Price caps should be put on affordable housing to prevent local people from being outpriced, a councillor has suggested.

North Norfolk District Council's Andrew Brown, cabinet member for planning, called for the measure to be brought in following criticism that many properties marketed as affordable remain out of reach for many people.

A cap reflecting the average income for a local area would then be put on prices. 

The proposal forms part of NNDC's response to a government consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework. This important document, currently being revised, helps local councils determine the housing decisions they make.

Andrew brown, cabinet member for planning and enforcementAndrew brown, cabinet member for planning and enforcement (Image: North Norfolk District Council)

At a cabinet meeting this week, Mr Brown said: "The definition of affordable housing needs to be completely reconsidered.

"It is our view affordable housing should be linked to local income and affordable rents."

Fakenham town centreFakenham town centre (Image: Denise Bradley)

"There is lots of disquiet that affordable housing is banded around as a term but it does not actually really mean that in practical terms.

He has suggested that a price cap could be set at a cost that is three times the average joint income for a family.

Currently, affordable housing is defined as homes let or sold at least 20pc below local market rents or value.

An aerial view of Stalham, one of north Norfolk's market townsAn aerial view of Stalham, one of north Norfolk's market towns (Image: Mike Page)

However in areas where properties are expensive, people continue to struggle to afford homes.

The proposal comes as the Liberal Democrat-controlled authority has agreed to explore a raft of measures to attempt to tackle the housing crisis and homelessness.

This also includes lobbying the government for more money to help cover housing costs for people fleeing domestic abuse, which is one of the main reasons people become homeless.

It is thought there is a £1.8m pot of funds available, yet councillor Wendy Fredericks claimed NNDC is yet to receive any of this cash support.

Other measures proposed include working closer with parish and town councils to better help people find housing support, and more focus on early interventions.