An ambitious developer is facing a battle with villagers to get his plan to build a unique, Grand Designs-style home approved.br br David Marks, 75, wants to build an eco-friendly five-bed in Smarden, near Ashford, Kent - with hopes he can then move his wife out of her care home. br br However, the village’s parish council says it strongly objects to the proposals, which it describes as an unsuitable “overdevelopment” of the rural area which will “urbanise” the views of neighbouring listed properties.br br Mr Marks says he is saddened at the lack of support for the new home, which will be completely off-grid, powered by solar panels and sheltered by bunds of earth.