Work begins to build 34 local council homes

Two new council housing developments in the area have reached a significant milestone, with construction now underway at sites in Welshpool and Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant.

The developments, located at the former Gungrog School site in Welshpool and near the Maes yr Esgob estate in Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant, will deliver new affordable homes to help meet housing demand in the area.

Powys County Council is working with local company SJ Roberts Construction Ltd to deliver the schemes, which form part of the council's programme to increase the supply of high-quality, sustainable housing across the county.

Cllr Matthew Dorrance, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Powys, said: “It was fantastic to see work begin on these much-needed council homes. They represent another important step in our commitment to providing secure, affordable and high-quality homes for people across Powys.

“Council homes are key to ending the housing emergency, and these developments show the progress we are making to increase their supply across the county. They will help meet a range of local housing needs, giving individuals and families the opportunity to put down roots in the communities they know.

“Their energy-efficient design will also help residents manage household costs, while supporting our ambition to build a Stronger, Fairer, Greener Powys. I look forward to seeing both developments take shape and the lasting difference they will make for residents and the wider community.”

Council-appointed contractor SJ Roberts Construction Ltd will deliver 34 highly insulated, energy-efficient homes across the two developments.

Mike Sambrook, Managing Director at SJ Roberts Construction, said: “It’s great to see work underway on these developments and to mark that milestone alongside the team at Powys County Council. These schemes build on our growing relationship with the council and we’re proud to be supporting a number of important projects across the county.

“As a locally based contractor, we take real pride in delivering projects that will have a lasting impact on the communities around us. These 34 homes have been designed to provide high-quality, energy-efficient accommodation that responds directly to local housing need, and we’re looking forward to seeing both schemes take shape over the coming months.”

In Welshpool, 16 bungalows will be built on the former Gungrog School site. The school building has been demolished to make way for homes designed to meet local housing need and support more sustainable living.

In Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant, 18 homes will be built on land north-west of Maes yr Esgob. The development will include one, two and three-bedroom houses and bungalows, as well as one-bedroom flats, providing a range of affordable homes for the community.

Part-funded by the Welsh Government, the homes will be owned and managed by Powys County Council and allocated through the Common Housing Register.

PICTURE:

Left: Former Gungrog Site, Welshpool (from left):Councillor Matthew Dorrance (Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Powys), County Councillor Carol Robinson (Welshpool Gungrog), Mike Sambrook (Managing Director at SJ Roberts Construction)

Right: Maes yr Esgob, Llanrhaeadr-ym-mochnant (from left): Nicola Downes (Housing Development Officer, Powys County Council), Councillor Matthew Dorrance (Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Powys), County Councillor Aled Davies (Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant and Llansilin), Ed Marston (Site Manager), Mike Sambrook (Managing Director at SJ Roberts Construction).