Timber frame manufacturer Michael Benfield has shown an audience of architects, housing association representatives and local government officials how engineered timber structures can be built for under £60,000.

Dr Benfield, managing director of Benfield ATT, told the Brecon conference organised by the Welsh Timber Forum that timber frame can be adapted to meet deputy prime minister John Prescott’s challenge to build homes for £60,000.

He also called for a relaxation of planning controls to free up land for development.

He said: “Creating the certainty of a continuous, ongoing supply of development land, able to receive uninterrupted factory-built houses, will encourage investment in off-site, modern methods of construction and greater use of sustainable timber to reduce greenhouse gases.”