REGARDING the report "Developers could pull out of York over affordable housing rules", it is a shame Kevin Hollinrake, of York property firm Hunters, comments that developers were finding it difficult to set aside 50 per cent of their sites for affordable homes and still make a profit (January 13).
York needs affordable homes. Surveys have shown that more than half of York households have an annual income of less than £20,000. With the price for a terraced property starting in the region of £120,000, the likelihood of many such families and individuals ever buying their own home is low. The private rented sector is little better, with a two-bedroom terraced property renting at around £500 a month.
If Labour had won the election in 2003, the 50 per cent affordable housing level - on sites over 15 units - would have been in place a lot earlier. By holding up this policy, the Lib Dems have cost the city hundreds of affordable housing units.
As for this policy affecting York in the way described by Mr Hollinrake, I would suggest he looks at other councils around the country, where the 50 per cent of affordable housing is becoming the norm. What developers do need to do is look at the market where there is a clear indication, and national statistical evidence, that more flats are being provided than needed, while there is a shortfall of houses with gardens.
Coun Tracey Simpson-Laing,
Labour spokesperson for planning & transport,
Salisbury Road, York.
Updated: 09:39 Wednesday, January 25, 2006
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