The first new council homes to be built in almost 20 years have been handed over to the local authority.

Caerphilly County Borough Council is now the owner of six new houses on a 55-home estate built on the former site of Bedwellty School in Aberbargoed.

Cllr Philippa Marsden, leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, said: “This is an incredibly significant moment, as we begin to deliver on our promise to increase the supply of council housing in the county borough.

“Our ambitious programme will see new council homes developed by us, as well as in partnership with private developers, throughout the county borough over the coming years.”

Housing developer Llanmoor has also begun work on 46 homes, with seven of these set to go to the council, on the adjoining site of the playing fields of the school.

The housing is being built on the playing fields despite the council’s own planning policy stating the land should be kept for leisure use.

Caerphilly Observer has previously investigated how the playing fields were lost.

Further new council homes in the pipeline

The council outlined its ambition to begin a new programme of building homes in December 2019 – marking a shift in strategy.

Last month the council revealed it is planning to build council houses in Crosskeys, Risca, Bargoed and Oakdale – if it gets funding from the Welsh Government.

Four projects form part of the council’s Programme Development Plan (PDP) for 2021/22 – which outlines where there is a need for affordable homes in the county borough. It is asking the Welsh Government for £10.72 million.

If funding is secured, each scheme will then be decided individually and planning permission sought.

The schemes are:

• Build 15 one and two bedroom apartments in St Catherine’s Church, Crosskeys.
• Minimum of 40 homes for older people in Ty Darran, Risca – as part of an integrated health and wellbeing hub.
• Maximum of 100 homes to be built as part of an eco-village concept on the former Oakdale Comprehensive School site.
• Develop 55 homes at Heolddu Grove, Bargoed.