PROPOSALS have been unveiled which could see a council build homes for the first time in a generation.

Today, Middlesbrough Council's executive will be asked to approve a report outlining the need for the authority to positively intervene in the housing market, and ensure the delivery of affordable homes.

If adopted, a housing delivery model would allow the council to directly build houses, as well as giving the local authority greater control over development to focus on residents’ needs rather than being market driven.

Cllr Lewis Young, Middlesbrough Council’s executive member for economic development and onfrastructure, said: “Middlesbrough is currently witnessing city-scale developments – both Council and private sector-led – and the economic growth of the city centre needs to be backed up with a housing offer to match."