EVERY single new property built in Worcester between now and 2011 should be made an affordable home, according to the deputy leader of the city council.

Coun Barry Mackenzie-Williams has added his voice to the housing crisis in Worcester by saying the only way to solve the problem is to "get mean" on developers.

He wants 100 per cent of new homes in the city to be priced below market value to allow more people to afford to buy.

His comments, made at a planning committee on Thursday, represent the most radical solution yet to a debate that has been going on for years.

The idea has been played down by other members of the council over concerns that it could discourage developers from building in Worcester.

He said: "For a set period, it could be to 2011, we should have a moratorium, and only approve any more residential developments in Worcester if it provides 100 per cent affordable housing. This is a personal belief - it's something I have been toying with.

"There would be developers who wouldn't want it, but there are enough who would, and I believe we would get more affordable homes this way than by any other means.

"It is a radical idea, but we have got to do something. The Government isn't helping and it seems like we are in the hands of developers at the moment."

As previously reported in the Worcester News, an independent study revealed 335 new affordable homes need to be built each year in Worcester to keep up with demand.

The city council has admitted it is impossible to keep up with that figure - and has instead set a target of building 70 each year.

There were 88 new affordable homes built in Worcester last year, and another 92 are on course to go on sale this year.

The idea is thought to have support from a certain section of councillors, but not all of them.

Coun Bob Peachey said: "I can't see where these developers are going to come from that will make 100 per cent of all homes affordable. I appreciate the reasons behind it, but it just wouldn't work."