NEIGHBOURS of two new futuristic "solar dwellings" have been warned that the environmentally-friendly properties may not be so easy on the eye.

Green councillor Andy D'Agorne said the pair of low energy homes in Horsman Avenue, off Fishergate, are "like an office block" and will stand out among the more traditional surrounding houses.

But he welcomed the four and two-bedroom buildings, which have frontages made almost entirely of glass to make the most of the sun's heat, as they will conserve power and use renewable energy.

The two family homes will replace four City of York Council flats destroyed by a gas explosion in August 2002. The land was then sold for £40,000 to Yorkshire Housing for redevelopment as social housing.

Coun D'Agorne said he had "reservations" about the new properties, which were granted planning permission last week, because of their modern architecture.

He said: "I'm all in favour of steps to reduce energy consumption and looking at new ways of doing things. They look very modern and the initial impression is of an office block.

"I suppose people will get more used these buildings, but it may cause something of a stir initially given that they are in a city centre location with more traditional architecture around them.

"It certainly will be innovative. Only time will tell whether the architectural pundits have chosen the right thing or not."

The "solar dwellings" will be two-storey properties with extensive front glazed areas and a mono-pitched roof. They will have off-street parking for two vehicles and a garden.

The design includes solar panels and photovoltaic cells which will create electricity and a heat pump which will distribute heat throughout the house.

The prototype scheme, which is being driven by Yorkshire Housing, Yorkon and City of York Council, is expected to pave the way for a bigger development in Leeds.

Anthony Slater, development control officer, said the concerns had been received from the Fishergate planning panel about the building's external appearance.

But in a planning report he said: "The proposal would add interest and a feature to the street scene without detracting from its visual qualities."

Updated: 08:25 Wednesday, April 14, 2004