A new housing development bringing thirteen much-needed affordable homes to the centre of Blackwood has been praised by local residents and the Leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council
We have worked in partnership with Caerphilly County Borough Council and the Welsh Government to create attractive affordable housing in an area of high demand, where there is little opportunity for housing development. The mix of families, couples and single people who last month received their keys were delighted to show a group of people including the Leader, Deputy Leader, Ward members and Charter Housing’s Director Scott Sanders around their new homes, built on the site of the former youth club at Woodbine Close.
Neil Taylor, Pobl’s Senior Project Manager said “The development makes excellent use of a derelict site by providing good quality homes that local people can afford and is another example of how the Group are working closely with the local authority to address the affordable housing shortage in what remains a challenging environment.
It was fantastic to have the opportunity to meet new resident Ashley and see how quickly she has turned her house into a beautiful home. We wish her family all the best for a fabulous first Xmas in Woodbine Close.”
The £1.6m housing scheme built by P&P Builders is located within walking distance of Blackwood town centre. The 8 houses and 5 flats are available for social rent through Charter Housing. Funded by a combination of £900,000 social housing grant, private finance and £80,000 Smaller Properties Grant; an additional fund earmarked by the Welsh Government to help combat the problems brought about by the welfare reform.
New resident Ashley Lewis has always lived in the Blackwood area and attends the local college part time to study for a nursing qualification. She was delighted to welcome the guests into her home, saying: “Before moving here I was living with a relative and didn’t really have a secure home for me and my daughter. I was so pleased to get this house and really like living here. We’re looking forward to our first Christmas in our new home.”
As well as providing affordable homes for local people, together with P&P Builders we have also delivered a number of community benefits including additional car parking spaces for residents at nearby Woodbine Road and the creation of a 1 year training placement for an Assistant Quantity Surveyor. Guttering renewal and window repair works have also been undertaken at Libanus Lifestyle Community Centre.
Keith Reynolds, Caerphilly County Borough Council Leader said: “I’m really impressed by the quality of the homes and with the design of the development. Delivering high quality, affordable homes is a key priority for the council and partnerships with housing associations such as Pobl is helping us achieve this; thereby providing safe, secure and sustainable homes for people like Ashley.”
The housing development forms part of an overall investment of £16m in the Blackwood area by the Council and Pobl Group.
Article added: 20th December 2016
