A proposal to convert a disused Rutland reservoir into a family home comes before county councillors next week.

The application from Andrew Willson of Oundle will be considered at the next meeting of Rutland County Council's planning committee on Tuesday.

Mr Willson seeks to convert the former reservoir at 1 Stockerson Road, Uppingham, into a four-bedroomed house.

The application to Rutland County Council says the property is set on 1.3 acres of land 200 meters from Stockerston Road and within the Uppingham town boundary.

The structure is located on land previously owned by the water authority and was a purpose-built sub-level reservoir serving the Leicestershire and Rutland areas up until the 1990s

The nearest property is a farmhouse 250 meters away on the B664 and its visibility is limited due to the lie of the land.

The application said: "This proposed conversion has a good infrastructure for an eco friendly development. It has its own water supply via an artisan well and with its heavy construction and healthy soil cover, the structure is a highly insulated building.

"The topography and land use of the surrounding site gives the site a clear path for the easterly wind suitable for a wind turbine, also the low growing shrubbery allows for ground fixed solar panels. With these facilities, the property should be able to be not only be energy self-sufficient by also contribute to the national grid."

It continued: "The site has been of an industrial nature for many decades and the existing materials used here are concrete and galvanized steel. As this is part of the historical significance of the building, where necessary, it was decided that using these existing features as a theme to make the site viable was most suited.

"The tank is located in uninspiring flat land with little around other than grass fields and hedges, there are no mature trees or warrantable features within some distance.

"The plan is to develop the site sympathetically to the countryside keeping the grass-covered mound look. The access from the main road will be in keeping with a farm entrance. The road to the tank will look like a farm track with grass in the center.

"The alteration is to a four bedroom house, on two levels, inside the existing tank structure. Using the adjacent underground Royal Observatory bunker as a music room with garage built above. The garage covered with soil and grass to disguise its appearance into the landscape, like the tank."

However, prospective neighbour William Noakes of Kinnachan House, Stockerston Road, Uppingham, opposes the plan, saying he believes it will impact on his farm business and restrict his future ability to farm.

He told the council the proposal was in the middle of his farm and may harm the security of the farm, including its sheep. Vehicle movements from the new home may also present a disease risk to farm animals.

However, with the farm being 180m from the proposed house, council planning staff felt there was 'considerable' stance between the two premises.

They concluded: "The proposal constitutes sustainable development, is a good use of an existing rural building providing more housing, has a safe access and is designed so as not to detract from visual or residential amenity. It is therefore recommended for approval. "