Plans for 30 affordable homes in seaside town put on hold
A contentious proposal for 30 affordable homes in New Quay has been delayed for further assessment, allowing councillors to inspect the site firsthand before reaching a final decision. The scheme was initially put forward by housing association Barcud and received a recommendation for approval at a Ceredigion Council meeting. The site, situated on Towyn Road, currently operates as a pay and display car park. The proposed development includes a mix of one and two-bedroom flats, two and three-bedroom semi-detached houses, and 91 parking spaces, which could be safeguarded “in perpetuity” if the project proceeds.
Despite the initial recommendation, the New Quay Town Council has raised objections, highlighting concerns such as potential impacts on tourism, inadequate public transport for new residents, and the actual demand for one-bedroom properties in the area. These objections echo the sentiments of 29 individuals who have expressed reservations about the development’s effects on tourism, the local economy, housing occupancy, and strain on services. Some have even suggested potential negative consequences such as increased police interventions and an influx of external families moving into New Quay.
An important aspect of the proposal is addressing the demand for housing in Ceredigion, particularly for one-bedroom properties, with a reported shortage of 245 units in the Aberaeron region alone. The council’s senior housing officer highlighted the necessity of affordable housing in the area and proposed a local lettings policy to prioritize applicants from the immediate vicinity. The officer also emphasised the high desirability of New Quay as a residential location, anticipating an oversubscription of available housing once it becomes accessible.
During the council meeting, objections were presented concerning water quality, traffic congestion, loss of parking spaces, and visual impact. While the agent for the project, Dylan Green, emphasised the local housing need and the lack of objections from Dwr Cymru/Welsh Water. Councillor Marc Davies acknowledged the need for social housing but also expressed apprehensions regarding public transport inadequacy and the concerns raised by the town council. Consequently, councillors agreed to conduct a site inspection panel visit before making any definitive decisions, with a future committee meeting set to revisit the application. This delay follows the rejection of a previous application for 39 dwellings at the same site in 2020.
The future of these affordable homes remains uncertain as the council deliberates on the development’s potential impacts and the community’s concerns. This decision underscores the complex balance between addressing the need for affordable housing, preserving local amenities, and responding to residents’ objections. The outcome of this deliberation will not only shape the landscape of New Quay but also reflect broader challenges in meeting housing demands while safeguarding community interests.
This ongoing saga highlights the intricate considerations involved in urban development, where stakeholders from various backgrounds and interests must be heard and reconciled. The ultimate resolution will set a precedent for future housing projects in the region, showcasing the delicate interplay between development aspirations and community welfare. As the council continues to weigh the competing factors at play, the fate of these 30 affordable homes hangs in the balance, awaiting a decision that will shape the town’s future trajectory.
By: [Your Name]