MID Wales Housing is hoping to build 11 flats in the middle of Machynlleth, on the site of a former agricultural feed company depot.

The Newtown based social housing landlord, has submitted a planning application to demolish the existing steel and portal shed at the former CCF Yard (Clynderwen and Cardiganshire Farmer Ltd) yard on Heol Maengwyn, and build one and two bedroom flats there.

The agricultural company has moved its base in Machynlleth to the Treowain industrial estate.

Architects and agents for Mid Wales Housing, George & Tomos say in the Design and Access Statement: "The application involves the proposed demolition of existing steel portal frame shed and construction of 11 new flats/apartments with associated parking and either a private external garden or communal garden space."

"The existing site makes for an ideal infill plot, located close to the town centre and within walking distance of all the towns amenities.

"The general layout has been designed to ensure continuation of the existing street scene and frontage along Heol Maengwyn in this location."

The flats would be part of a two-storey and three storey building.

The agents added "Although taller than adjacent properties, it is designed to be similar in size to other three storey properties in the vicinity."

As the proposal is for a 10 or more dwelling in a "Welsh Speaking Stronghold" a Welsh Language Impact Assessment has also been done as part of the application.

This means that developments within Machynlleth and similar communities: "must wherever possible protect and promote the Welsh language and mitigate any negative impacts."

George & Tomos say in the Welsh language impact assessment: that Welsh language is mainly influenced by the nature of the "community."

In Machynlleth 65.6 per cent of the population are born in Wales, yet, 66.7 per cent can communicate in some way in Welsh.

George & Tomos believe that this small rise shows that people who move to the area learn the language.

It adds: "Machynlleth is doing very well in terms of the national average, it is one of the few places that has an increase between birth and actual Welsh speakers - a positive effect on the language.

"This is down to the community where integration is easy and inclusive with ample opportunity to learn the language in a choice of ways, classes, local groups, or simply speaking with locals and longer-term residents, where the language is used commonly and more regularly than other parts of Wales."

The report concludes that the agents believe the development would not have a negative impact on the Welsh language.