Builders will be forced to almost double the number of cheaper homes they plan for residential developments in Bolton under a new scheme.

And owners of properties left lying empty could have them taken over and let out by Bolton Council.

The proposals for up to 700 affordable homes over the next three years are a bid to help the high numbers of people unable to afford to either privately rent or buy their own home due to soaring property prices.

Between 2001 and 2006, property prices in Bolton rose by 120 percent. A survey of 3,200 households carried out by the council revealed 73 percent could not afford to buy their first home while 44 percent could not even afford to privately rent.

Currently, developments of more than 15 homes must include 20 percent of them are affordable housing but under the new proposals that proportion will rise to 35 percent.

And to cut down on empty and unused property in the borough, the plan recommends the council starts to use Empty Dwelling Management Orders, which were introduced by the Government last April.

If a property owner refuses to sell or rent out the property for more than six months, the council can go to a tribunal and apply for the power to carry out work on the building and then rent it out to a tenant. In extreme cases, councils do not even need the owner's co-operation.

Cllr Akhtar Zaman, Bolton's executive member for regeneration said: "The demand for affordable housing in Bolton is outstripping supply at a considerable rate.

"Over the last two years we had more than 10,700 expressions of interest for only 2,485 homes.

"Failure to increase the supply of new affordable housing would have a negative impact on future economic growth in Bolton with low paid workers unable to buy or rent housing and restricted choice and access for groups such as the elderly or disabled."

Bolton Council could also consider selling some of its own land at below market value to allow affordable homes to be built.

The action plan also wants to see more provision for the elderly and vulnerable, such as the 39-apartment Manor Court in Harwood, which is due to be completed in 2009 and will be the area's first combined private and social sector "extra care" housing scheme.