In a bid to address the growing housing crisis, Caerphilly county’s cabinet members have given the green light to a significant house-building initiative. This ambitious project aims to introduce 1,000 new affordable homes to the county borough over the next decade.

Shayne Cook, the cabinet member for housing, emphasized the urgency of the situation, pointing out the “ever-increasing need” for new homes in the region. With over 6,000 households currently on waiting lists, including 320 in temporary lodgings, the council’s proactive approach seeks to alleviate the housing strain.

However, the initiative will only partially meet the county’s housing demand. Research from a 2018 Local Housing Market Assessment indicated a yearly need for approximately 282 new affordable homes in Caerphilly. The council’s current target of 100 homes per year is deemed “manageable.”

The county’s housing strategy has evolved over the years. In October 2021, the local authority constructed its first new council houses in two decades. The majority of these new builds will be one-bedroom homes, addressing the “highest need” in the county borough. However, there will also be a focus on areas requiring two or three-bedroom accommodations.

Cllr Cook highlighted the severity of the “shortage of affordable homes” and acknowledged the ongoing “housing crisis” in Caerphilly. The new housing project, named “Building Together,” was approved by the council’s cabinet on September 20. As part of the strategy, 27 potential locations for new developments have been identified. These will be narrowed down to a select few, with the initial 400 affordable homes set for completion by 2025.

A dedicated board has been established to supervise the council’s building initiative, overseeing land acquisition, planning, and the conversion of existing council-owned assets. While the council may consider purchasing land from the private sector, this will likely be a secondary option once their own sites are fully utilized.

Cllr Cook expressed optimism about the project’s broader impact, noting its potential to create local employment opportunities and support local supply chains. He also emphasized the council’s commitment to delivering high-quality, low-carbon homes to meet local needs, ensuring residents’ energy costs remain minimal.