A PIONEERING project to develop model homes is aiming to usher in a new era in saving energy and money.

Four new homes will be built under proposals put forward by Hambleton District Council and housing associations, each using different methods of energy conservation.

The showcase development will be used to demonstrate to architects and builders the options for creating new styles of homes in the district.

The approach is part of the authority's strategy for housing, which also looks at home improvement schemes and initiatives for supported housing for people with learning difficulties or physical disabilities.

Hambleton's head of environmental health and housing Eric Kendall said: "We are looking at an energy efficiency and water conservation project, which we will use to show these concepts to builders and architects.

"We are looking to have four properties, all built in a similar way but with different types of insulation and different aspects of conservation which can be switched off. There are different aspects that we can build in and see how they work.

"It will also look at how easy these things are to use and how much energy can be saved during the year."

He said water conservation systems could range from re-using rain water to recycling grey water, which has already been used, in washing up or showers.

Mr Kendall said the authority is also looking at projects to develop more supported housing facilities, for people who live largely independently but need some help.