TWO Rivers Housing is planning a multi-million pound move to Newent.

The major housing association wants to build a brand new energy efficient HQ at the Cleeve Mill Business Park on the edge of town.

Most of the workers are expected to move from the association's rented offices at the Vantage Point Business Village in Mitcheldean.

But those behind the move say it is still a major investment in the market town, creating the biggest white collar company in the area.

The announcement follows two years of talks between Newent Initiative chief Peter Street and Two Rivers.

Mr Street said: "It's absolutely brilliant news for Newent.

"This land has been designated for employment for more than 40 years and it is rather nice that something is happening at last.

"In round figures we are talking about 150 jobs. I should imagine the people doing the jobs will move with Two Rivers but I'm sure as time goes on, natural wastage and expansion will open up opportunities for local people."

Mr Street said he decided to 'knock on the door' more than two years ago after learning that Two Rivers wanted to own rather than rent its offices. Two Rivers chief executive Garry King outlined the plans to Newent Town Council on Monday and showed sketches of the planned new building.

He said they expected to apply for planning permission in April and building could start by the end of the year.

Mr King said: 'To enable us to reduce our overall costs we have researched the options open to us and an energy efficient office would enable us to significantly reduce our overheads. These savings could be invested into existing and new homes for local people.

"The site in Newent has potential and would allow us to remain accessible to our tenants, however, we are only at the preliminary proposal stage."