News Affordable homes a real possibilty - if land provided
House builder Peter Ward, who is currently in the process of creating new housing developments in the Goole area, has criticised calls for more affordable housing and accused supporters of the concept of failing to tackle the real issues behind housing needs in this region.
There are moves within East Yorkshire, moves supported by some councillors, to force house builders to provide affordable properties on all new developments, but the policy is attracting stiff opposition from some quarters.
"It's about time we explained to people precisely what 'affordable housing' stands for. It's not the simple, cheap solution to all our housing problems that some people think it is," according to Peter Ward.
With 28 years' experience of house building in East Yorkshire behind him, he added: "Why are we suddenly talking about a need for 'affordable housing'? In the past East Yorkshire, like every other area in the country, adopted a successful supply-and-demand policy on new homes and the same should apply today.
"The simple fact of the matter is that if enough building land with planning permission was made available then the house-building industry would provide enough houses in the 'more affordable' category."
He added: "There might be a compelling argument for so-called affordable housing but who benefits from this in the long-term? There are thousands of people in our area who would love to get on to the property ladder but not in a home that will always be part owned by a Housing Association.
"Many would-be buyers perhaps do not realise that the cost of a 'shared ownership' or Housing Association property is not competitive when set against the outright purchase of a house. When you add up the combination of loan repayments, rent and other charges, shared ownership is only going to help a small number of buyers.
"People need houses that are cheaper but not houses that are controlled by a social landlord. The answer is a plentiful supply of building land – with planning permission – so that the house-building sector can provide the right number of houses at the right price and where they are needed most."
A motion calling for a substantial increase in affordable homes, made by Liberal Democrat councillor Stewart Willie, received unanimous support at a meeting of the East Riding of Yorkshire Council last Wednesday, November 15.
Speaking after the debate, Cllr Willie said: "The lack of affordable homes is a problem across the East Riding. Over the years many residents in my ward have contacted me about this matter.
"The present policy is failing our residents. I am hoping that the new policy will ensure that whatever development takes place, a contribution is made to affordable homes provision."
The Council will now set up a Cabinet working group to develop affordable homes policies for inclusion in the local development framework documents.
Published on 30th November 2006 in News.
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