Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

Rhymney residents have welcomed Caerphilly County Borough Council’s plans for 23 new homes in the town, a councillor has said.

The proposals to build homes on the town’s former Aldi site will be discussed by the council’s planning committee next week – with 57% of these expected to be affordable. 

The site was initially going to be part of a redevelopment of Upper Rhymney Primary School when it was first bought by the council but has largely been vacant since Aldi was demolished in 2014, except for when it was used as a Covid testing centre. 

Labour councillor Carl Cuss, who represents Twyn Carno, told Caerphilly Observer: “Having spoken to residents in the local area, there were some minor issues regarding access to the site but once that was resolved, the residents seemed pleased with the proposal.

“It would be nice to see much-needed housing in this area as this seems to be a high issue I receive from residents, both renting and purchasing. This mixed development offers solutions to those local concerns.”

Councillor Shayne Cook, cabinet member for housing, has previously said: “There has been a lack of development to the north of the county borough in recent years, so this will be a fantastic opportunity to bring new high-quality housing to Rhymney.”

There are around 3,900 households in the community area of Rhymney, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Of these, 30.4% are socially rented in the area, compared to a UK average of just 16.5%.

This is not the only development which is planned in Rhymmey. 

A Linc Cymru development of the Whitbread Centre is causing residents frustration, as the town’s only gym could be forced to close and the historical Buchan building could be partly demolished. 

A petition was recently started to raise objections to the Buchan building being turned into private homes and to form a “better vision” for the town generally. 

The objections are set to be raised at the next public consultation for the development.