A DISUSED factory site could be turned into one of the most environmentallyfriendly and sustainable developments in the country.

The City of York Council is considering a bid for £6m in Government funding to transform the old British Sugar site, which closed in February 2007.

Working with Associated British Foods, which owns the land, the aim is to build 60 homes as an example of good housing design, incorporating the latest ecological features. It would be a demonstration project, forming part of a wider proposal for four sites in the Yorkshire region.

Described as an “exemplar development”

it would provide an opportunity to show off a number of environmentallyfriendly technologies.

It would have high levels of water and energy efficiency, provide recycling facilities on-site and use locally and responsiblysourced and recycled building materials.

Allotments would be provided to encourage residents to grow their own food, and sustainable transport and technology would ensure low/zero carbon energy.