Caerphilly set to build first new council homes since 2003

Caerphilly Council has published new plans to build its first local authority homes since 2003.

The plans were included in a report entitled Building Together which was recently endorsed at a recent meeting of the council’s housing and regeneration scrutiny committee.

The report includes proposals, subject to planning approval, to build new council housing on small developments in Nelson, Bedwas and Trecenydd.

A new purpose-built scheme for older persons is also being considered on the site of the former Ty Darren care home in Risca.

A number of larger development sites are also part of the proposal, with feasibility studies planned to assess viability.

The report also outlines the council’s plans to explore the use of modern methods of construction, including modular homes built off-site.

This approach would deliver energy efficient homes with a much smaller carbon footprint than traditional methods of construction, in-line with recommendations from the 2019 Independent Review of Affordable Housing Supply.

The committee members were also updated on the work already being delivered by the council to increase its supply of affordable housing.

The council has already purchased 15 homes in the Caerphilly area and has identified a further property for purchase using grant funding.

Additional homes are also being created within existing buildings where these lend themselves to conversion and where there is a demand for such properties.

‘As we near the final stages of the council’s £260 million Welsh Housing Quality Standard programme, our focus turns to meeting the need for affordable housing in the county borough,’ said cabinet member for homes and places, Cllr Lisa Phipps.

‘The council already works alongside housing association partners to deliver new affordable homes in the county borough, but Building Together offers a number of exciting opportunities to build new council homes, for the first time since 2003.

‘In addition to considering things like low carbon and fuel efficiency, the council is also considering the wider benefits that could be delivered alongside a development programme, such as jobs and training opportunities for local people.’

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