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Work to build new council flats is underway in Trethomas.

Twelve new one-bedroom flats are being built on Llanfabon Drive and are expected to be completed by Spring 2022.

The council has said the apartments will be built to Passivhaus standard – meaning it will have ‘very high’ levels of insulation, ‘airtight’ building fabric and and a mechanical heat ventilation system, as well as lower carbon emissions.

Elsewhere in Caerphilly County Borough, six new one-bedroom flats are being built in Trecenydd, on the site of the former 49 Club.

Homes on both sites will be owned and managed by the council and will be allocated to eligible applicants from the council’s Common Housing Register.

The council has appointed contractors Willmott Dixon as its delivery partner, while Penallta-based Caledan Ltd will supply the steel frames used in the construction.

The project is being funded through the Welsh Government’s Innovative Housing Programme.

The £3.1m funds will go towards building the flats in both Trethomas and Trecenydd.

Councillor Philippa Marsden, leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, said: “It was fantastic to visit the Trecenydd site recently to see the first steps on our exciting journey to build new council-owned homes for the first time in 18 years.

“To now see work begin on the Trethomas site too really demonstrates that progress is being made.”

Cllr Lisa Phipps, the council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “With over 4,500 people registered for social housing in the county borough and a particular need for one-bedroom homes, these sites are vital in helping us meet demand for local people.

“Exploring innovative ways to help tenants further, by reducing their energy bills is also incredibly important to us, as is lowering carbon emissions and using local supply chains to boost our economy during such difficult times.”

Alongside the developments in Trecenydd and Trethomas, new council housing is also being built near Aberbargoed.

Six of the 55 homes being built on the site of the former Bedwellty Comprehensive School site will become part of the council’s stock.

Plans for a further 46 homes on the playing fields next to the school site were green-lit by the council in September 2020. These are expected to include seven council-owned homes.