This meeting was for Councillors to receive an update on the work of the Caerphilly Homes Development and Governance Project Board¹ since its creation in September 2023. The report pack contains details of the sites that Caerphilly Homes is developing or planning to develop for housing.

Sites scheduled for discussion

Here are the details of the sites included for discussion in the report pack:

Oakdale Place, Oakdale

The report pack says that the contract with Willmott Dixon to develop the first three phases of the former Oakdale Comprehensive School site was signed in October 2024. Work to prepare for building 40 homes in phase 4, including a replacement for the Ty Melin sheltered housing scheme in Croespenmaen, is scheduled to start soon.

The development of a multi-use games area at Islwyn High School has also been programmed for delivery in the next 6 months and a contractor has been appointed.

The site comprises 4 phases in total with 52 new homes being constructed as part of phases 1-3. 30 of the homes will be for private sale, 6 for shared ownership and 16 Caerphilly Homes (12 apartments and 4 houses). Phase 4 includes 40 homes in total of which 4 will be for private sale, 10 Caerphilly Homes and a 26 unit Caerphilly Homes later living apartment scheme.

Ty Darran, Risca

The report pack says that the contract with Willmott Dixon to build Ty Darran was signed in April 2024. Work is underway, and the development is projected to complete in Autumn 2025.

Park Estate, Bargoed

The report pack says that Caerphilly Homes is planning to build 48 homes on three sites on the Park Estate in Bargoed. The report says that local ward councillors are supportive of the plans.

The report pack says that a pre-application consultation was undertaken with the local community in August 2024. A further consultation will be scheduled to present the revised proposals to the community for final comment before a planning application is submitted.

James Street North, Trethomas

The report pack says that Caerphilly Homes is planning to build 8 bungalows on the site at James Street North in Trethomas.

A community engagement event was held in July 2024, at which some local residents raised concerns regarding the potential for increased flooding and parking constraints if the development goes ahead.

A further engagement session with residents at The Grove sheltered housing scheme is scheduled for November 2024.

Castle Court, Crosskeys

The report pack says that Caerphilly Homes will be submitting a planning application for 16 homes on the site of Castle Court in Crosskeys. The report says that local Councillor Simmonds has been engaged throughout.

Brooklands, Risca

The report pack says that Caerphilly Homes is planning to develop the site of the former Brooklands Youth Centre in Risca.

Former Aldi / Brewery, Rhymney

The report pack says that Caerphilly Homes has been exploring options for developing the site of the former Aldi and Brewery in Rhymney.

Aberbargoed Plateau, Aberbargoed

The report pack says that Caerphilly Homes is exploring options for developing the Aberbargoed Plateau in partnership with Welsh Government and the Coal Authority. The site is allocated for housing in the Local Development Plan, and Caerphilly Homes believes it could accommodate up to 160 homes.

Other items scheduled for discussion

Acquisitions and Disposals Policy

The report pack says that the project board has put a hold on purchasing properties until the Caerphilly Homes Acquisitions and Disposals Policy is approved. The policy was scheduled to be considered by the council's cabinet on 14 November 2024.

The acquisition of properties is currently on hold pending approval of the Acquisitions and Disposals Policy which was considered by Cabinet on 14th November.

Modular homes

The report pack says that Caerphilly Homes is hoping to sign a pre-construction agreement with Z-Pods Ltd to provide temporary accommodation in Blackwood.

It is anticipated that a pre-construction services agreement (PCSA) will be signed with Z Pods Ltd who have been engaged via the Welsh Procurement Alliance NH3 Framework to provide temporary accommodation in Blackwood and help reduce the ever increasing cost of bed and breakfast accommodation on the general fund.

The report pack says that site investigations have taken place at two possible sites in Blackwood, on Cliff Road, and Gibbs Close. Caerphilly Homes has submitted a funding application to the Welsh Government for the Gibbs Close proposal.

Viability assessments

The report pack says that viability assessments have been undertaken for all of the sites being considered.

Viability appraisals have been undertaken across all sites within the current development programme and have been presented to the Board.

Local Housing Market Assessment (LHMA)

The report pack says that the project board has overseen the production of a Local Housing Market Assessment², which was scheduled to go before the council's cabinet on 14 November 2024.

A Local Housing Market Assessment (LHMA) is a report that describes the housing needs of an area. They are used by local authorities to decide what kind of housing to build.

The Board has overseen the delivery of the Local Housing Market Assessment (LHMA) which will be reported to Cabinet on 14th November 2024.

The report pack says that there is still a high demand for one-bedroom accommodation in Caerphilly.

In Caerphilly, there is still an overwhelming demand for one bedroom accommodation and in some areas, larger 4 / 5 bedroom family homes.

Procurement

The report pack says that the project board is tracking a number of key procurement exercises. This includes a tender for a new Development Services consultancy to replace the existing Land Appraisal Contract which expired on 31 July 2024.

Staffing

The report pack says that the Construction Manager and Development Manager posts have been filled in the last 12 months. It also says that the Project Manager role is vacant and will be advertised shortly.

Risks to the project

The report pack says that there are a number of risks to the delivery of the project. These include:

• Internal demands on the Housing Revenue Account.
• A lack of developable land.
• The Welsh Government's policy of requiring mixed tenure developments.
• The requirement to pay Commuted Sums³ to the Caerphilly Sustainable Drainage Authority.
• The time and cost involved in designing low-carbon developments.

The Risk Register is a standard agenda item at each Board meeting. Each individual development has its own risk register.