A DRIVE to increase the housing supply in a district where the economic downturn has led to a shortfall of homes being built is set to be passed.

Leading members of Hambleton District Council were today (Tuesday, November 5) expected to revise its development plan in a bid to clear a backlog of 358 homes which should have been built to meet a housing supply target of 2,098 new properties by 2018.

While the council has given planning permission for sufficient sites to fulfil its requirements and there have been signs of a recovery in the housing market, builders are awaiting a significant upturn in demand before taking on projects.

The authority’s Cabinet were set to increase the number of sites available to developers over the next five years, by allowing developments on sites earmarked for building from 2016 to 2026.

Following discussions with developers, it has been estimated relaxing timings on when sites can be developed could see 130 more homes built in the Bedale area, 155 extra in and around Northallerton, 101 more surrounding Stokesley and 125 extra in Easingwold.

To be considered, sites need to be immediately available and there be a good prospect of building work be completed within five years.

One of the reasons for phasing supply was to ensure the scale and timing of developments was co-ordinated with the provision of new infrastructure, such as schools and roads.

The report states: “If there are cases of significant infrastructure constraints development should not be allowed to proceed until the problems have been resolved.”

Councillor Mark Robson, the authority’s leader, said timings for developments would only be relaxed in appropriate areas where there was a shortfall in supply.

He said the move would also stop developers from proposing developments on sites not included in the council’s development plan.

At the council’s planning committee on Thursday, members will consider a plan by housebuilder Taylor Wimpey for 40 two, three and four-bedroom homes off Ripon Way, in Carlton Miniott, near Thirsk.

Planning officers have recommended the plan, which remains unchanged since being refused in April partly due to the site being earmarked for development between 2016 and 2026, be approved.