Rocketing house prices are blamed for first-time buyer difficulties

It was the latest meeting staged by Powys Council as part of an attempt to boost building projects.

Officials explained the policy towards affordable housing and said energy efficiency was key.

Between 2001 and 2007, average house prices in Powys have risen from �69,278 to �166,573.

At the latest meeting with more than 70 representatives from 40 town and community councils, officials described what they expected from developers.

They urged them to use energy efficiency techniques, such as solar power, when building or converting properties.

Planning process

During the past few months, Powys Council has met developers, estate agents, architects, planning consultants, housing associations and solicitors as it attempts to address the problem of a lack of affordable housing.

Wynne Jones, the council's board member with responsibility for planning, has said that the authority was "fully aware" of the problems of affordable housing.

In June, two housing bodies said Wales was short of about 40,000 affordable homes.

The Home Builders Federation and the Chartered Institute of Housing Cymru said fewer new homes were being built in Wales than at any time since World War II.

They criticised the assembly government and local authorities over the planning process and house-building policies.

The Welsh Assembly Government said it had raised spending on social housing. The Welsh Local Government Association called their views "simplistic".