YORK'S two Green councillors could form an alliance with Labour - but only if controversial housing plans are reconsidered.

Green leader Andy D'Agorne said he and his colleague Dave Taylor would be "open to discussions" with Labour, who lost their majority on the city council yesterday when Cllr Helen Douglas defected to the Conservatives.

Cllr D'Agorne said: "In order for us to set the Local Plan, all parties including Labour need to compromise now to secure rapid approval for a plan to protect us from inappropriate development, by getting an inspector’s and Government approval as quickly as possible."

The Greens agree with Labour in its criticism of the coalition Government's austerity programme but Cllr D'Agorne said they side with York Conservatives and Liberal Democrats in opposing Labour's Local Plan proposals for the next 15 years of house-building in the city, which include controversial proposals to build on the Green Belt.

He said alliance would depend on "a more sustainable package especially new housing numbers for the next 15 years" and added: "The Greens want to see councillors of all parties working together more in the interests of York, making the most effective use of limited funds."

He said Labour’s "tight whip system and autocratic management" had clearly contributed to the defections to opposition parties.

Labour council leader James Alexander said he understood the Greens' position but would not comment until after an announcement on the Local Plan scheduled for today.

He said: “We know that the Greens share Labour's opposition to the austerity agenda of the Lib Dems and Tories which is damaging public services both nationally and locally. We share some basic principles: wanting a fairer and more environmentally friendly society.

"I understand their views on number of homes required for the future and will be making a statement as expected on the Local Plan tomorrow."

In Clifton, Cllr Douglas's decision to switch parties without resigning and triggering a by-election yesterday drew criticism.

The chairman of Clifton's residents association Marjorie Sharp said she was worried about how Clifton would be represented in council in the light of Cllr Douglas's decision.

Mrs Sharp said: "Will she have a voice in council for the people of Clifton? People in the ward voted for a Labour councillor, not a Conservative councillor."

Cllr David Scott, who had served alongside Cllr Douglas as a Labour councillor since 2007, and was also deselected in May from standing in the seat again next year, said: "Helen has been an excellent councillor for the people of Clifton, and I have enjoyed working with her. We will continue to represent the people of Clifton until the next election.

"Her decision was a surprise to me, and I am disappointed she feels she has no option but join another political party."