North Yorkshire Council plans to deliver at least 500 new homes

North Yorkshire Council said rural areas faced a housing "crisis"

North Yorkshire Council has made an "ambitious" pledge to build at least 500 council homes in the county.

The plan, formally approved on Wednesday, aims to meet demand in towns as well as in rural areas which the council said faced a housing "crisis".

It includes proposals to tackle homelessness and improve the energy efficiency of properties.

Council executive member for housing Simon Myers said: "Every resident should have access to decent housing."

'Bold plan'

Mr 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."

He said the "bold plan" would deliver 500 council homes as a minimum and would include more affordable properties.

"Every resident should have access to decent housing and their many needs, young and old," he added.

"Our strategy is not just about building homes, it is about creating the right homes in the right places."