A TENANTS' union has praised a decision by the council to pass a motion banning the sale of new second homes.

Councillors on Brighton and Hove City Council voted 23 to 11 last week in favour of a proposal to support a principal residence policy in the city for new housing developments.

A spokesman for Acorn said that the passing of the motion was a "welcome outcome" but that more action needs to be taken to help provide affordable accommodation for people in the city.

He said: "Our members have been campaigning tirelessly on the issue of second homes, so the passing of this motion is a really welcome outcome and a big step towards making the housing market in Brighton fairer for local residents.

"However, it is only the beginning and we now need to see a renewed focus on providing affordable homes for families and working-class people in order to start rebuilding our communities."

Councillors approved the motion after being told that more than 2,000 homes in the city were registered as second homes for council tax purposes and that one in 37 private homes are left empty.

The council will now explore ways to impose principal residence restrictions on new building developments for residential housing in Brighton and Hove.

Labour councillor Gill Williams said: "Many families, key workers and people of all ages are being priced out of our city by the lack of affordable housing.

"Our communities are suffering because of the sky-rocketing costs of homes – and lack of control on the second home market is a major contributor to this.

"We must do all we can to prevent the development of high-cost apartments such as the gasworks, which is looming, and these are marketed specifically at the wealth investment market."

However, Conservative councillor Mary Mears said the proposals, backed by Labour and the Greens, showed a level of envy, adding that the council should be extremely careful about where it might take the restrictions.

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