PLANS for up to five new houses in the northern fringes of the borough's countryside have been revealed.

The new "zero-carbon" dwellings would be built on land off Dunscar Fold in Egerton if the plans are approved.

The green belt site has remained undeveloped despite “considerable” changes to the surrounding area in the last century, according to the planning application.

It said: “The site cannot be seen from the surrounding area and the location of it helps to avoid compromising the openness of the green belt.”

The proposal has been put together by The Intelligent Design Centre, the team behind plans for another zero-carbon scheme nearby in Higher Critchley Fold Barn which has been repeatedly refused.

This new development is described as "exceptional" in a planning statement which aims to convince planners that it qualifies for the "very special circumstances" necessary to approve green belt development.

Initial plans are set to be determined by officers.