PEOPLE in the York area can get high-quality housing for an affordable rent, thanks to a new initiative, a housing association says.

York Housing Association is working with private housing developers to make ‘des res’ homes available for social rent.

A spokesman said the first home to be purchased for the scheme was a two-bedroom cottage at The Green in Upper Poppleton, which was part of a nine-home private development.

“Under planning rules, private developers often have to make a percentage of new builds available for social housing and the association is looking to strengthen its relationships with developers to buy these properties and provide affordable homes in York, Scarborough and East Yorkshire,” he said.

Paul Atkins, development and property director, said: “This is the first step in a long- term programme. We are actively looking to source further properties and welcome discussions with house builders who are planning new developments.”