North Yorkshire Council has published its first housing strategy, which includes an ambition to build 500 council homes over five years.
The unitary authority, launched in April 2023, said the reorganisation of the county’s councils had provided a ‘once in a generation opportunity’ to improve outcomes for communities.
Last week, councillors signed off the housing strategy, which includes plans to deliver at least 2,500 new homes a year, of which 800 would be affordable homes, up to 2029.
The strategy seeks to address issues facing the county, such as very sparsely populated areas of rural terrain, sharp rises in homelessness, and increased use of temporary accommodation.
Executive member for housing Simon Myers said: ‘We have a county of diverse housing needs and as a vast rural county we face many challenges, but local government reorganisation with the launch of the council has given us the opportunity to bring big changes to our communities and the people who need the most help.’
