Plans for new affordable homes in Swansea given go ahead

Major plans to create much-needed affordable and energy efficient housing in Swansea have been given approval.

A planning application, submitted by Swansea Council, has now been approved for the development of 156 affordable homes in the Bonymaen community.

A multidisciplinary team of architects, landscape architects and engineers from international design practice BDP is supporting the council in delivering the plans.

The housing scheme is set to be developed in four phases along Brokesby Road, providing a mix of homes ranging from 1-bedroom flats and 2-bedroom bungalows to 3 & 4-bedroom houses.

The development will provide enhanced public green spaces, incorporating play areas for children along with active travel routes linking the development with surrounding areas.

The plans include highly insulated, panelised timber frame homes that are powered by solar PV and heated by ground source heat pumps, with MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) and battery storage in place to ensure they run efficiently.

Sustainable urban drainage systems, known as SuDS, are an important feature of the plans and a requirement in Wales. They provide sustainable management of rainwater, promote biodiversity, and enhance the townscape by creating green streets.  

The flats, houses and bungalows are designed to Lifetime Homes Standard, meaning they are adaptable as people’s needs change during their lifetime, for example for wheelchair use.

Nick Ellis, associate architect at BDP, who has been working with the council on the proposals, said: “This highly sustainable, low carbon neighbourhood that will provide much-needed homes for people at all stages of life.

“The homes will be highly energy efficient, meaning low running costs for residents, and the neighbourhood will be an accessible and welcoming environment that’s knitted into the wider community.

“There is strong emphasis on creating outdoor public spaces and play areas to bring people together and provide the opportunity to connect with nature. A series of ‘rain gardens’ alongside other wetland and green areas support wildlife as well as managing rainwater, helping to keep our waterways clean.”

Andrea Lewis, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Service Transformation, said:

“This is major step forward in our aims of creating more affordable housing in the city, adding to our existing housing stock.

 “We have thousands of people on our waiting lists, some of whom are at risk of being homeless and we are committed to doing all we can to prevent this from happening.

 “Previously, we presented some initial concept plans of how the new housing development could look. Residents took part in early consultation which helped shape a detailed masterplan.

 “The sites included in the plan were formerly used for housing and the masterplan illustrates how we aim to transform this land into much needed housing along with community facilities, green space and play areas for families that support wellbeing and healthy lifestyles.

 “All the homes will be energy efficient and make use of innovative new technologies to keep energy costs low.”