Two of York's most senior politicians are urging the government for more funding to increase affordable housing at the £2bn York Central regeneration scheme. Labour Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, stated his determination to see affordable homes double from 20% to 40% at the site.
City of York Council's Labour leader, Clare Douglas, confirmed that while planning permission mandates a minimum of 20% affordable homes, there are ambitions to exceed this. Homes England is reportedly collaborating with other York Central stakeholders to investigate options for increasing affordable housing.
The first phase of the York Central development received detailed planning approval last month. This clears the way for over 1,000 homes, a hotel, offices, and a new entrance to York Railway Station. The site's developers, along with the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, the city council, and Homes England, are working together to secure additional government funding.
Tom Gilman, managing director of McLaren Regeneration, one of the firms involved, expressed confidence that the government will provide funding for affordable housing. He stated that the process of securing an additional affordable housing grant is underway.