THE Joseph Rowntree Trust has spent 12 years to overcome the many objections by all concerned and have begun building the 540 houses of the Derwenthorpe estate in the countryside outskirts of York (The, Press June 1).

The builder of the first 64 homes for the future has described them as “never before seen in the region of eco-extras” including rain harvesting, biomass heating and insulation, which will guarantee reduced fuel bills for residents.

The extended period and procedures which will have been incurred before the futuristic building began will have cost a great deal of added expense, which the developer will need to recover.

To quote the well known phrase, “who would live in a house like this?”

They will be those who will be willing tp pay their choice of mortgage, rent or other means which could be described as at a level “never before been seen” anywhere in urban estates.

J Beisly, Osprey Close, York.