Timber opens door to £2m homes grant for Newtown
New homes being built in Newtown have won a £2.5 million grant thanks to their use of Welsh timber.
The scheme was awarded the money from the Welsh Government’s Innovative Housing Programme to build 26 one-bedroomed flats.
The service has been awarded £2.6 million from £43m funding pot which has been set up to build new quality, affordable homes across Wales.
Houses that generate their own power and homes built using local materials or supply chains qualified for a grant.
The low-carbon flats, which received planning permission in September, will be available for rent and will help Powys County Council meets its Vision 2025 – to build a minimum of 250 affordable homes across the county by 2023.
Councillor James Evans, cabinet member for housing, said: “I’m delighted that we have received this funding from the Welsh Government, who see what we are planning to build as an innovative project.
“This will support the council in delivering on our promise to develop 250 additional homes over the next five years that meet the needs of the local communities across Powys.
“This development is just the first of many housing developments that we are planning across the county.
“Our design takes into account our Wood Encouragement Policy, which will see Welsh timber used for both the primary structure and external materials including windows and doors.
“This exciting development is one that will meet the needs of the local community.”
With planning permission granted and the tender process nearing completion, work on the development will start early next year and take 18 months to complete.
