A GOVERNMENT inspector will have the final say on a businessman's bid to open a luxurious hi-tech home close to Constable Country.

Michael Roberts' plans to build “a brand statement” estate manager’s house at Dedham Vale Vineyard were rejected by Colchester Council in May.

Planners said the blueprints were “a mismatch of architectural styles”.

Mr Roberts wanted to build the three-bedroom home on land off Green Lane, Boxted, as part of £500,000 to develop the 25-year-old enterprise.

He bought the 40-acre vineyard from landowner Bunting and Sons for £500,000, before the company went into administration.

Mr Roberts’ plans involved managing the vineyard from the house, which would be a smart, hi-tech new home and “a brand statement” for the vineyard.

Its secluded location would make it less visible from the nearby Stour valley, which is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, he had claimed.

Now an inspector has been appointed by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Greg Clark, to hear Mr Roberts' appeal against the ruling.

The appeal hearing will take place at Rowan House, Colchester, on November 25.

Mr Roberts said: "We think the rationale for what we wish to do is wholly appropriate for a vineyard.

"We feel we should have a hearing that recognises that the vineyard as a working agricultural property."

In Colchester Council's refusal document, it had said: “The dwelling and associated buildings do not appear to have any overall design concept, rather they are a mismatch of contemporary and pseudo-Georgian architectural styles which are not in the opinion of the local planning authority of either exceptional or innovative design.”

They also said the home would go against council policies to protect the countryside and “new isolated housing” in rural areas should be avoided, as they do not enhance the community.

It said priority is given to housing developments in locations with good public transport access and this would not.

Mr Roberts said the house would be eco-friendly, reflecting his background as chairman of BioWatt, the specialist composting and bio-gas company he co-founded three years ago.

A Colchester Council spokesman said: "There are a number of ongoing disputes with regards to the scale of the domestic element of the proposed development and its functional need. Planning permission for a smaller building was granted in 2004 and this has lawfully been implemented, but there is a dispute between the council and the appellant as to the differences between the lawful and the proposed development. This needs to be carefully considered and discussed.

"It was concluded that a hearing is the most effective way for the Government-appointed inspector to hear the appeal, as this allows both parties to present their planning arguments to the planning inspector in person."