PEOPLE buying homes at a proposed new development in York will be offered a free bike - or a six-month bus pass.

This is the green and novel solution to the city's traffic crisis being suggested by Malton-based S Harrison Group, which wants to build 193 apartments and houses at Birch Park, Huntington.

Company development manager Chris Hale says its scheme could help tackle two problems facing York - the need for more high quality homes at prices within the reach of couples and families, and the need not to add to the city's already critical traffic problems.

"Our scheme at Birch Park is close to existing bus routes and close enough to the city centre for many people to see cycling as a realistic option," he said.

"We have had over 30 meetings with council officers in the run-up to putting forward our application, and this was one of the ideas that came out of those sessions.

"Each homebuyer would be offered either a free bicycle, or a six month travel pass, to encourage them to adopt green modes of travel."

He said the application to redevelop former industrial wasteland was due to go before the planning committee later this month.

"Harrison believes it is brownfield sites like the one at Birch Park which must be developed if the city's green belt is to be protected.

"It is vital that York seizes every appropriate opportunity to provide the homes it needs. This is a prime example of imaginative and sensitive development on what is currently an eyesore site."

Updated: 11:03 Wednesday, February 18, 2004