StMalo’s proposal is “good news” in Anglesey's climate of economic hardship

"Jobs & Homes" remains top priority and StMalo's proposal in Llangefni provides exactly the double benefit opportunity Anglesey needs.

StMalo's outline planning application 34C553A was lodged in January 2007 for housing and Extra Care on 13.223 acres of land at Ty'n Coed, Talwrn Road, Llangefni. The application originally comprised 180 dwellings plus a 50 unit “Extra Care” facility along with associated infrastructure. However concerns raised by local residents prompted a downward numbers revision of the planning application to 139 dwellings plus the Extra Care.

For elderly citizens who can no longer cope with living alone and require a watchful eye “Extra Care” with an on-site manager provides the ideal solution, negating the need to consider a nursing home option. The “Extra Care” facility proposal includes on the ground floor a cafeteria, laundry facility, hairdresser and general provisions retailer. The Extra Care facility would be owned and operated by Clwyd Alyn a Registered Social Landlord (RSL) (otherwise known as a Housing Association) along with other Extra Care facilities Clwyd Alyn have built and now operate along the North Wales coast. The Talwrn Road facility would be for locals-only and offered by way of mixed tenure viz; private sale; shared equity or rented and caters for "seniors" in a quality environment.

In 2007 a new school, integrated centre with nursery and construction centre of excellence plus highways infrastructure was built off the new Talwrn Road roundabout. It is expected that the relocated and newly built Ysgol y Graig school will open for its first intake of pupils in September 2008. The Welsh Assembly Governments "Integrated Centre" with Nursery was completed in April 2008 and is already operational with an integral nursery. Coleg Menai’s "Construction Centre of Excellence" is located adjacent to the Integrated Centre and will provide a fantastic opportunity for young people to learn and hone their skills before entering the construction job market.

StMalo wishes to make its contribution to Anglesey’s Community in terms of affordable housing provision. A deal has been agreed with Anglesey Council that secures up to 30% affordable housing with an on-site or a partial off-site option. Given that StMalo already have 0.7 acres of land with housing consent next to ASDA in Llangefni town centre the opportunity exists to deliver “an immediate” 36 units at this location via a RSL. The balance of affordable housing would be provided via the Extra Care and through shared equity housing on site at Ty’n Coed. StMalo would not commence building of private housing at Ty'n Coed until the housing market had stabilised.

We mentioned “jobs and homes” at the beginning of the article……so what does it mean in this context?

Anglesey Council's Housing Department has 3,000 persons registerd as “in need of accommodation" in an Island population of 66,000. This makes an urgent case for delivering affordable housing as quickly as possible. StMalo's proposals are economically beneficial because:

Firstly, an “Extra Care” facility at Ty’n Coed for 50 apartments – the construction contract would require local labour and building materials could be sourced locally. The Welsh Assembly Government classifies Extra Care as “affordable housing for the elderly” so we are providing affordable housing for all ages without discriminating.

Secondly, the opportunity of an immediate provision of 36 affordable “social rented units” on land next to ASDA requires a 12 month building contract – providing local jobs and potentially locally sourced materials.

Thirdly affordable mixed tenure units would be provided on site at Ty’n Coed making up the balance of 30% affordable housing. These would be family houses.

Hence there are clear and sound reasons to support our proposals given the benefits that could be derived in terms of "jobs and homes"

StMalo has provided Anglesey Council with all of the information it requested and the planning application is “technically sound” with all issues resolved. It is likely that 34C553A will be heard before Anglesey Council’s Planning & Orders Committee in September 2008.

StMalo’s proposal is “good news” in Anglesey's climate of economic hardship

04 August 2008