Only the best homes for Caerphilly

Cllr Lindsay Whittle, Leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council has officially opened a new housing development at Pen Rhos to provide much needed affordable housing for the people of Caerphilly. The scheme, delivered by United Welsh housing association, is one of the biggest social housing developments to be built in the area for almost ten years.

During the opening ceremony Cllr Whittle praised the work of all those involved in the project and welcomed tenants into their new homes. He said: "Increasing the provision of affordable housing is a priority for Caerphilly County Borough Council. The lack of good quality housing to buy or rent is a matter of great concern to people throughout Caerphilly, especially those with young families.  That’s why schemes such as this show how this growing social problem can be successfully addressed. This is an excellent example of what can be achieved through co-operation. United Welsh, Caerphilly County Borough Council and the Welsh Assembly Government have all played their part in completing a project that is a credit to the area."

The properties are already occupied and residents seem delighted with the finished product. One tenant commented: “I feel like I’ve won the lottery. I’m extremely grateful to United Welsh and the Council for all they have done to provide my family with such a lovely place to live.” New tenants will enjoy solar powered hot water heating systems, generous gardens, energy saving light fittings and much more to ensure that the property remains affordable in all areas – not just the rent. In total the site provides 12 one-bed apartments, 22 three-bed houses, and 14 four-bed houses.

Peter Laing, Chair of United Welsh said: “This is a wonderful development that will provide much needed affordable housing to Caerphilly. The houses are of the highest quality and I must congratulate all those who have been involved in the development. Particular thanks must go to Caerphilly County Borough Council who provided valuable support throughout the life-time of the project. This is a significant development that really does break the mould of traditional social housing”.

The entire site at Pen Rhos totals approximately 50 acres and was formerly a brown field site. Over the past few years substantial remediation and profiling works have been carried out by the vendor together with the provision of highways and service infrastructure. Much of the site is under construction with private developers. On completion the site will total approximately 500 new homes, a Housing with Care scheme and nursing home, doctor’s surgery, a supermarket and office accommodation.

 10th July 2008

Cllr Whittle and Peter Laing opening the Pen Rhos housing development