The former Travis Perkins site in Newtown could be transformed into a new residential area consisting of an apartment block and terraced housing.

Plans have been submitted to ask Powys County Council's permission to build six terraced houses and 32 flats at the empty builders merchant site in New Road.

The applicant, Mid Wales Property Ltd, wants to build high quality one, two and three bedroom properties of varied tenure to help address a local demand for affordable housing by 18 to 30 year olds, and changes to the welfare system.

A design and access statement by Dr Robert Thomas, of Hiraeth Architecture said: "This demographic is particularly critical in supporting and sustaining the viability of the Town Centre, both in meeting the demands of employment and as key users."

The proposed name for the residential area is Miller's Place and the buildings would borrow characteristics from the town's former mills and warehouses.

It includes a mix of housing types including one and two bedroom flats in a four-storey apartment, as well as two and three bedroom houses with gardens.

The site near St David's Church was used as a builder's yard by Travis Perkins until the business closed the Newtown branch in June 2020.

Dr Thomas added: "The Newtown Place Plan reports that, 'as of 24th June 2020, there were 407 applicants on the Common Housing Register, seeking social rented accommodation in Newtown. This figure represents only applicants who have indicated Newtown as their first choice of location.’ The proposed development seeks to address this demand through proposing 100 per cent affordable tenure, of mixed housing types, to address this need.

"To provide residential occupancy in the heart of Newtown that meets local demand, with good access to amenities, transport links and the associated sustainable living, whilst also generating further economic benefits within the town.

"The site offers an opportunity for a housing mix, extremely well connected to a wide range of amenities, links, services and job opportunities that can directly appeal to the key target 18-30 demographic."

Comments can be made to Powys County Council on application 21/1961/FUL, with a decision expected at a later date.