THE former Travis Perkins site in Machynlleth is set to be replaced with a mixture of houses and flats creating 20 new homes.

Powys County Council planners have given the green light to proposals to develop four houses and 16 flats on the Heol Y Doll site.

Travis Perkins is now based at the Treowain Industrial Estate in Machynlleth.

There will also be 18 car parking spaces created with the development.

A design and access statement outlining the plans, said: "The scale of the development has been designed to reflect the site's location and the historic content of adjacent buildings.

"Historically Machynlleth had Victorian villas positioned on either side of the main road, in time a lower level of detail was adopted with the later day infill developments but still retaining a gable detail to the roof.

"The proposed refurbished existing buildings, the third block is new build and has two floors. The residential properties fit within the existing commercial structure and reflect the heritage of the timber yard."

According to the design and access statement, a feature of the development is the chance to offer a range of homeowners the opportunity to live on a that is close to the town.

The scheme also offers a genuine opportunity to have a commuting population with public transport being strongly provided.

It adds: "This statement demonstrates that the design of the scheme incorporates good quality materials that reflect the local vernacular of Machynlleth. The site contributes to the local environment, together with

a mix of flats and houses the design will provide local accommodation supported by the existing community networks of roads and railway.

"The design of the scheme is responsive to the historic character of Machynlleth and provides accommodation that will suit a wide mix of occupants.

"Several improvements have also been made to improve existing pedestrian and vehicular access to the site, where possible. This will also improve road safety in the area by reducing traffic speed and improving pedestrian safety.

"The proposal is, therefore, compliant with both national and local policy requirements in these respects."