PLANS to make half the new homes built in York affordable could be fast-tracked to tackle the city's growing housing crisis.

Council officers want 90 per cent of these affordable homes to be given to the rental market to try to ease the difficulties faced by people unable to afford either to buy their own homes or to rent on the unsubsidised private rental market.

The initiative comes as house prices continue to rocket in York, with estate agents admitting that first-time buyers are being priced out.

However, this scheme does not look set to benefit would-be buyers. Only ten per cent of new affordable homes are for the discounted for-sale market, usually open to people on the council's housing waiting list or renting from a housing association.

Both Quantum estate agency in Walmgate, and Hudson Moody, in High Petergate, said single people looking to rent a private property have to be turned away every day.

Leanne Hogg, Hudson Moody lettings negotiator, said: "A lot of people want to rent alone but just can't afford it. They usually look for a place in a shared house."

Twenty-five per cent of all new housing developments in York have to be affordable homes. The idea to raise the quota to 50 per cent was raised when Labour controlled the city council.

Now, a report to the council's executive member for housing, Sue Sunderland, and her advisory panel, recommends doubling the affordable quota "as soon as possible".

Of the 50 per cent affordable homes in every new development, 90 per cent will go for rent and ten per cent will be discounted for sale.

Housing chief Sue Sunderland said the issue would have to be referred to the city council executive on April 5.

Coun Sunderland said the council was well aware there were people in York looking to rent or buy their own homes, but were priced out of the market.

"We hope this policy will be of assistance to them."

The ten per cent discounted for sale proportion could be looked at again at a later date, Coun Sunderland added.

Kevin Hollinrake, a director at Hunters estate agent, said doubling affordable quotas would help people priced out of the market.

But he said the longer term way to push house prices down was to follow the recent Barker Review recommendations and build more new homes.

Updated: 10:31 Monday, March 29, 2004