MOVES to create an independent housing trust in Selby will see new affordable homes built across the district.

The proposals will be presented for final approval at a full council meeting of Selby District Council on February 26.

Selby council’s executive last week agreed to support the setting up of a trust to build new homes for affordable rent on land transferred from the authority to the trust.

A council spokesman said the trust would also support the local construction industry, increase job opportunities and housing for families in the area.

Planning permission has already been submitted by the executive for a small development of new affordable homes on land in Tadcaster, which will be the first development built by the new trust.

Councillor John Mackman, executive member, said: “This is a pragmatic approach to delivering more affordable homes on the ground at a time when the supply of these vital properties through private developments has been few and far between, over recent years.

“The trust will be able to build and maintain brand new affordable homes at sites right across the district. We’ll start on a small scale, but the model enables us to expand in the future if that’s what we can and need to do.”

Affordable housing is one objective of the council’s £5 million Programme For Growth, which also looks to tackle local employment and economy issues, and £30,000 has been allocated to help set up the trust.