Power housing development proposed for Neath

Plans have been submitted for a power-generating housing development in Neath Port Talbot as part of the Swansea Bay City Deal.The proposed development will provide 16 new homes on the site of the former Hafod Care Home in Neath. It will comprise eight two- and three-bedroom homes and eight one-bedroom flats.The Neath site has been chosen to demonstrate a concept where buildings can generate, store and release their own energy, helping to reduce fuel poverty and its impact on health and wellbeing.The ‘Homes as Power Stations’ project is being led by Neath Port Talbot Council and could kick start a construction programme with a projected investment of more than £500m when the concept is operational across the region.The application has been made by the council’s partner Pobl Group, supported by Specific, which developed the technology in Neath Port Talbot.If approved, work on the pilot development is could start in 2017.