Barcud has completed a £2.5 million development of 10 energy-efficient homes in the centre of Llanidloes.

The scheme, Cae’r Hen Ysgol, provides six one-bedroom houses and four two-bedroom houses, all for social rent, and has been fully let to local tenants.

The development was delivered in partnership with Llanidloes contractor JJP Services Ltd over the past 12 months, with £1.7 million support from the Welsh Government Social Housing Grant. It was built on the site of the former Sandringham Leather Goods factory on Eastgate Street.

Jason Jones, Chief Executive of Barcud Group, said: “Barcud is focused on developing mixed tenure of affordable homes for rent. Investing in the communities where affordable housing is most needed is one of the group’s priorities and ensuring those homes meet the highest standards of quality and energy efficiency is a value we are all very proud of.

“This development in Llanidloes is yet another prime example of how committed we are to working with, and supporting local supply chain businesses, in providing exciting opportunities for locals who are keen to continue living locally in Powys.”

Dave Hilliard, Contracts Manager with JJP Services, said: “This was the first time we had worked with Barcud and it was a pleasure to work together to deliver 10 very energy efficient houses for 10 local residents. We hope the new tenants will be happy with their new homes.”

Among the new tenants are Lauren Buckley and Curt Davies, who are set to move into number 9 next week. Curt works at a tattoo parlour near the new home and said he is looking forward to being able to walk to work rather than travel from Newtown.

The homes have been built using modern timber-frame construction and include solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and battery storage systems to improve energy efficiency and reduce reliance on the grid. All properties achieve an EPC rating of A.

Each home also includes off-road parking with electric vehicle charging points and private garden space.

The scheme has been awarded a Gold Secured by Design accreditation by Dyfed-Powys Police, recognising crime prevention measures incorporated from the design stage.

PC Steve Morris, Dyfed-Powys Police Designing Out Crime Officer, said: “Secured By Design contributes to the creation of sustainable communities by promoting safer, more secure environments where people feel comfortable and empowered. Secured By Design (SBD) delivers lifelong benefits to the environment, to society and most importantly, to people. Numerous research projects have consistently highlighted the effectiveness of properties built or refurbished to SBD standards in deterring crime.”

Barcud recently hosted a “Croeso” event attended by officials, new tenants, stakeholders, Welsh Government representatives and local councillors to view the completed development ahead of occupation.