By Elgan Hearn, Local Democracy Reporter
Work is on track to deliver 250 affordable homes in Powys by 2023, the County Council has confirmed.
This week’s cabinet was updated on progress with housebuilding a highlight in a report looking at how the Corporate Improvement Plan (2018-23) is progressing.
While the report said that the council’s performance, according to the accountability measures, had dipped between January and the end of March, it was explained that the authority had to cope with the February storms and the onset of Coronavirus.
Head of transformation and communications, Emma Palmer, said: “I’m pleased to report that work is on track for 250 affordable homes by 2023 with sites bought, planning applications submitted and contracts awarded at various sites throughout the county.”
Ms Palmer added that work had started and told councillors that the current position with the building projects is:
· Building started for 32 homes in Brecon
· Awarded contracts for 26 flats in Newtown and seven Passivehaus (ecologically friendly design) homes in Sarn.
· Planning permission given for 22 homes in Llanidloes and a decision on contracts needed.
· Planning permission for 13 homes in Clyro with a decision on contracts needed.
· A planning application in for 18 homes in Newtown waiting for a decision.
· A site for 21 homes bought house in Llandrinio.
· A site for up to 36 homes bought in Newtown.
“A significant amount of work has taken place in our housing services and we’re well on our way to achieving the ambition of 250 new affordable homes,” said Ms Palmer.
She added that a model of care North Powys Wellbeing programme had been agreed, but the project had been put on hold due to coronavirus.
Council leader Councillor Rosemarie Harris, said: “It’s good to know that we have a lot work on track even though we have had to deal with the business critical activities and all the emergencies. There is also a lot of evidence of services working together which is very encouraging.
“It’s important to note that we are delivering our plan.”
Portfolio holder for corporate governance and engagement Councillor Graham Breeze, of Welshpool, added: “This has probably been the most unprecedented quarter that the local authority has ever experienced.”
He thanked all the staff for their hard work, keeping services running and the people of Powys “safe and well” during a very difficult time.
The cabinet approved the report with the recommendation that work would be done to improve the areas that had underperformed.