A NEW almshouse development of 24 flats and ten houses will be built in Monmouth almost 400 years after a local man founded a charity to support its predecessor.

The scheme of one bedroomed flats and two bedroomed houses will be built on the current almshouse site off St James' Square in the town.

Housing developer Lovell received planning consent for the development in June and work is due to start later this year.

It is working on the project with Bristol Charities which specialises in almshouse for older people.

Two planning applications were submitted to Monmouthshire council for the demolition of the existing almshouse block and for full planning consent for the replacement scheme of almshouses and houses.

This was after Bristol Charities took over the trusteeship of the William Jones' Almshouse Charity from the Haberdashers' Company.

William Jones was a local man who made his fortune as a merchant in Stade, near Hamburg, and then went on to found the almshouse charity at Monmouth in 1641 as well as Monmouth School.

He appointed the Haberdashers' Company as trustee of the charity which will now change its role to patron.

David Jones, chief executive of Bristol Charities says: "We are delighted that this 400-year-old charity will provide twenty-first century accommodation for older people in need in Monmouth, continuing to meet the objectives laid down by William Jones."

Kate Rees from Lovell said the project will provide attractive and modern affordable housing for the older community as well as quality homes for the wider community.