Milestone reached on low-carbon development

The first plots at the low-carbon Maes Maendu development in Brecon have been handed over to Powys County Council by contractor JG Hale Construction.Powys County Council began building the development – its first affordable housing development for social rent in more than 40 years – in February 2020, as part of its wider target to build 250 low-carbon homes over the next five years, in line with Vision 2025.JG Hale Construction’s contracts manager, Andrew Collins, was joined by project manager for Powys County Council, Simone Hodges to mark the important milestone at the Brecon site.The scheme has used Welsh timber within its construction, supporting Powys County Council’s Wood Encouragement Policy.JG Hale is also committed to using local sub-contractors and suppliers.Three individuals from the local areas were providing with labouring positions on site, with further work experience placements facilitated, totalling 229 targeted recruitment and training weeks on site.The new residents at Maes Maendu have been joined by a number of birds, who have recently moved into the nesting boxes situated around the development, as well as a pair of mallard ducks.