A new housing development in Newtown has prompted Powys County Council to replace existing poor quality trees with new ones. A new development is to be built on the former Robert Owen House in the town. Once completed, the new development will contain 32 one-bedroom flats.

The new flats are to be constructed by J Harper and Sons on behalf of Powys County Council. To make up for the loss of the existing trees, the landscape management has planned for the construction to follow the arboricultural report, which sets out a strong scheme for mitigative tree planting to replace what will be lost to an acceptable level.

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Powys, Cllr Matthew Dorrance, said: "As part of this development, a survey was conducted and found that there were a number of trees that are poor quality or in poor health.

"We are committed to supporting a greener future for our housing estates so we be removing the existing trees and will be planting high quality, native trees and shrubs as part of this exciting development, which will meet the needs of the local community."

Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys, Cllr Jackie Charlton, said: "We understand that the removal of trees can be emotive for the local community when it comes to new developments. However, it is important that if they are to be removed then an appropriate planting scheme is in place to ensure that we maintain the local biodiversity to help deliver a greener Powys."