ENTERPRISING plans to build four energy efficient houses on the edge of Ulverston have been given an initial seal of approval.

The proposal to replace a set of agricultural buildings with four 'eco' homes at High Barn Farm, on Pennington Lane, has been submitted to South Lakeland District Council.

Plans for the sustainable houses include the use of recycled and renewable materials with solar panels built in to help generate energy on site and minimise the need for artificial heating and water.

SLDC's head of development control, Peter Ridgway, told councillors that the site fell outside the Local Plan's development area for Ulverston, but that the proposal had a lot of merit.

However, he added that the application by Mr & Mrs R.

Elvey, needed to be balanced against residential planning policies.

Mr Ridgway told the development control sub-committee that if members felt the application was worth pursuing, he would forward it to SLDC's planning and transportation committee, who would draw up a policy which could be used when determining this, and other similar plans which are submitted in the future.

Coun Jeanette Jenkinson said subject to a number of slight modifications to the design of the buildings, she agreed to the plan in principle, although added she was nervous about going against policy.

"I'm not just nervous about going against policy, I'm very much against it," said Coun Jean Ewing, who said there were "too many minuses and not enough pluses" for her to approve the scheme.

Coun Bob Bolton described the project as "imaginative" but said the committee would need clear guidelines back from the planning and transportation committee.

The development control committee is due to discuss the proposal at their next meeting on January 30.