IF, AS Martina Collins, sales director for Hungate claims, “York’s property market has remained resilient over the past couple of years, despite the economic downturn which has affected surrounding areas”, then why aren’t her company building phase two? (The Press, 31 May).

In June 2008, The Press reported that Hungate phase two was being delayed by the economic downturn, and that it would not start until 2009. Here we are in 2011 and it has still not started, meanwhile in surrounding areas like Ryedale and Selby districts, new sites are starting.

The truth is, York’s affordable housing policy is the main reason why housebuilders are giving the city a wide berth.

Hungate was given planning permission when the affordable housing target was only 25 per cent, and if it is not viable for them to build, then the sites that have permission under the 50 per cent policy, such as Germany Beck and Terry’s, will not start either.

City of York Council’s new ruling Labour executive said that housing was to be a priority; so it is time they came clean and told us how they are going to get house building in the city started again?

Paul S Cordock, Durlston Drive, Strensall, York.