A PLANNING application for the first major affordable housing scheme in Lostwithiel has been submitted.

Cash-saving environmental technology will underpin the housing development off Castle Hill in Lostwithiel, which includes 16 affordable properties of the 32 in total.

Mayor Vic May said: "There are an awful lot of young people who want to stay in the town and it's a chance to buy their own homes. I believe this is the first big affordable housing development to face the town.

"The town council has been working with Situ8 planning consultants and Cornwall Council on this for a while. We will just have to wait and see the plans now."

Plans include under floor heating served by air source heat pumps which provide energy-saving heating and hot water.

Other green aspects of the development include the installation of low energy internal lights and outside drying spaces in the form of rotary dryers or fixed posts.

The proposals are a mix of 32 open market and affordable houses comprising one to three bedroom dwellings, which the developer, Wycliffe Estates Ltd, aims to complete by spring 2012.

Christopher Taylor, managing director of Wycliffe Estates said: "We have worked hard over the last two years both with Lostwithiel Town Council and local people to get to this point and with continuing support we hope to see building commence in around nine months' time."

Prices for the affordable accommodation are expected to range from £67,000 to £105,000.