House builder attacks local pressure groups

John Reeves, chairman of the Pocklington-based Helmsley Group, has attacked the role of small local pressure groups for holding up the development process.

He says: "If all the various small pressure groups keep standing in the way of development the balance of supply and demand will continue to stay out of equilibrium and prices will continue to rise, which will force us all to pay more for our homes and commercial property."

Mr Reeves, who dismisses claims that developers are "money grabbing", argues that more green belt land should be opened up for house building.

"There is a very easy way to ensure the equilibrium position is reached and that is to increase the supply of land available for property development," he says.

But green campaigners have rejected his comments, claiming local opposition to development is "vital" to the city.

Environmentalist Gordon Campbell-Thomas said: "I totally disagree with Mr Reeves.

"It's essential that pressure groups continue to exist and exert an influence on the planning process, because without that the developers would get away with anything. They are only out to make a quick buck.

"If you start building on the green belt there will be nothing left," said Mr Campbell-Thomas.

Coun Peter Vaughan, a member of Huntington Parish Council, is currently fighting "over-development" in the area.

He said: "We recognise the need in York for more houses to both buy and rent. The city has become an attractive place to live and work.

"We're objecting to the disproportionate allocation of new housing planned for Huntington. It will cause more pollution and traffic problems."

But developer John Guildford, owner of Guildford Construction, said: "The planning process is often slow going because of local objections so we don't hit enough required targets. This leads to housing shortages and high property prices."

matthew.woodcock@ycp.co.uk

Updated: 17:21 Monday, January 20, 2003