Properties falling under a low cost homes scheme in Usk will continue to be bought and sold by Monmouthshire County Council (MCC).

The 11 properties were built in Castlewood, Usk, in 1989 by Monmouth Borough Council under a 'Build for Sale' scheme.

They are sold with a 30 per cent discount on the open market value to council tenants, first-time buyers and people either accepted as homeless or on the council's waiting list.

Buyers must also reside in the Usk, Llanbadoc, Gwehelog Fawr and Llantrisant Fawr area.

When an owner wishes to sell, they must offer the property first to the council, which has always purchased the homes back for immediate resale.

In recent years, MCC has allowed up to a 50 per cent discount where appropriate.

Last Wednesday (3rd April), cabinet approved a policy allowing the purchase and resale of the Castlewood homes to continue.

Councillor Geoff Burrows, cabinet member for social care, health and housing, said: "These properties very rarely come up for sale so the financial risk is minimal."