The rise in rural house values has priced out some local people

Those behind the scheme for 24 homes in Crickhowell, Powys, say it will provide less expensive housing for families struggling to gain a foothold on the property ladder.

But a petition has been sent to the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority.

Opponents say alternative sites for local social housing should be used.

Rising prices and second home ownership in rural areas have led to claims local people are being priced out of the market.

If the housing association development in Crickhowell is given planning permission, sale of the houses will be restricted to local people and the homes will not be placed on the open market.

Price rises

The development will be the first of its kind in a Welsh national park, if approved.

According to the latest Land Registry figures, the average house price in Powys is �163,000, compared to the average price in Wales of �133,000.

Charlene Brown, who currently lives in bed and breakfast accommodation in mid Wales, said either buying or renting a family home in Crickhowell was financially difficult.

Ms Brown said: "It's really difficult because the majority of the council houses have been bought.

"With rented accommodation, I need a two or three bedroom house, so you're talking �400-�500 (a month).

"It takes a lot of money to live around here.

The development is planned for the outskirts of Crickhowell

"I think (the housing scheme) is a very good idea - it keeps all the families here and all the young people who want to live where they've grown up."

Rural housing enabler Rhidian Jones, who helps develop affordable housing policies independently, said local people only would be considered for ownership of the new homes.

He added: "If this planning application's successful, it will use what is called the rural exception site policy, which is specifically for affordable housing for local people.

"Attached to any planning approval would be a legal agreement which also legally restricts the occupancy to local people.

"It's going to be a flagship scheme and I'm confident we'll be able to replicate it elsewhere."

There is some local opposition to the scheme and a petition has been sent to the national park authority.

One of the opponents, Brian Moss, said: "Our objection is there are other sites which have been identified for affordable housing.

"This is a green field site. We consider that before building on such sites they should use the brown field sites."