith disagreed. He said: "It is an innovative development and it is pleasing to see a development that will have a beneficial effect on the environment. I think it will blend in with the landscape and won't have any negative impact. We should be supporting environmentally friendly projects."

The decision on Tuesday went against the planning officers' recommendations.