WOULD you like to live in a water tank turned Iron Age-style roundhouse offering stunning 360-degree views of the West Pennine Moors?

A developer has launched a bid to make it possible, potentially putting an Affetside 'des-res home' onto the market for a cool £550,000.

But the project is not without opposition, with a ward councillor saying he objects on environment grounds.

In 2011, Bolton-based property developer Anthony Whittle, director of Harwood Homes, bought a disused water tank, off Bradshaw Road, for £80,000.

Mr Whittle asked Bury Council for permission to convert the tank into an eight-bedroom bunkhouse, called the Round House, aimed at ramblers wanting to stay over and enjoy the views.

Six people formally objected, though the council granted permission on the condition that the property could not be occupied by permanent residents.

Harwood Homes funded the renovation of tank and it was opened for business earlier this year

The lower floor has two dormitories, each with four bunk beds, two bathrooms and a log burner, while the first floor will have a lounge, open-plan kitchen and a log-burning stove for dining.

The roundhouse is fitted with solar panels and straw-bale insulation.

Now, Mr Whittle wants to remove the 'no permanent residents' condition after a lack of interest from ramblers.

A report from Mr Whittle's planning agent to the council said: "Mr Whittle has spent a great deal of money converting the redundant water tower into a high-standard bunk barn facility.

"Despite running an advertisement campaign, there is an absence of demand for its use and the building currently remains empty and, as such, is a security risk.

"Despite people looking at the building in the last three months, no bookings have been received.

"It is important that this high-quality and unusual building is brought into use and the removal of the condition will enable it to become a dwelling, which seems the most appropriate use for it in the circumstances."

Tottington Cllr Greg Keeley said: "I object to the application because of the impact on the green belt.

"It is clear from the original planning application that a major factor in the granting of permission is that permanent residence wasn’t allowed, so the green belt can be preserved.

"No-one would like to see a business suffer, and it is unfortunate that more people aren’t staying, but I think the term 'planning creep' is appropriate here and there will be a lot of debate about the merits of this application."

Mr Whittle told the Bury Times: "We've spoken to the families who live near to the property and they are all in favour of a family moving in on a permanent basis.

"The house has been renovated to an extremely high standard and I think this is a logical way forward."

The council has started a consultation period, which ends on December 9. It is hoping to each a decision by January 12.