Plans for new homes in Caerphilly get green light

Plans to develop two new housing schemes have been approved by Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Cabinet.

Cabinet members agreed proposals to create a flagship mixed-tenure development on the site of the former Oakdale Comprehensive School and a later living scheme on the former Ty Darran care home site in Risca.

The Council has already carried out feasibility studies to assess the suitability of the brownfield site in Oakdale and an outline planning application has been submitted.  If approved, the development would be the first of its kind for the Council in offering open market sales, alongside affordable and social housing.

An outline planning application has also been submitted for the former Ty Darran site, with the proposed building designed with high levels of energy efficiency to reduce tenants’ bills and carbon emissions and lift access to all floors.

If approved, the development will include a range of communal areas that can be used for a variety of organised activities and events.  Apartments will also feature personal outdoor spaces, such as balconies, along with accessible communal garden areas.

The new scheme will be managed by the Council and will be used to relocate existing tenants from schemes in the locality that have been programmed for closure.

Cllr Shayne Cook, Cabinet Member for Social Care and Housing, said: ‘We’re delighted Cabinet have approved these exciting and innovative plans.  Both developments offer a wealth of potential and will enable us to deliver on our commitment to deliver high quality, energy efficient, new council homes in the county borough.

‘Tackling the climate emergency and reducing energy bills for our residents has never been more important; these innovative net zero carbon developments will have a massive impact in delivering this. As well as increasing our council housing stock, plans for Oakdale will see us deliver our first ever open market sale properties, alongside low-cost home ownership opportunities to help first time buyers.

‘Our exciting plans for the former Ty Darran site will see the development of a new facility unlike any of our existing sheltered housing accommodation; with high energy efficiency levels, and flexible communal and outdoor spaces offering increased opportunities to improve tenants’ health and wellbeing. We will ensure local communities are kept updated as plans for both sites progress.’

Photo supplied by Caerphilly Council