ECO friendly MP Gordon Prentice has announced his vision for a more energy efficient East Lancashire -- windmills on every new house.

The Pendle MP, a keen campaigner on green issues, said he would like to see the government change its planning regulations allowing local authorities to give the go-ahead for mini-windmills -- the size of satellite dishes -- to be included when homes are built.

He claims his radical idea would slash the cost of electricity bills and help the country conserve energy. He also wants to introduce solar panels even though East Lancashire is not exactly known for its prolonged sunny spells.

His plan, based on something he has seen working in Holland, has brought mixed reactions.

Mr Prentice admitted: "When I have mentioned this in the House of Commons other MPs think 'what planet does he come from?' but energy efficiency is a good idea. Around 100 watts would be generated by a small windmill the size of a satellite dish.

Of the solar panels Mr Prentice added: "Parts of East Lancashire are regularly overcast but they would still work. They just need light, it doesn't have to be brilliant sunshine."

Mr Prentice, a leading campaigner on green issues and the countryside, such as fox-hunting and whale hunting was applauded for his idea by Ruth Edwards, of the Energy Efficiency Advice Centre for Lancashire, based in Blackburn.

But Ruth, who is centre manager of the government backed organisation, warned it wouldn't be to everybody's liking.

She said: "The individual householder doesn't have to go to such extremes for renewable energy, there are other ways and some people might not want to have windmills on their property.

"We welcome Mr Prentice raising awareness of energy efficiency and the problems that consuming energy cause -- like the change in the climate -- but people might want to consider other methods. Some houses are sheltered and they may not get enough wind to power windmills."