AFFORDABLE HOMES BUILT IN TO BRYNMEFYS SCHEME

A range of affordable homes will be built in Llanelli as part of a development opportunity at the former Brynmefys housing estate in Furnace.

Carmarthenshire County Council is selling the land on the open market, creating a prime investment opportunity for a housing developer, with good transport links, sea views and a semi-rural location.

As well as generating a significant capital receipt for the council to reinvest in housing projects, 20 per cent of houses built there will be affordable homes, supporting the council’s long-term plan to provide more homes for low cost ownership or rent. The development will also provide a mix of different house types and sizes set out in a detailed planning brief.

It is expected that around 70 homes could be built on the site, subject to planning permission.

Developers can choose from one of three options – to build 14 affordable homes on the site for low cost home ownership as part of their overall scheme; build 14 affordable homes on other council-owned land elsewhere inLlanelli; or, provide the council with the equivalent value of 14 affordable homes as an additional receipt, allowing the council to build its own elsewhere.

Cllr Evans said: “This is a significant development opportunity which will provide a mix of new homes in Llanelli, many of which will be affordable homes.

“I have considered these proposals in fine detail, and have decided to offer potential developers three different options – all of which will have a positive outcome for local families taking their first step on the property ladder.”

Plans for the Brynmefys site have been in the pipeline for some time, but were put on hold due to the economic downturn and the presence of bats, which are a protected species.

Ecological measures are now in place and will form part of the planning conditions on the site.

The council has, for some time, been working with a small number of homeowners who own properties on the site.

Some have taken up the council’s offer of alternative accommodation, but those remaining will be contacted by the chosen developer who will work with them before the scheme progresses.

The council’s Head of Housing and Public Protection, Robin Staines, said: “We are fully committed to providing a solution at Brynmefys that will try to help the residents still living there. We also want to ensure that we maximise the receipt from the sale as this will make a significant contribution to additional affordable housing in the area.”

The land is being marketed with a planning brief which sets out the parameters for its development, including the type of frontage and landscaping the developer would be expected to deliver and its linkages with the neighbouring Maengwynne estate.

The community hall near the site entrance will be retained and leased to Llanelli Rural Council.

Cllr David Jenkins, Executive Board Member for resources, said: “We’re pleased to offer this development opportunity, which has great potential for a developer. We have been looking to market this land for some time, and we’re all pleased to see things progressing.”

For further information, email corporateproperty@carmarthenshire.gov.uk or call 01267 246222.