DETAILED plans for a housing estate of 42 homes in Ystradgynlais have been lodged with Powys County Council.

The proposal by Persimmon Homes West Wales is for a range of two, three and four-bedroom homes and all the associated works at the site of the former Penrhos primary school site in the town.

But, despite Ystradgynlais being one of the most deprived areas of Powys, there is no provision of affordable homes in the scheme.

Outline planning permission, which establishes the principle for development was agreed by the Powys County Council planning committee at a meeting in July 2019.

At that meeting concerns about the lack of affordable housing and what the council is getting from the s106 legal agreement were aired.

The s106 agreement is that the applicants are expected to pay £17,500 for extra play equipment at the nearby Penrhos playing field.

The formal letter of approval was not sent until February 2020.

Agent Ryan Greaney explained the proposal in a design and access statement.

Mr Greaney said: “All dwellings are two or two and a half storeys in height, the mix offers a wide range of properties including starter, mid-market and larger family homes.

“The house type style ensures that the proposed dwellings respond to the character of the area.”

The proposed development has been designed with sustainability in mind and is an important consideration of the overall development.

“This is considered to be a sustainable location with access to retail,

education, recreational space, employment opportunities and public transport.”

He added that the “outward facing” development would create a defined street scene and “sense of place.”

Mr Greaney added:  “The sense of community already in the area along with the provision of defensible space in the form of private driveways, front gardens and good natural surveillance will promote a sense of ownership to the residents of the dwellings.”

Mr Greaney also claimed that the development would create 63 jobs for the construction industry and supply chains.

Penrhos was one of several schools in the Ystradgynlais area that was closed in 2012 as part of a multi-million scheme by PCC.

Four new schools were to be built in the area to replace 10.

A decision on the application is expected by May 17.