The developer behind plans for a "Hollywood Hills-style" underground house says he won't give up until his project sees the light of day.

Keith Wilson's ambitious bid for a five-bed eco-home near Challock has been thrown out by Ashford Borough Council (ABC) amid concerns over its impact on the environment.

But the Ramsgate-based businessman believes subterranean homes are the future and has vowed to continue working on his £500,000 scheme.

Mr Wilson has earmarked a 1.1-acre plot off A252 Canterbury Road for the single-storey project, which has been criticised by Challock Parish Council.

“This house is the future - it has no visual impact, it’s functional and is highly efficient," Mr Wilson, 52, said.

"The cosmetic element of this build will look like a Hollywood Hills house. It will be bright, well-lit and futuristic, but will be invisible above ground.

"It will be a highly desirable and unusual property and I’m very interested in building it as an example to show what can be done.”

Mr Wilson, of K Wilson Developments, thinks he can construct the property for less than £500,000 but hopes to sell it for "north of £1m".

However his scheme was dealt a blow earlier this month when ABC planning officers refused the project.

“We are passionate about this and believe it meets the criteria and the decision should be reviewed,” Mr Wilson added.

“If we get a logical explanation on why it doesn’t meet criteria which is accurate then we will accept it but, at the moment, no one has given us a logical solution.

“You can’t see it, it’s completely below ground. From a planning perspective, it is invisible so it’s incredibly frustrating that it has been refused.”

In consultation papers, Kent Wildlife Trust raised concerns over the potential impact on the ancient Longbeech Wood, which sits to the north of the site.

It said the applicant had “failed to clearly establish the proposed works will not have a detrimental impact on the adjacent ancient woodland, in terms of damaging tree roots or preventing future tree root growth”.

ABC added the project “would encroach into open countryside” and would be “detrimental to highway safety”, while Challock Parish Council raised concerns over its impact on the North Downs area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB).

“If they still believe it shouldn’t be approved then we will go through the planning inspector,” added Mr Wilson, who previously lived in Mersham.

“The way this house would be built would be very economical from a waste point of view. You use far less materials, electricity and water.

“I’m hopeful that people can be brave and imaginative about it.”

Mr Wilson says his scheme would have "brilliant eco-credentials” by using solar power, rainwater harvesting and air source heat pumps.

The home would go across 300 sq m, while the three-metre-wide grass verge at the front of the site would “provide adequate visibility for road safety”.

Mr Wilson added: “It will have no gas or oil so no fossil fuels – it’s a five-bedroom house that is cheaper to run than a one-bedroom flat.

“You could construct this building all over the country – it’s a very simple and efficient design and is better all-round for everyone.

“It will attract a high-end market of people who want to live in the country, in private areas, in a house which has lots of glass and light.

“It’s not like we’re going to build this huge monstrosity – you won’t be able to see it.”