Energy efficient social housing given green light

An energy efficient housing development will provide 50 new homes in Cardiff for an affordable social rent.

Wales & West Housing’s Colchester Avenue development will see a mix of 50 new modern and energy efficient one-and two-bedroom flats in Penylan, Cardiff. 

The accommodation will provide social housing and contribute towards the Welsh Government’s goal of building 20,000 social homes by 2026.

The site includes a ground floor retail store as well as car parking, bike stores and outdoor communal amenity space for residents.

Julie James, minister for climate change, said that affordable social housing remains "a key priority" for the Welsh government. 

"This new development will provide much needed social housing for residents in Cardiff as well as encouraging active travel and helping people and families save money on their energy bills," she said. 

Wales & West Housing has received more than £5m in Social Housing Grant funding from the Welsh Government towards the development.

The grant is used to fund affordable housing schemes identified by local authorities and build new social homes towards the target for this governmental term.

Anne Hinchey, group chief executive at Wales & West Housing Group, said: "All our new homes are built without the need for fossil fuels, making them more comfortable and affordable for our residents, as well as having low carbon emissions."

She added that the homes are highly insulated and fitted with air source water heating and the latest ventilation (MVHR) systems that circulate warm, fresh air and reduce condensation.

"They are some of the warmest new homes we have built and contribute to setting the standard for our future homes,” she said.