Efforts to increase affordable homes in Carmarthenshire gathering pace
14 developments are on the way and will see 435 new county council-owned homes over the next three years
Work to increase the number of affordable homes in Carmarthenshire is set to gather pace, with work on 12 new developments set to begin this year.
As well as the construction of new homes in Llanelli, Carmarthen, Llansteffan, Llandovery and Llanddarog due to start this year, a further 14 developments are in the pipeline and will deliver 435 new county council-owned homes over the next three years.
These homes will be located in Ammanford, Alltwallis, Llangadog, Llanllwni, Meidrim, Pendine, Gorslas, Llangennech and Kidwelly.
The council says the homes will provide modern, energy-efficient living space for single people, families and residents who need specialist accommodation through supported living spaces.
In the past two years 147 new council-owned homes have been delivered ranging from one-bedroom apartments, two-bedroom houses, and bungalows to and three- and four-bedroom houses, as well as specialist accommodation for those who need additional support to live independently.
The authority says each home features a modern kitchen and bathroom, along with high levels of insulation to minimise heat loss as well as maximising on renewable energy technology with solar panels and electric vehicle charging points on every home, which will help to provide lower energy bills for residents.
The council is actively working towards its net zero carbon targets through its new-build programme. As a part of this, fossil fuels are no longer used in new-build council home developments, with a focus on high levels of insulation and providing affordable warmth through electric heating systems with renewable technologies to provide tenants with affordable warmth all year round.
As well as the new-build programme, 324 properties have been added to council house stock via the purchase of homes from the open market.
Some 162 properties for low-cost home ownership have also been developed through the Section 106 provisions in the planning system which helps local people to purchase their own homes.
Cllr Linda Evans, cabinet member for homes, said: “Carmarthenshire Council continues to increase the provision of social housing and affordable homes throughout the county. We are progressing well with our commitment to support the delivery of over 2,000 affordable homes throughout the county by 2027, with a focus on providing homes for small and large families, older people, single people, couples and households with specialist needs.
“The council is committed to supporting the delivery of high-quality, affordable homes and also works with housing association partners to deliver more new-build homes throughout the county. We also buy homes that suit the needs of our residents, work with developers to ensure a range of affordable homes are built as part of private developments and carry out work to bring empty homes back into use.”
