THE important issue in respect of addressing York’s housing shortage is to accept and acknowledge that the council’s affordable housing policy remains largely unworkable on most existing allocated land, with or without planning permission –then do something about it.

The attempt to bypass this problem, by the excessive release of green-belt land, will take too long to address the growing shortage of homes, and will allow the crisis to worsen over the next five years.

Even though the green-belt allocations will allow some ‘wins’, it will not result in achieving the target, as the two largest allocations at Holme Hill and Clifton Gate are flawed. These sites are too large, and are highly doubtful to find a willing or able developer.

Importantly, there is also a limited capacity issue within the housebuilding industry, which has serious implications for the UK. Regions and individual councils cannot rely solely on the quoted plc housebuilders, and need smaller local firms to produce houses, as has always been the case. Councils who do not encourage smaller firms with appropriate policies will fail. The local pan proposals for these reasons will not provide effective and timely solutions.

Paul S Cordock, Durlston Drive, Strensall, York.