AN INNOVATIVE plan to build an environmentally-sensitive home in a wood at Flaxton, between York and Malton, could be blocked by planners.

The ambitious proposal has been put forward by Don and Helen Recchia.

Their aim is to build a warden's cabin with a wind turbine at Great Wood, Flaxton. The cabin would serve six holiday homes which already have planning permission.

In the words of Eco Arc, their York-based "ecological architects", Mr and Mrs Recchia wish to build a "one-and-a-half storey, earth-sheltered, super-insulated, passive solar, zero Co2, eco dwelling."

The architects say: "The main aim is to create a sustainable, ecologically sound development.

"It will enhance the rural community and provide a truly sustainable tourism centre, whilst at the same time minimising the environmental impact."

Some of the materials used in the timber-framed building will be recycled, including 300 millimetres of newspaper insulation in the walls.

Rainwater will be collected for drinking and hot water will be heated via solar panels.

electricity will come from the wind turbine and solar energy- generating roof tiles. It is thought the house will provide more electricity than it requires.

But officers on Ryedale District Council have recommended the proposal be refused.

Planning permission was granted in 1993 for six log-cabin-style holiday homes and "functional" warden's accommodation, on the condition they were removed if the site was left unoccupied for one year.

The new application has caused concern that the eco-house would become a permanent dwelling if the tourist site failed.

In his report to the council, planning officer Paul Simpson said: "The (eco) dwelling has an appearance of permanence which was not previously the case. The original warden's accommodation was basically a temporary timber building which could be removed from the site if required. Concern is expressed regarding the long-term possibility of the tourist site failing and the site accommodating a permanent dwelling."

Ryedale District Council's central area planning committee will discuss the application when it meets tomorrow night.