32 affordable homes completed and opened

A new council housing development providing 32 one-bedroom homes has been completed and officially opened in Newtown.

The £6.6 million scheme, known as Clos Robert Owen, has been built on the site of the former Robert Owen House council offices and is now ready for residents to move in.

Developed by Powys County Council and constructed by J Harper and Sons, the project forms part of wider efforts to increase the supply of affordable housing in the area.

An opening event was held on Thursday, March 12, attended by representatives from the county council, the contractor and Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council.

The development has been supported by £4.9 million in Welsh Government funding through the Social Housing Grant. The homes have been built using modern construction methods and are rated EPC A for energy efficiency.

All 32 properties will be owned and managed by the council and allocated through the Homes in Powys scheme. According to the council, tenants have a local connection to Newtown and are expected to begin moving in shortly.

Clos Robert Owen is located within walking distance of the town centre, as well as local schools, shops and transport links. Environmental works have also been carried out on site, including tree removal and new planting.

Speaking at the opening, Cllr Matthew Dorrance, Deputy Leader of Powys County Council, said the development would “make a real difference” to residents and highlighted its link to Robert Owen, the Newtown-born social reformer.

The scheme comes amid ongoing demand for affordable housing across Powys, with the council continuing to bring forward new developments and bring existing properties back into use.

The Homes in Powys allocation system allows applicants to register once and be considered for housing offered by the council and participating housing associations across the county.