The four-year framework was created by a consortium of seven housing associations representing a fifth of all social housing in Wales.

Newydd Housing Association, part of the consortium, is the first to use the new framework on projects in Aberdare and Penarth where work starts shortly.

Under the deal Leadbitter will construct 24 houses in Aberdare and a further four homes in Penarth, all built to the Code for Sustainable Homes Level 5.

Paul Roberts, chief executive of Newydd Housing Association said: “As a member of the Integrate Consortium we have access to a greater pool of shared resources and can achieve higher quality but more cost effective services through collaborative working.

“We look forward to our partnership with the Leadbitter Group and the completion of our exciting new developments in Aberdare and Penarth, allowing us to provide affordable homes for rent to people where need is at its greatest.”

Russell Houghton, Regional Director of Leadbitter’s Western Housing division, said: “We are very proud that the Integrate Consortium has appointed us to the first two projects on the framework.

“It is a testament to the work that we do to build housing in a way that has a low impact on environment, but a positive impact on the communities in which we work.”

The Integrate Consortium members are: Cadwyn Housing Association; Cardiff Community Housing Association; Coastal Housing Group; First Choice Housing Association; Newydd Housing Association; Taff Housing Association; United Welsh Housing Association; and Valleys to Coast Housing.

Integrate owns and manages around 23,000 homes, over 20% of all the housing association stock in Wales.

Its members are fully committed to providing its residents with better services, improved value for money and lower costs.