Frequently Asked Questions

Why are we hoping to build?
The need for housing in Wales is significant, with a pressing demand for affordable, energy-efficient homes.

We play a crucial role in addressing this issue by focusing on creating modern, sustainable housing. We make a difference by helping more families have access to quality, affordable homes.

Where are we building?
The proposed area for the new Brynna Road development is the existing green space off Brynna Road, bordered by Heol y Foel, Cefndon Terrace and Brynglas Ave.

Plan of proposed development

Why are we building here?
Our decision to build on our own land allows us to allocate more funds towards the construction and enhancement of existing homes, ensuring that we can provide affordable housing to more families.

The proposed Brynna Road development has been designed thoughtfully to retain substantial green areas and incorporate biodiversity enhancements. This careful planning reflects our dedication to balancing the need for new homes with environmental stewardship and community well-being.

Subject to planning, what types of homes are we hoping to develop here?
The Brynna Road proposal includes a mix of apartments, houses and bungalows. The proposals also include 2 larger “adapted” bungalows, suitable for use by wheelchair users. There is huge unmet demand for this type of bungalow.

The proposed mix of homes for the site are:

  • 2 x 1-bedroom apartments
  • 2 x standard 1 bed bungalows
  • 2 x adapted 2-bedroom bungalows
  • 10 x 2-bedroom houses
  • 4 x 3-bedroom houses
  • 2 x 4-bedroom houses

What about parking?
In line with planning policy, all of the new properties would have to have dedicated parking allocated.

This to ensure any development would not have a detrimental effect on the existing parking situation. Each proposed property is allocated one parking space per bedroom (up to a maximum of three parking spaces).

Existing parking bays would be redesigned, with new formalised parking spaces provided in their place for the use of the existing local residents.

If it passed planning, the proposed development would result in an INCREASE of parking provision available for general use by the local residents.

What about the drainage?

Any development would have to comply with the Welsh Government's Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) policy.

This ensures that the project is harmoniously integrated with existing drainage infrastructure, mitigating flood risks and promoting sustainable water management.

By adhering to SUDS guidelines, we demonstrate our commitment to environmental responsibility and community safety. We would ensure the development not only provides much-needed housing but also enhances local resilience to climate change impacts.

What about the playground?
The existing playground at the proposed Brynna Road development would be retained and upgraded, ensuring that it continues to serve as a valuable recreational space for the community.

The surrounding green spaces will also be enhanced to provide a more enjoyable and biodiverse environment.

While the plan is to keep the playground open for as long as possible during the construction period, it may be necessary to close it for a short period to ensure the safety and welfare of children and families.

These short-term temporary closures will be carefully managed and communicated to minimise disruption and ensure that the playground remains a safe and welcoming space for everyone.

Who could live here?
We currently have over 5000 applicants on our waiting list for homes. These include a range of single applicants, couples, and families with children. Due to the current housing crisis and shortage of housing supply in Neath Port Talbot, we have seen a big increase in the numbers of people making an application for housing with us.

With this proposed development being mainly houses, the allocation of these properties would be to families with children. The proposed adapted properties in this development would be allocated to applicants who would have a health requirement for that adaptation.  The two walk up apartments, and one bed bungalows would be allocated to a single person or a couple.

How will the properties be allocated?
The properties will be made available via both our Home By Choice bidding system and nominations from the local authority.

Before any applicant is offered a property their application will be thoroughly checked to ensure eligibility.

We will also meet with the potential applicants and third-party agencies to discuss the applications, before the final approval is made on an allocation for a new development property.

Why Cwmavon?
Cwmavon is a sought-after area where there is a high demand for housing.

Between ourselves and Beacon Housing Association there are already 638 social homes in the village.

Last year, only nine of our properties here became available, and almost 300 people expressed an interest in them.  We currently have 1117 people on our waiting list wanting to live here.