Hundreds of the houses, which are designed with a hollow base like a ship, could be built on the banks of the Ribble and Preston dock to combat flooding fears.

Representatives from London-based housing experts NGM Sustainable Developments have already briefed senior town hall officials on the benefits of the floating homes.

And council leader Ken Hudson told the Evening Post that they would welcome the idea.

The proposal – one option being considered as part of the Riverworks scheme – would see homes built along the banks of the Ribble and Preston's dock.

The innovative design, which has been pioneered in countries like Holland and Sweden, means that the houses will be unaffected if the river floods.

Instead of sustaining flood damage, the homes would instead float on top of the water.

Homes already built in the flatlands of Holland can withstand rises in water levels of up to four metres.

Coun Hudson said: "They approached us about building floating homes on the docks and they were very enthusiastic about the idea.It sounds a very good idea and I would welcome it."

Jane Brunning, of the Save the Ribble campaign group, said: "I think if they are considering building on the floodplain they might be able to do the floating homes which may protect those houses but they are still taking away the operational floodplain for other areas.

"They will still have concrete roads and infrastructure, so you would lose the floodplain which soaks up water and protects other areas."