Changes to Welsh Government legislation following the coronavirus outbreak mean residents have been given extra time to comment on the redevelopment of Welshpool's Neuadd Maldwyn.

The application to convert Powys County Council’s grade II-listed building – formerly the home of Montgomeryshire County Council – in Severn Road into a 66-bed independent living accommodation has been delayed, because new procedures brought in during the pandemic mean a new consultation must be undertaken.

A pre-application consultation exercise was completed in April, but ClwydAlyn Housing Association, which is responsible for the development, must now do it again.

The consultation allows developers to talk to nearby residents or communities before applying or larger developments, giving people an opportunity to raise any concerns they may have.

Craig Sparrow, executive director of development for ClwydAlyn, said: "In light of this new guidance, we have to undertake an additional consultation which will take around four weeks to complete, to make sure we consult properly with our neighbours.

"The pre-application consultation phase is now underway and we have written to local stakeholders to advise them of this process. All Welshpool people are very welcome to view the plans and let us know their thoughts. If anyone requires paper copies of the plans they should contact us via admin@lovelockmitchell.com"

Councillor Myfanwy Alexander, cabinet member with responsibility for adult social care with the council added: "In this very challenging time, it's still vital that we give local residents an opportunity to comment on our plans, which is why ClwydAlyn is undertaking an extra consultation. I would encourage all interested parties to respond and your views will help us shape this exciting project."

The consultation phase closes on July 3.