A LEADING York housebuilder has called again for the abolition of the city’s controversial housing policies, saying it’s time for action not words.

Hogg The Builder has called on housing chiefs to scrap the so-called “50 per cent rule”, which says half of any development of 15 homes or more must be affordable housing.

The firm says unless action is taken now, there will be a severe shortage when the currently stagnant market begins to pick up again.

Geoff Scott, Hogg managing director, said: “There was a flurry of activity earlier in the year, when council leaders met with housebuilders and property professionals to discuss issues such as planning policies in relation to the provision of new homes.

“Consultation and a review of policies were promised, but there has been little action and we are no closer to solving the city’s housing problems today than we were six months ago.

“Preliminary consultations were held back in June but we have heard nothing since.

“Proposed workshops and forums have not materialised and planning policies that are stifling the housing market are still in place.”

He said York was “nowhere near” reaching its target of 350 affordable social homes a year by 2010/11, a target set by City of York Council.

The council has already noted that the economic downturn could prevent the target being met.

Mr Scott also voiced concern over a suggestion in the council’s new city centre action plan for the 15-house threshold to be abolished, which would mean even fewer developments being planned, he said.

He added: “We’ve heard all the talk now let’s see some action.”

York Conservative leader Ian Gillies backed Mr Scott’s comments.

He said: “The 50 per cent rule was nonsense as a policy prior to the present economic climate and it is even worse now. Not only are they not building affordable homes – they are not building any properties.”

Damon Copperthwaite, the council’s assistant director for city development and transport, said meetings held with developers over the summer were useful, and a workshop would be held later this year to look at ways to increase affordable housing and make the best use of existing homes.

He said the council’s policies were not the cause of the current market conditions, nor would their “hasty revision” solve the problem.

He added: “Developers are keen to point out that they are profit making companies, and we fully agree. Our policy therefore accommodates and allows an industry standard level of profit. This profit remains safeguarded in the current climate, and our 50 per cent affordable housing target will be adjusted accordingly on a site-by-site basis according to financial appraisals.

“Any change made to the council’s policy now will only affect homes built in over three years’ time, at which point the market may well have recovered.

“The council has to ensure that it does not abandon a long-term strategy, designed to operate through peaks and troughs in the housing market, and which, to date, has delivered more than 1,000 affordable homes for York’s residents through private developments.”