News Categories: Development

New housing scheme boosts single bed living for NWH

A growing need for single bedroom living accommodation, exacerbated further by the introduction of the so-called ‘Bedroom Tax’ last year, has helped spur on the development of a new nine-home scheme in Llandudno.

North Wales Housing has acquired a brownfield site on Bodhyfryd Road, in Llandudno, demolishing the existing unoccupied building and creating the new development of 9 one bedroom flats, named ‘The Stables’.

The 2013 Welfare Reform Act has meant that any person or persons under occupying their social housing home by one or more bedroom will have their weekly Housing Benefit entitlement reduced by 14% or 25%, adding to the already high demand for more one bedroom properties. Completion of ‘The Stables’ will help fulfil this growing need and a mix of single people and couples, some of whom need support to live independently, have been identified as tenants for the new homes.

The scheme has been developed to Sustainable Homes Code Level 3 with high levels of insulation, minimising energy consumption and reducing average energy bills.

Paul Diggory, Chief Executive at North Wales Housing said:

“There is a clear demand for this type of property and whilst none of the tenants at the Stables have been re-housed due to the impact of the bedroom tax, we’re looking at a number of other sites across North Wales were we can re-develop or build similar properties.”

“The allocation of our properties in line with bedroom tax criteria is still being managed but we are making progress and have seen a reduction in the overall number of tenants under-occupying from 309 cases in April to 268 today. Those still under-occupying represent just over 10% of our overall current tenants. We are working closely with them to ensure that they are aware of the options available to them and that they have the best chance possible in paying their weekly shortfall in rent.”

Paul added:

“As a housing association, the under-occupation is having a detrimental effect in terms of our ability to let properties, particularly two bed flats above ground floor and three bedroom semi-detached properties. We are being left in a position where some properties are becoming more difficult to let, either due to the number of bedrooms or their location. It’s a difficult situation but one we are managing closely.”

West Shore development reaches completion

A luxury housing development on Llandudno’s West Shore, Abbey Road, has been completed and handed over following a 12 month construction programme.

The modern apartment complex, sited in one of the towns most prestigious addresses, has been designed specifically for the over 55 market. Set on the site of former tennis courts and with views across the bay, ‘Hafan Gogarth’ includes 35 two-bedroomed apartments, set across three floors, each available for leasehold sale. 9 apartments have already been reserved and residents will soon begin to make the move into their new home.

With over 100 people visiting the show home on the first open day, interest has been strong and visitors continue to make viewing appointments both during the week and at weekends. Many of those visiting are considering a change in home but want to remain within the area and downsize.

Local development company domus Cambria have lead the prestigious development having appointed Lime Grove Homes, working with Welshpool based contractors SJ Roberts, to carry out all building works.

David Roberts, Chair of domus Cambria, said:

“We’re incredibly pleased to have completed this scheme in time for the start of the New Year. We believe that Hafan Gogarth offers something different for those looking to downsize but still keen to remain local in a central position and within a safe and secure environment.”

“The development has generated a lot of interest locally and whilst we have secured sales for some 25% of the properties, we’re now busy showing people around the development, including individual apartments as well as communal areas. Anybody interested should contact Anthony Flint on 01492877418 and speak to Samantha Roberts or alternately, contact Clare Greenwood at domus Cambria on 01492 563280.”

The development comprises extensive communal garden areas with parking spaces and a storage area for bicycles or mobility scooters. Further information regarding the development can be found at www.domus-cambria.co.uk. Anthony Flint has been appointed as managing agent. Contact www.anthonyflint.co.uk tel 01492877418

Open doors to show apartment at pioneering Abergele Extra Care scheme

The doors have been thrown open at the show apartment at Hafod y Parc Extra Care scheme in Abergele, with an invite to interested local people.

 

The £11million new build Extra Care scheme, on Kinmel Avenue, will be the first of its kind to open in the town. Extra Care Housing gives older people a choice; providing independent living, with a care and support programme that can be adapted as assessed needs change.

With 49 one and two bed apartments, the show apartment gives the opportunity to experience and get a flavour of how the Scheme will be once fully complete in February 2014. The apartment opening will also allow people to meet the team from North Wales Housing , to find out more about the extra care scheme at Hafod y Parc.

Paul Diggory, Chief Executive of North Wales Housing said:

“There is a clear need throughout North Wales for more extra care housing that allows older people to sustain an independent lifestyle with peace of mind through a care and support option. Extra Care housing facilitates this need and we are pleased to be developing schemes of housing that specifically suits later years lifestyles.”

The new scheme, built in partnership with Conwy County Borough Council, will be of contemporary design set in a peaceful and tranquil setting and has been developed to be exceptionally high quality with modern amenities throughout. On site, care and support will be provided by AKC Home Care Services, an experienced local company.

Building on the success of its first Extra Care Housing scheme, Llys y Coed in Llanfairfechan, North Wales Housing has been able to replicate key elements at Hafod y Parc.

Interest in the scheme has been high but applications are still welcome.

Viewing of the Show Apartment is by appointment only – contact North Wales Housing on (01492) 572727.

New homes for local people in Wrexham

North Wales Housing has announced plans to create 12 newly built properties in Wrexham, representing further growth and a commitment to build sustainably, by the housing association.

Working closely with Wrexham County Council, the new scheme will be built in the Whitegate area of the town on the site of a former car park. At present the plans are to build 2 bedroom properties, in order to fulfil identified local need and will be built to Code 4 for Sustainable Homes, which is the Associations current new-build standard.

With work set to begin on site in spring next year, new tenants will be identified via the Councils housing waiting list.

North Wales Housing are now looking to appoint an architect for the development and will then be looking to draw up detailed plans for the site. An event will also be held locally in Whitegate, prior to the scheme starting on site, where residents and those interested in applying can find out more about the new development.

This scheme marks the first development that North Wales Housing has been involved in within Wrexham and forms part of a wider strategy to create new homes in key areas and tackle the wider issue of housing shortage.

Paul Diggory, Chief Executive of North Wales Housing said:

“The Wrexham scheme represent a fantastic opportunity to work in a new local authority area and live up to our ‘North Wales Housing’ name!”

“Not only will this development help tackle a shortfall in housing for local people within Wrexham but will support future tenants in reducing their energy bills by building to a sustainable and low energy design.”