Tai Calon Community Housing is the biggest provider of homes in Blaenau Gwent, taking forward key development and refurbishment projects and delivering much-needed new homes.
Currently, the supply of affordable housing (new and existing) in the county borough is insufficient to fulfil demand. Tai Calon needs to build more houses to provide people with good quality and affordable homes.
New homes in Waundeg
The land at the centre of Waundeg, known as ‘The Circle’ is owned by Tai Calon and has been identified as a potential development site. Previously it was built with houses, flats, and shops until around 25 years ago.
Now – before detailed plans are drawn up – this is the best time for residents of Waundeg to say how they think the area should be developed and how to improve the whole neighbourhood.
Initial analysis of the site suggests it could provide somewhere in the region of 60 high-quality new homes – probably a mixture of 3-bedroom houses and 2- and 1-bedroom (including ground floor) flats.
If everything proceeds smoothly, Tai Calon will likely seek planning permission in 2025, and then, if that is granted by Blaenau Gwent CBC, the new homes will be built sometime between 2026 and 2030.
Helping to shape the plans
New homes are necessary but will inevitably change Waundeg.
Building new homes can bring disruption and be difficult, but it is also an opportunity to make the wider Waundeg community a better place to live for everyone.
Tai Calon will have to provide a certain number and type of homes and open spaces, protect the environment, address how the site drains water and overcome other site constraints. However, there is a great opportunity for residents to shape many aspects of future development.
We deeply appreciate open spaces within our communities and understand their significance. In response to concerns expressed by residents who cherish the existing green space, Tai Calon has already committed to providing a safe space to play football that is equal to the size of the current pitch within the new development.
On Saturday, May 11th, between 10.30 am – 4 pm, we are holding a community planning day in Waundeg. You can drop into the Community Flat (No 81), and if the weather allows, we will locate outside in The Circle under our gazebo.
This is an opportunity for you to say how The Circle should be developed and what other improvements are needed for the community. For instance, could new homes help to improve parking, create spaces set aside for nature, improve better walking and cycling links across Waundeg and further afield, or something completely different?
Everyone who attends on 11th May and contributes their thoughts will have the chance of winning one of three Amazon gift cards.
If you can’t join in on 11th May, you can go online to have your say and leave a comment using a survey form or interactive digital map. The closing date for comments is 25th May.