Former Haverfordwest school site could be used for modular homeless accommodation

The ex-school site at Augustine Way, Haverfordwest could also include units to help relieve one-bed pressures, including accessible/wheelchair friendly accommodation or for those having to move out if urgent refurbishments are needed on council houses.

Pembrokeshire Council says that demand for one-bedroom accommodation remains high in the county, with more than 2,000 people on the housing list for this type of home and single person households make up the majority of homeless cases. The council says it also heavily relies on temporarily accommodating our homeless in local B&Bs.

The council says that the potential to utilise Welsh Government funding towards develop this ‘meanwhile site’ will make a significant impact on reducing the current annual cost of temporary accommodation such as B&B and hostels.

Up to 30 units of accommodation, phased over two years, could be developed on the site, which would be similar in style to similar developments in other Welsh towns and cities, with support for residents available on site.

A similar, but smaller, eight pod development has been used at Hubberston for a number of years, with the authority saying that the new plans are just part of the Council’s build programme and investment in new housing for Pembrokeshire residents.  

“There is an ongoing need to provide suitable temporary accommodation for people faced with homelessness while supporting them to find a permanent home. Following discussion at Cabinet on July 7th, if approved, the next stage will include engagement with the local community,” said Cabinet Member for Housing Cllr Michelle Bateman.

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Pembrokeshire Council say that tender submission bids for the site’s development were received over the summer and are currently being evaluated, with a Pre-Construction Service agreement anticipated to be awarded in the autumn.

The approved plans include 125 new homes.

The successful contractor will then be required to carry out final works on design, market testing, seek Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) Approval Body approval along with other matters before a construction contract is entered with the plan to commence on site late Spring 2025.

Pembrokeshire Council Cabinet Member for Housing Cllr Michelle Bateman: “Given the high level of demand for social housing across Pembrokeshire, and in particular the Tenby area, this is an important scheme in our development programme.

“The site will deliver high quality homes for the local area, made up of 93 homes that will be retained by the Council. The remaining will be a mix of open market and shared ownership.

“A local lettings policy will be in place for allocations of the council owned properties with priority given to those with a connection to Tenby and the surrounding villages.

“I am pleased that the National Park planning committee unanimously supported the application.”

(Lead image: Pembrokeshire Council)

https://swanseabaynews.com/2024/09/09/national-park-approval-for-new-council-built-homes-in-tenby/

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