THIS could be the scene on the River Foss in York, if two 21st century "houseboats" are given the go-ahead by planners.

Fresh plans have been submitted to City of York Council to site the two floating homes on the river, next to a new development of 50 flats in Dixon's Yard, Walmgate.

Developer Helmsley Group believes they could become some of the city's trendiest apartments, as well as revitalising the underused river and reflecting the area's industrial heritage.

Spokesman Ian McAndrew said: "The whole scheme is designed to mirror the industrial warehouse nature of this part of the city, with the houseboats reflecting the loaded barges which would once have been so familiar in the area."

But local residents are unimpressed by the proposals, claiming they would spoil the appearance of the area. Roy Pitchford, who lives at Rowntree Wharf, on the opposite bank of the river, said: "I think it's most inappropriate for this location. This is a river and amenity for the city, not a building plot."

Neighbour Les Turner said he also had concerns. He said council officers had recommended refusal for a similar application which was withdrawn last autumn by the developers. "This doesn't seem to have changed from the first application," he said.

The Helmsley Group claimed the new application fully addressed concerns raised last time, including fears that local otters might be disturbed. A report by mammal ecologist and otter expert Dr Paul Chanin said the houseboats would not have any impact on the creatures.

Mr McAndrew said the artists' impression, featured above, gave some indication of the proposed size, design and appearance of the houseboats, which would be purpose-built off-site and floated into position along the river network.

They would feature "green roofs", on which plant life would grow, and small wind turbines for sustainability reasons.

They would also be flat bottomed, in order to ensure they did not affect the flow of the river.

Updated: 09:59 Thursday, February 02, 2006