Calls for a council to purchase properties for residents in efforts to tackle the housing crisis could 'deflect staff work' already in progress, a councillor warned.

A notice of motion proposed by Cllr Kate Wheller on behalf of the Labour Group called for Weymouth and Portland Borough Council to “urgently” acquire a number of houses currently being developed to offer them for rent or shared ownership.

The notice of motion was discussed at Thursday's full council meeting and was met with concerns from Cllr Gill Taylor, who is the authority's housing spokesman.

Cllr Kate Wheller said the proposal had been driven on by "pure frustration".

Speaking at the meeting she said: "We have no doubt that Cllr Taylor and (council leader) Cllr Cant can tell us about all the schemes and projects, but talking about schemes doesn't provide homes.

"The county council is having a recruitment drive for social workers, hospital nurses and so many more jobs.

"This is because we have a shortfall of housing and ones that are affordable. We need to encourage young people to stay here, and they need homes.

"Bulk buying some existing buildings is an answer."

Cllr Wheller also requested that the proposal moves straight to management committee for discussion rather than the policy committee to speed up the process, but this was rejected by councillors.

Cllr Taylor, said she welcomed any initiative to bring forward more affordable housing.

However, she said that the borough already has an accelerated home-building programme and assured members that a lot of work is being done.

Cllr Taylor is a key supporter of the Opening Doors campaign which aims to encourage the construction of a total of 20,000 more homes in the councils’ areas by 2033. The scheme was recently praised by West Dorset MP Oliver Letwin.

Cllr Taylor said: "My concern about this initiative is that it could be deflecting staff away from work already in progress."

The proposal will be discussed at the next council policy committee.