Plans for 18 affordable homes in Newtown have been approved by councillors – despite suggestions that they do not meet the need in the town for one-bedroom properties.

The planning application at the former Red Dragon pub and Newtown youth centre site on Plantation lane was discussed at a meeting of the planning committee today (Thursday, July 2).

The buildings have already been demolished to make way for the development put forward by Powys County Council’s own affordable housing team.

But Councillor Hywel Lewis, (Llangunllo – Independent) said: “It’s great to see a brownfield site utilised for housing, I’m all for that. When reading the report it struck me it wasn’t the best use of the site, from my point of view.

“There is an unmet need for single dwelling properties and two bedroomed bungalows for people to down size. I do feel it’s a lost opportunity.”

The plans are for a mixture of 11 two-bedroom, three three-bed, two four-bed and one five-bed house, and a three-bedroom bungalow.

Documents lodged with the application indicated that there are families on the housing waiting list that need these types of houses.

Councillor David Selby (Newtown Central – Liberal Democrat) said: “It’s a very good development, and gone through a very sensible consultation.”

Cllr Selby explained that there is a scheme for 26 one-bedroomed flats at the former bowling green near the town centre, that “should have been built by now”.

The scheme has been delayed due to the developer, Jistcourt, going into administration last year.

“That’s one reason why that need has not been met, but it will be hopefully in the future,” said Cllr Selby

On the Red Dragon site application, Cllr Selby added: “It ticks all the boxes it is an extension of an existing council estate.”

But Councillor Phil Pritchard, (Welshpool Castle – Independent), said: “In Newtown the demand is for one-bedroom places and here we are talking about not keeping to that rule.

“I’m not happy with it, we are talking about houses that may well be affordable, but they are not satisfying the demand.”

The plans were approved by 18 votes to one.

Minor amendments to the parking layout of plots 12 to 18 there will be done by planning officers.