SOCIAL housing plans for a new development have been presented to a community council.

Work on The Chapters development just off Pen y Turnpike Road is currently under way on the site of the former Ardwyn children's home in Dinas Powys.

Trevor Saunders of the Vale of Glamorgan Council's housing department and Fatima Yarwood from Hafod Housing Association were in attendance to put forward the plans.

Two houses, both with two bedrooms, were to be provided for low cost ownership.

Although no actual prices were currently available, it is thought that the cost would be around £160,000 each.

The buyers would contribute 70 per cent of the cost. In addition, two one-bedroom apartments and two houses would be available for rent.

The allocation of the properties was to conform with the guidelines regarding priorities and allocation in line with the current Homes4U and Aspire2Own policies.

These arrangements were part of the planning consent approved by the Vale council.

Councillor Keith Hatton, chairman of Dinas Powys Community Council, said there was a desire to ensure local people had an opportunity to live in Dinas Powys.

All new developments across the Vale were to have an element of low cost housing. It is believed this is the first such scheme in Dinas Powys.

Cllr Hatton added: "It is important that people with a local connection to Dinas Powys should benefit from new housing developments."

Cllr Bronwen Brooks is the Vale's cabinet member for housing, community safety and building services.

She said: “The affordable housing at this development will provide those looking to buy their first home, but who cannot afford to do so, with an opportunity to do so at a reduced cost.

"The eligibility criteria for the new shared equity homes will be focused on applicants’ ability to meet the cost of a mortgage and on the strength of their connection to the local area.

"This is an approach that we have worked with the community council to develop and one that has worked very well for recent affordable housing schemes in Cowbridge and Llantwit Major.

"We have every confidence that we will see an equally positive outcome in Dinas Powys.”