Progress for Solva housing project

Proposals to build 18 affordable homes in Solva have moved a step closer.

The joint project by Solva Community Land Trust (SCLT) and housing association Ateb to create new homes for the benefit of local people has received funding approval from Pembrokeshire County Council.

The scheme will be mainly funded through the County Council’s Affordable Homes fund which is drawn from the Authority’s Second Homes Council Tax premium, introduced in 2017-18.

County Councillor Bob Kilmister, Cabinet Member for Finance, said SCLT have been engaging with the community and working with Ateb to design a residential development which will meet the needs of local people.

“The housing would give them the option to remain in their area rather than having to move away” he said.

Councillor Michelle Bateman, Cabinet Member for Housing, welcomed the proposals.

“This is a fantastic scheme, and a good news story for Pembrokeshire” she said. “It’s great to see new and innovative ways of delivering housing and credit to SCLT for its hard work and commitment to this initiative.”

Part of the proposed development site is on local playing fields belonging to PCC and leased to Solva Community Council.

In order for the housing scheme to proceed, there is a need to comply with the requirements of the Playing Fields (Community Involvement in Disposal Decisions) (Wales) Regulations 2015 in connection with the proposed disposal of the land by way of a long lease.

This proposal has been approved by Cabinet and is currently being advertised and circulated to relevant parties, in line with regulation requirements.