Latest news with #CartrefiConwy
Wales Online
28-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
North Wales housing estate anti-social behaviour claim 'unbelievable'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A contentious discussion has erupted amongst North Wales Live readers as a result of a new Conwy housing development, focusing primarily on affordable housing implications and effects on community relationships. A central theme of this debate revolves around differing perspectives on what the term "affordable" signifies and the subsequent impacts of such projects. Amendments proposed to a significant development initiated in 2022 are stirring claims of increased anti-social conduct. In 2020, Cartrefi Conwy's subsidiary, Calon Homes, alongside Creating Enterprise, secured planning approval for the construction of 107 homes in the Maes-y-Felin scheme, Glan Conwy. Initially planned as a mix of market-rate houses and thirty percent allocated affordable homes, the project is currently half-built off the A470. However, Cartrefi Conwy now aims to modify the project plan by establishing 121 houses within the area; all will be the housing group's property and subsequently leased out. The motive behind this change, as stated by the group, stems from an urgent county-wide necessity for Wales-wide affordable housing. Despite this, Aberconwy MS Janet Finch-Saunders expressed her worry regarding the whole procedure. She insists that adherence to the original planning consent is paramount, cautioning that more homes would exacerbate traffic and put greater strain on local services. Additionally, she cautioned about a "considerably higher risk of anti-social behaviour and neighbour disputes on estates with a higher proportion of affordable housing". One of our readers, Steamnut writes: "Using that statement 'urgent need for affordable housing' again. Maybe they have not been able to sell all of the 'market value' properties and are looking at the rental sector to compensate or this was the plan all along. When ordinary property owners try to get or change planning permission the whole might of the planning department is brought to bear. Cartrefi Conwy should be made to stick to the original agreement." Everyyear adds: "Unbelievable. Does Janet Finch Saunders have any proof that affordable housing leads to increased anti-social behaviour? No, she does not. That term covers shared equity housing, so owner occupiers who cannot afford the full market price. A couple of decades ago, before the property boom, many of these people would have been able to buy homes at the market rate. No-one was suggesting then that they were likely to cause a rise in anti-social behaviour." PeteAM replies: "You have obviously never read any reports on the causes of crime, and they will all tell you the same. Areas of deprivation have higher crime rates. This suggests there is a strong link between poverty and crime. So yes having less money makes one more liable to behave criminally which is pretty obvious to most people, but keep wearing your blinkers and rose tinted spectacles." DaveT2912 adds: "In a village where the doctors and school are both full." Welshwitch1 believes: "It is an excellent opportunity to help the poor and unemployed people to have somewhere decent to live with dignity. It would enhance their lives and respect for one another. It would also give them an incentive to seek employment or training for work. Commentators don't be so negative, be more positive and forward looking please. Thank you." PeteAM says: "You seek employment or training for work first, that is what gives you dignity, self respect, respect for others, and the aspiration to buy your own property. Well that's what used to happen." CGX says: "Antisocial behaviour is not purely down to where you are on the housing ladder. There are very many people who own their own homes that contribute to ASB." Traderbucks writes: "When building housing expecting higher bad behaviour build a police house for a bobby so there is a local police presence." Indigodebz asks: "Who would buy a brand new home on a modern estate these days as you just don't know what the neighbourhood will become? You can't buy great neighbours." SCATHINGPEN says: "There's that word again, 'affordable'. I've asked many times, what is affordable in Wales? What do a couple, both working have to earn in order to afford, affordable? "There are homes for sale up and down the country that are obviously at the cheaper end of the market but, they take a long time to find a buyer or never seem to find a buyer. Is that because even the cheapest homes in Wales are beyond the financial reach of most? So, building affordable homes is pointless. "Welsh families won't buy many and they will be sold to buyers from outside the region. Then there's the phrase 'anti social behaviour'. Hardly a ringing endorsement for social cohesion and happy communities. Also another probable reason that private landlords have abandoned this sector. Ask any community, whether it's a street, an estate, a village, which would you prefer as neighbours? "Owner occupiers who are working and adhering to the rules of respect for those that live alongside them Or second home owners who do, despite what some claim, add to the local economy. Or perhaps holiday let's, that are not a permanent residence and therefore, not an unmoving problem of anti social behaviour? It only takes one antisocial family to ruin it for all the rest. A housing crisis is one thing. Housing problem tenants, is another." MickHookem answers: "'Affordable' means that the rents should be no more than 80% of the average local market rent, which means (in theory) that LHA should cover the rent in full." Haroc says: "These housing developments are going to pop up more and more to tackle the housing shortage for rentals, as private landlords sell up due to increasing pressures, constraints and higher taxations. There should be a clause put on these new builds for local residents who have a proven residence in the county for 20+ years and registered on the list. There are so many local families living in cramped conditions with their extended family or youngsters sofa surfing, but considered not a priority because they have family to rely on for keeping them off the streets." Do you agree or disagree with Aberconwy MS Janet Finch-Saunders? Comment below or HERE to join in the conversation.
North Wales Live
28-05-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
North Wales housing estate anti-social behaviour claim 'unbelievable'
A contentious discussion has erupted amongst North Wales Live readers as a result of a new Conwy housing development, focusing primarily on affordable housing implications and effects on community relationships. A central theme of this debate revolves around differing perspectives on what the term "affordable" signifies and the subsequent impacts of such projects. Amendments proposed to a significant development initiated in 2022 are stirring claims of increased anti-social conduct. In 2020, Cartrefi Conwy 's subsidiary, Calon Homes, alongside Creating Enterprise, secured planning approval for the construction of 107 homes in the Maes-y-Felin scheme, Glan Conwy. Initially planned as a mix of market-rate houses and thirty percent allocated affordable homes, the project is currently half-built off the A470. However, Cartrefi Conwy now aims to modify the project plan by establishing 121 houses within the area; all will be the housing group's property and subsequently leased out. The motive behind this change, as stated by the group, stems from an urgent county-wide necessity for Wales-wide affordable housing. Despite this, Aberconwy MS Janet Finch-Saunders expressed her worry regarding the whole procedure. She insists that adherence to the original planning consent is paramount, cautioning that more homes would exacerbate traffic and put greater strain on local services. Additionally, she cautioned about a "considerably higher risk of anti-social behaviour and neighbour disputes on estates with a higher proportion of affordable housing". One of our readers, Steamnut writes: "Using that statement 'urgent need for affordable housing' again. Maybe they have not been able to sell all of the 'market value' properties and are looking at the rental sector to compensate or this was the plan all along. When ordinary property owners try to get or change planning permission the whole might of the planning department is brought to bear. Cartrefi Conwy should be made to stick to the original agreement." Everyyear adds: "Unbelievable. Does Janet Finch Saunders have any proof that affordable housing leads to increased anti-social behaviour? No, she does not. That term covers shared equity housing, so owner occupiers who cannot afford the full market price. A couple of decades ago, before the property boom, many of these people would have been able to buy homes at the market rate. No-one was suggesting then that they were likely to cause a rise in anti-social behaviour." PeteAM replies: "You have obviously never read any reports on the causes of crime, and they will all tell you the same. Areas of deprivation have higher crime rates. This suggests there is a strong link between poverty and crime. So yes having less money makes one more liable to behave criminally which is pretty obvious to most people, but keep wearing your blinkers and rose tinted spectacles." DaveT2912 adds: "In a village where the doctors and school are both full." Welshwitch1 believes: "It is an excellent opportunity to help the poor and unemployed people to have somewhere decent to live with dignity. It would enhance their lives and respect for one another. It would also give them an incentive to seek employment or training for work. Commentators don't be so negative, be more positive and forward looking please. Thank you." PeteAM says: "You seek employment or training for work first, that is what gives you dignity, self respect, respect for others, and the aspiration to buy your own property. Well that's what used to happen." CGX says: "Antisocial behaviour is not purely down to where you are on the housing ladder. There are very many people who own their own homes that contribute to ASB." Traderbucks writes: "When building housing expecting higher bad behaviour build a police house for a bobby so there is a local police presence." Indigodebz asks: "Who would buy a brand new home on a modern estate these days as you just don't know what the neighbourhood will become? You can't buy great neighbours." SCATHINGPEN says: "There's that word again, 'affordable'. I've asked many times, what is affordable in Wales? What do a couple, both working have to earn in order to afford, affordable? "There are homes for sale up and down the country that are obviously at the cheaper end of the market but, they take a long time to find a buyer or never seem to find a buyer. Is that because even the cheapest homes in Wales are beyond the financial reach of most? So, building affordable homes is pointless. "Welsh families won't buy many and they will be sold to buyers from outside the region. Then there's the phrase 'anti social behaviour'. Hardly a ringing endorsement for social cohesion and happy communities. Also another probable reason that private landlords have abandoned this sector. Ask any community, whether it's a street, an estate, a village, which would you prefer as neighbours? "Owner occupiers who are working and adhering to the rules of respect for those that live alongside them Or second home owners who do, despite what some claim, add to the local economy. Or perhaps holiday let's, that are not a permanent residence and therefore, not an unmoving problem of anti social behaviour? It only takes one antisocial family to ruin it for all the rest. A housing crisis is one thing. Housing problem tenants, is another." MickHookem answers: "'Affordable' means that the rents should be no more than 80% of the average local market rent, which means (in theory) that LHA should cover the rent in full." Haroc says: "These housing developments are going to pop up more and more to tackle the housing shortage for rentals, as private landlords sell up due to increasing pressures, constraints and higher taxations. There should be a clause put on these new builds for local residents who have a proven residence in the county for 20+ years and registered on the list. There are so many local families living in cramped conditions with their extended family or youngsters sofa surfing, but considered not a priority because they have family to rely on for keeping them off the streets."
Business News Wales
25-04-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Social Housing Provider Acquires Key North Wales Site
Social housing provider Cartrefi Conwy has acquired a key piece of land at Dinerth Road, Rhos-on-Sea, from the Welsh Government. A new housing development on the site will address local housing needs identified in the Bay of Colwyn Place Plan, focusing on affordable housing and the repurposing of underutilised spaces. The new homes at Dinerth Road will be carefully integrated into the local area, supporting a vision of a connected, sustainable, and inclusive neighbourhood. The development will adhere to placemaking principles, ensuring housing of high quality that enhances well-being, promotes green spaces, and enriches Rhos-on-Sea. Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, said: 'I'm incredibly pleased with Carterfi Conwy's commitment to community engagement and sustainable design principles, ensuring these new homes deliver both social and economic value for families and individuals in Rhos-on-Sea. 'We need more homes now and for the future and it's so important that we continue to work and explore innovative approaches to increasing housing supply, and partnerships like this one demonstrate how we can achieve this goal together.' Cartrefi Conwy's Group Director of Resources, Peter Lewis, said: 'We are delighted to have secured the Dinerth Road site and look forward to working with the local community to create high-quality, affordable homes that meet the needs of local people. This development represents a fantastic opportunity to provide sustainable housing in a way that respects and enhances the surrounding area.' Residents surrounding the site will receive a bilingual information pamphlet with further details, including contact information and support services.
