WHILE the debate continues about the number of new homes required in York over the next 15 years – important though that may be – the real issue is about affordability.

It is little use arguing whether the figure included in the draft Local Plan of 867 homes annually is appropriate or the higher number suggested by the Government and others, if they are out of reach for the majority of people in York.

At present the council’s policy is for 20 per cent of homes on “brownfield” sites to be affordable and 30 per cent on “greenfield” sites.

On that basis the proposed Local Plan would provide just 215 homes annually that are affordable.

This compares with 573 annually recommended by external consultants.

Can I suggest the council needs to revisit its affordable housing policy as a matter of urgency or many young couples will have to rent privately at exorbitant and unregulated rents?

I notice that even Harrogate has a policy of providing 40 per cent affordable homes on all qualifying sites.

Bob Towner, Hobgate, York