Ambitious plans to build 60,000 new homes across York and North Yorkshire over the next decade have been set out.
The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority’s proposed housing growth strategy aims to significantly accelerate development across the region, with at least 25,000 of the new homes expected to be classed as affordable.
Leaders say the plan is designed to tackle growing demand for housing while supporting economic growth and ensuring local people are not priced out of their communities.
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said the only way to tackle the housing crisis in the region was to “build our way out of it”.
He added:
“We’re stepping up to build 60,000 new homes by 2035, with a firm commitment that 25,000 of these will be genuinely affordable.
“Working in close partnership with Homes England and the local councils, we’ll ensure we deliver the right homes in the right places with the right infrastructure.”
The strategy notes that more than 5,400 homes need to be built each year to meet new national targets.
Its aims include increasing housing supply by unlocking strategic sites.
A “plan-led” approach is proposed to ensure the right homes are built in the right places, while public land will be used to accelerate development.
The strategy aims to develop an affordable housing pipeline, with emphasis on social rented homes, rural housing and tackling the implications of
holiday lets and second homes, which have been blamed for reducing supply and pushing up prices.
It also highlights the importance of building energy-efficient homes and improving existing housing stock through retrofit programmes, helping to reduce carbon emissions and tackle fuel poverty.
Officials say partnership working will be key, with local authorities, developers, Homes England and other organisations expected to play a role in delivering the scale of growth required.
The report states that the strategy sends a clear message that the region is “open for business” and ready to attract investment in housing.
If approved by members of the Combined Authority when they meet on Friday, the plan will guide housing development across York and North Yorkshire for the next ten years.
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