A coastal bungalow built from beach shingle blocks could be demolished to make way for a new home built according to the principles of 'permaculture'.

A villager has applied for planning permission for the property off Gong Lane, at Burnham Overy Staithe, near Burnham Market.

A planning statement says the man has "a keen interest" in permaculture, a philosophy of working with nature rather than using modern industrialised methods.

The planning document defines it as addressing "how to grow food, build houses and create communities, and minimise human impact on the natural environment".

It includes growing food organically, without chemicals, composting and minimising energy use to reduce carbon.

The statement adds: "Our client is currently 68 years of age, a retired technology consultant. He is a hobby beehive keeper and apiarist.

"He plays an active part in the village in which he and members of his family have lived for many years.

"His ambition is to stay in the village in a new house that will enable him to do so for the rest of his life."

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It adds the existing building, called Navenby, is poorly-insulated, with single-glazed windows and heating provided by an oil-burning stove and open fires.

The proposed property would be heated by ground source heat pumps, be fitted with solar panels and use harvested rainwater.

It would also have a workshop for maintaining beehives, a honey shed for processing the crop and a potting shed.

New fruit and nut trees would be planted in the grounds of the house.

The statement adds neighbours in the village have been consulted over the plans and no objections have been received.

An earlier application was withdrawn after officials said more information including a heritage statement was needed.

The five-bed house was built in the 1930s from hand-made blocks made from beach shingle by a local fisherman.

It was previously lived in by the applicant's great aunt, who produced organic fruit, vegetables, eggs and poultry from its grounds, which she gave to her family and friends.