Welshpool 32-house estate planned for 450-space car park

A 450-space car park could be turned into an affordable housing under county council plans.

Thirty-two homes would be built on the Berriew Street car park in Welshpool, Powys, leaving 56 parking spaces, if the development goes ahead.

Matthew Dorrance, deputy leader of Powys County Council and the cabinet member for housing, said the local authority had set a target of 350 social homes for rent by 2031 but land for development was in “short supply”.

When questioned about legality of transferring the land between council departments, head of housing services Andy Thompson said the move met legal requirements.

Dorrance, of Labour, told the economy, residents and community scrutiny committee meeting on Wednesday there was a high demand for social housing in Welshpool.

A report found 414 households on the housing register placed Welshpool as their first choice.

There are 33 homeless households living in temporary accommodation in the town, with an average of 370 days before they are homed.

The cost of transferring the car park from the council’s highways, transport and recycling department to housing was £280,000 while the market value would be £525,000.

Liberal Democrat councillor Corinna Kenyon-Wade queried how the figures were calculated.

In reply, Mr Thompson explained they were based on how much developing houses to be sold at market value would be worth, and the difference in building homes for social renting.

Conservative councillor Peter Lewington said he wanted a more “balanced picture” to be reported so that the loss of car parking spaces on town centre businesses could be analysed.

A meeting of the cabinet will consider the plan on Tuesday.