A DEVELOPMENT of pioneering affordable homes in York are proving economically and ecologically sound, with residents running up energy bills of only £1 a week.

Families living in Fieldside Place, next to St Nicholas Fields, are benefiting from low-cost living while helping the planet, thanks to green-building methods.

One eco-friendly councillor has now said attitudes towards sustainable housing developments like Fieldside Place must be relaxed if we are to reduce the effects of global warming.

Christian Vassie, the ward councillor for Wheldrake, said attempts to reduce the environmental impact of housing were being hampered by strict Government planning regulations and York's status as an historical city.

He told the Evening Press that more open-minded attitudes to design would allow a proliferation of projects similar to the 18 York Housing Association properties at Fieldside Place.

"All these things are blocked as we continue saying 'your house must be the same as your neighbour's", said Coun Vassie.

"We are not helping ourselves. What makes the city beautiful is the collision of different styles.

"It is only relatively recently that that diversity has started to be squashed by overzealous planning."

The Liberal Democrat councillor said developments such as the City Screen complex, off Coney Street, were examples of modern buildings which enhanced the local landscape.

"I understand that people want to keep their city beautiful, so we need to encourage designers to come up with something more fitting, such as photovoltaic cells which look like roof tiles."

He said that if estate agents promoted eco-friendly housing and their low fuel bills, then "everyone would be interested".

Residents at Fieldside Place backed Coun Vassie's comments.

Louise Starky, 25, who moved into her home in April, said: "I was not sure about the design at first, but I don't mind at all now. When you come inside, they look exactly the same as any other house and they are very warm."

Neighbour Maria Fooks, 24, thought the sustainable homes were more attractive than many of the modern apartment blocks built by private developers along Lawrence Street.

"They should definitely relax the rules with affordable housing," she said.

"If I had the money to buy a house, I would be interested in an eco-friendly property.

"It reduces your bills in the long term."

Updated: 08:47 Tuesday, January 04, 2005