Rotting estate sparks call to ‘build new properties on the land'

North Wales Live

3 days ago

Built in the 1970s to provide sheltered housing, the Maes Emlyn estate in Rhyl once offered 59 homes for local residents. Named after Emlyn Williams, who chaired Rhyl's Housing Committee for nearly 20 years, the estate was seen as a vital part of the community. North Wales Live readers would like to see improvements to the site.
Time hasn't been kind to Maes Emlyn. The homes, not built to last, were declared unfit for purpose and vacated by August 2021. Since then, the estate has stood empty, slowly crumbling under the elements. A recent video by urban explorer Adam Mark revealed the extent of the decay, showing broken windows, peeling walls, and overgrown surroundings.
Denbighshire County Council had once floated the idea of using the site for temporary homeless accommodation, but this was met with opposition from locals and ultimately shelved. Now, residents are growing increasingly frustrated with the site's continued neglect and are calling for action.
With a housing shortage pressing across the region, many are urging the council to act swiftly. In response, a council spokesperson confirmed that a consultation on redevelopment took place late last year. They added that revised proposals for new housing on the site would be shared with the community soon.
The proposed plans would see the derelict estate demolished and replaced with 35 new flats and family homes — a move that could breathe new life into the area and honour its original purpose of providing shelter and stability.
Commenter Everyyear says: 'Obviously the estate needs to be rebuilt or repaired to the point where it is habitable once again. I suppose the challenge is finding the money to do the work? Logically speaking, the amount of money saved (from housing people in emergency accommodation) could more than pay for the work. Perhaps some of the grant that has been allocated to Rhyl could be used? Then the savings could repay the investment back to the grant fund or reinvested in future housing development? I doubt the funding arrangements are straight forward but where there is a will there is a way!'
Statistix states: 'I find it infuriating that councils eagerly grabbed at council tax premiums on second homes and holiday lets in the hope of either making a huge profit or pushing owners into selling to cover their shortfall of 'affordable homes', but put lower premiums on many more eyesore long term empty homes. This does little to encourage absentee owners to repair/reuse/redevelop.'
Robbie thinks: 'They should be kept as an asset and fixed up. It's a disgrace they weren't maintained when locals are desperate for homes.'
Dave selwood suggests: 'Give the land to a housing association, they will develop it within a year.'
Cooperman1927 points out: 'They have asbestos in them and are dangerous.'
Jonesey1 replies: 'That's another cost to add on then. Maybe knocking them down and starting again really is the answer but where the money will come from is anyone's guess.'
Vaux08hall adds: 'The answer is to build new properties on the land and stop building on farmland.'
Vaux08hall agrees: 'Absolutely and there are plenty of brownfield sites around North Wales.'
HoorahHenry1 asks: 'I thought the Labour Government was planning to spend billions on housing, so really it should not be difficult to refurbish these properties?'
Jeff2509 retorts: 'This is the local council's responsibility and is not down to the central government or the Senedd. If you are looking to play the blame game, it's really locals who have blocked movement on this estate.'