LAND in Llandrindod Wells that has been unused for two decades has been handed over to the local authority – with plans to build 20 new homes.

The land between Temple Street and Western Promenade, which has been unused for 20 years, was bought by Powys County Council’s housing services.

It will be used to build around 20 new one-bedroom flats in the centre of the spa town.

Work has been done to make the gable wall of the adjoining Grade II*-listed Automobile Palace safe and initial surveys have been completed on the site, which once formed part of the garage complex, as part of an extension in the 1960s.

The site next to the Automobile Palace in the centre of Llandrindod Wells. The site next to the Automobile Palace in the centre of Llandrindod Wells. (Image: Powys County Council)The project is now at the design phase with the public likely to be consulted over the plans in early 2025.

There are currently 457 applicants on the Homes in Powys register, waiting for a social rented property to become available in Llandrindod.

“The whole council is working together to urgently address the housing crisis we are facing,” said Councillor Matthew Dorrance, deputy leader and cabinet member for a Fairer Powys.

“This site, acquired with UK Government help, will enable us to deliver much-needed one-bedroom social rented accommodation in Llandrindod.” 

Cllr David Selby, Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys added: “I’m pleased that we have been able to facilitate the redevelopment of this derelict brownfield site, which has been unused for so long.

"It occupies a prominent location, alongside the A483 trunk road, and currently does nothing to improve the appearance of the town centre.”

To apply for social housing, visit at https://www.homesinpowys.org.uk/. For more information on applying for social housing, visit https://en.powys.gov.uk/applyforhousing.