'Immense pressure' on finding homes for Saundersfoot and surrounding areas from hud stats on affordable housing Watch Video

⏲ Duration: 1:13
✓ Published: 03-May-2024

Description:
A Saundersfoot County Councillor has asked the Local Authority for a breakdown on affordable housing provision for the locality, in light of ever increasing pressure on homes for the area. <br/>Cllr Chris Williams said he has tried to assist local residents with their housing concerns, but it has proved ‘extremely difficult’ due to the current demand, not only in Saundersfoot, but across Pembrokeshire. <br/>“The data shows the immense pressure that is on our housing register currently,” he said.<br/>“I have been asked numerous times with regards to affordable housing provision that is calculated when there are small planning applications within our community. <br/>“Recently there have been numerous planning applications where they have set a contribution that has to be paid at the start of the process of building works. <br/>“I have asked for a breakdown on the number of properties acquired by Pembrokeshire County Council over the last two years.”<br/>In 2023/24, Cllr Williams said that the Local Authority has completed on the purchase of one property (2 bed flat) in Saundersfoot, and also agreed to purchase another three that are going through the legal process currently and likely to be completed in 2024/25.<br/>Currently six properties have been acquired in Saundersfoot, with another three in the process, with acquisitions funded from a combination of Housing Revenue Account and Welsh Government Transitional Accommodation Capital Programme.<br/>“This is excellent news and I congratulate everyone involved in buying back ex-council stock and potentially homes for growing families,” he continued.<br/>“This is really positive and I’m heartened to hear the work being undertaken at Pembrokeshire County Council in this initiative. <br/>“With the high demand for social housing and family homes for residents of our community, this is certainly the way forward to accommodate residents who may want to stay close to family for support.”