We’ll build 1,000 homes for island
ANGLESEY Council has pledged to increase its housing stock by more than a fifth by building more than 1,000 new homes.
Its 30-year plan will see 45 new council houses constructed every year for the next three decades to help meet “significant demand” for social housing.
If the target is met, the council’s housing stock will rise from 4,000 to more than 5,000 rentals. The goal was outlined in the local authority’s Housing Revenue Account Business Plan 2023-2053, which was approved by executive members earlier this week.
One of the largest projects includes the redevelopment of the former Ysgol Thomas Ellis site in Holyhead. A total of 45 new social homes will be built there by April 2024.
Other council housing projects are planned for Amlwch (40 homes) and Newborough (14 homes).
The council said “several other significant projects” are also in the pipeline across the island.
Housing pressures on the island are being driven by increases in second homes ownership and the holiday let market. Anglesey Council estimates 62% of local people are priced out of the housing market.
An aging population is also placing a strain on local housing. Over the next decade, it’s estimated the number of Anglesey residents living beyond 85 years could rise by 70%.
Ned Michael, head of housing services, said: “It has become increasingly difficult for people to find affordable homes following the sharp rise in house prices on the island in recent years. Our aim of delivering hundreds of new properties on the island will ensure residents can live in high quality affordable homes.”
Anglesey Council also hopes to develop affordable homes and buy back old council properties. It is to receive more than £25m over the next three years via the Social Housing Grant programme, distributed between the authority and its social landlord partners Clwyd Alyn, Grwp Cynefin and North Wales Housing.
This funding could potentially fund 725 new affordable homes over the next three years. In addition, the council is planning to build new care accommodation for 50 residents in the same timeframe.
Other planks of the council’s housing strategy include bringing empty homes back into use, and making existing properties more sustainable. Next year, £1m is to be invested on solar panels for 250 council houses.
Mr Michael said building a more thermally efficient housing stock will also help the council meet its net zero carbon goal by 2030. “We are working hard to increase the council’s own housing stock as well as improving our existing homes,” he said.
For many first-time buyers on Anglesey, buying a house is out of reach due to spiralling property prices relative to local incomes. Yet the island’s private rented sector is seen as “not particularly affordable”: more than a fifth of Anglesey residents claim housing benefit and, of these, three quarters are charged £25.74 on average more than the support they receive.
Cllr Gary Pritchard, children, youth and housing service portfolio holder, said: “Our ability to meet the growing demand for affordable housing and support our residents is vital.
“Everyone has the right to call somewhere a home and our ambitious plans outline our commitment in delivering on this promise. We also believe that delivering affordable housing can help safeguard and strengthen the Welsh language as well as bring local economic benefits.”
PLEDGE TO CONSTRUCT 45 NEW COUNCIL HOUSES A YEAR FOR THREE DECADES