THE location of a floating home near Winchester has been revealed after a planning application was submitted.

It comes after Winchester-based architects AR Design Studio floated the plans 'The Water Lily House' at a disused Alresford reservoir that once served the surrounding fields.

A spokesman refused to disclose the location, which has now been revealed as Fobdown Farm, off Abbotstone Road in Alresford.

As previously reported, the design has been derived from the initial concept of a floating lily pad, hence the name.

Architects say that because of the lack of biodiversity on the reservoir, the design team saw an opportunity to turn the lake into an asset

The scheme has also been designed to copy the benefits of water lilies by casting shade, helping to keep algae growth down and giving shelter from both the sun and predators to the pond life.

It would also give the occupants 360-degree panoramic views of the area, taking in the lake and the open countryside fields.

The Water Lily House would be accessed via a footbridge from the entrance courtyard and proposed garage, which would be hidden within the existing bank of the reservoir in order to minimise the visual impact. To the south of the house, a swimming pond links to a floating reed bed and jetty, allowing boats to be moored.

A spokesman for AR Design Studio said: "The Water Lily House is unique in its design, providing an innovative dwelling in an otherwise underutilised site. The immediate surroundings will be significantly enhanced, with the remodelling of the existing reservoir and addition of sensitive landscaping."

A decision on the plans is expected by May 1. So far no objections have been lodged against the scheme.