Plans to build 32 one-bedroomed flats on the site of a former council offices in Newtown have been given the go-ahead.

A planning application for the council-rent flats on the site of the former Robert Owen House in Newtown was approved by Powys County Council’s Planning, Taxi Licensing & Rights of Way Committee on Thursday, June 16.

The energy efficient flats will be managed by the council’s affordable housing team. The new homes will be owned and managed by the council and allocated to applications on the Powys Common Housing Register.

Cllr Matthew Dorrance, deputy leader and cabinet member for a fairer Powys, said: “I’m delighted that planning permission has been granted for this much-needed social housing development.

“One of the priorities of the new cabinet is to tackle the housing emergency in the county and this can be achieved by building high quality council housing. This development in Newtown will be important as we look to meet this priority.”

The council will look to appoint a contractor through a formal tendering process to build the development.