WINCHESTER civic chiefs have come under fire for failing to plan for a possible council house revival.

The Government announced in January it will make it easier for councils to start building their own homes again.

But a city council report on planning more affordable housing in the economic downturn failed to consider new local authority homes.

Instead the cabinet on Monday April 20 approved a more “positive and flexible” approach in dealing with planning applications from private housing developers.

Other proposals include selling council-owned land for development and allowing some 100 per cent social housing schemes.

Winchester is among about 100 local authorities in England that still manages and owns council properties.

The council plan came under attack from Alan Rickman, joint chairman of TACT (Tenants and Councils Together).

He told the cabinet: “Building new council housing should be an option and not abandoned as a non-starter. As this is already an issue being considered by government, sweeping it under the carpet is not the way forward.

“TACT considers that the future for affordable housing has to include building council homes.”

Lib-Dem Cllr Karen Barratt also made a plea for more council homes to help people in need of housing.

She said: “I grew up on a council estate. It was a wonderful day for us - a family of six - moving from a one-bedroom flat to a four-bedroom council house. We ought to be providing good quality houses for people to rent.”

Cllr Tony Coates, portfolio holder for housing, said a report would be prepared for cabinet in the summer.

Tory council leader George Beckett said: “I am concerned from the criticism of TACT that we seem to have neglected that angle. I understand that it may not be a viable option but we need to demonstrate that.”