Milestone of 200 new affordable homes reached amid Gwynedd housing crisis

A milestone of 200 new affordable homes has been reached amid the housing crisis in Gwynedd.

It is part of a £198 million development programme by social housing provider Adra to build 1,200 new homes with its partners by 2025.

The development is a move to tackle the problem of locals being priced out of the housing market in areas such as the Llyn Peninsula because of the high price of second homes inflating prices.

The new homes have been built in the south of Gwynedd in Aberdyfi, as well as in Dolgellau, Abererch, Bangor, Cricieth and Caernarfon, for either social or affordable rent, and families have already started moving in.

Adra is also developing 28 flats for people over 55 years old in Pwllheli in partnership with Gwynedd Council.

They are available to eligible residents from the Llyn Peninsula and its first scheme in the rural town of Bala which will have nine homes.

The housing association has worked with with local contractors such as Gareth Morris Construction, to boost the local supply chain, and generate expenditure locally.

Natasha Evans, an Adra customer from Cricieth who lives in one of the 200 new affordable homes said: “Being born and raised in Cricieth I wanted my own home to raise my family here. The house prices are very expensive, so I had to move from the community.

“I have been able to return to Cricieth by having an affordable home through Adra. I now live close to my friends and family and I have a comfortable home, at an affordable price within a community that’s important to me.”

‘Development programme’ 

Iwan Trefor Jones is Deputy Chief Executive of Adra and is overseeing the development programme of the social landlord.

He said: “We are proud of the growth of our development programme and Adra’s significant investment in Gwynedd.

“We will be building on this work and will continue to with our wide range of partners to deliver new affordable homes to help to combat the housing crisis.

“We are taking a proactive and positive approach to supporting communities across Gwynedd. There is a huge demand and desperate need for local affordable homes.

“An average of 60% of households in Gwynedd are priced out of the housing market. The aim is to ensure a supply of new affordable housing will be available for young, local people and families, through the houses we are building.

Gwynedd Councillor and Housing Cabinet Member, Craig ab Iago said: “It is great news for local families and people across Gwynedd that Adra has recently completed 200 new homes across our County, for people who desperately need affordable housing.

“We have a strong partnership with Adra and welcome its commitment to the people of Gwynedd.

“The lack of housing options for local people is one of the main challenges in Gwynedd today and I am confident that Adra’s growth is making a positive difference to the sustainability of our communities, in terms of local housing, jobs and opportunities.”