YORK could get its first floating apartments after developers launched an ambitious bid to build... on the River Foss.

Two large pontoons could be floated on the river near Walmgate to form the base for high-quality timber-framed homes.

Developer Helmsley Group say the floating homes could become some of York's coolest, trendiest apartments. It has now submitted an application to City of York council.

Helmsley Group Ian McAndrew said could also boost council plans to revitalise the under-utilised river.

"We think river living could be a really exciting, innovative development for York," he said, adding that if successful, other floating homes could be created along the river.

But residents today claimed that the floating homes, involving a stretch of the river alongside the Dixons Yard redevelopment site where permission has already been granted for 50 apartments amid some controversy, would destroy a quiet riverside environment where lilies grow and moorhens swim.

"It's a haven for wildlife," said Roy Pitchford, of Rowntree Wharf, on the opposite bank of the river.

He also claimed that a letter from the council informing residents that moorings for "houseboats" were being sought was grossly misleading, saying: "It left me thinking they were planning a couple of traditional barges, like you see on the Ouse, which might not have been too bad.

"It was only because I went to the council offices and read through all the documents that I discovered what was really being proposed."

Neighbour Les Turner said: "They are not houseboats as I think of a houseboats, but permanent buildings on pontoons, which are a very different matter."

But a council spokeswoman said today that the purpose of carrying out consultation with local residents was to encourage anyone who would like to air their views on a particular planning application to come and view the plans.

"Then, if they wish to, they can submit a letter to the council detailing any concerns or objections that

they may have."

She said that if permission was granted for the change of use, a second planning application would be needed to get the necessary permission for any building and infrastructure work, including specific detail about the nature of the moorings or pontoons.

Documents submitted to the council indicate that the plan is for two pontoons, each measuring about 18.5 metres by 6.5 metres, to be manufactured off site and then lifted onto the river by crane upstream of Dixons Yard.

They would then be bolted together and floated into position and securely moored to the bank, before "proprietary timber framed buildings" were placed on them, with checks made to ensure the pontoons are buoyant.

Mr McAndrew said the apartments would be purpose-built to a specific design by architects - provided the planners approved the principle of the change of use.

Updated: 10:32 Friday, July 29, 2005