A controversial "earthship" made of old tyres has been given permission to land in a Sussex beauty spot.

Planners have given the final go-ahead for the environmentally-friendly building in Stanmer Park, Brighton.

Planning officers originally recommended councillors turn down the project because it was in an area of outstanding natural beauty. But the committee voted in favour.

Now Brighton will be the first place in England to boast one of the energy-efficient structures.

Construction work will begin in April and is hoped to be completed by October.

Daren Howarth, from the Low Carbon Network, said the earthship offered an ingenious but simple way to solve two major problems - the growing used tyre mountain and the shortage of affordable housing.

He said: "Earthship Brighton is within Stanmer Organics' land, which spreads over 18 acres at the rear of the park. It won't be a house, it will be a meeting place for groups. But it will be a model for future houses."

Earthships work with the planet's natural systems and, at £40,000, cost a fraction of a traditional bricks and mortar home.

Solar energy and rain provide heat, power and water. The buildings also have their own sewage system.

When finished with plaster and solar tiles, they look like ultra-modern homes.

On Saturday, Stanmer Organics, a group of 15 businesses committed to environmentally-sensitive land use, is holding an open day. Visitors will be able to see the earthship site and learn about permaculture techniques, organic food production, agro-forestry and green recycling.

There will also be music, demonstrations of earth kiln pottery, woodland skills, stone carving and an organic cafe.

Daren said: "Earthships offer a new model for affordable home building with minimum impact on the environment. We expect Earthship Brighton to inspire new models for expansion of housing in the crowded South-East."

Earthships are already a growing movement in the United States. In New Mexico, the buildings house whole communities.

You can find out more about earthships by visiting www.low carbon.co.uk