WORK HAS started on a project to create 54 new energy-efficient homes for older people in Colwyn Bay.

Wales & West Housing is working with local contractors Castlemead Group to develop the Bay View Road site, close to the sea front at Colwyn Bay.

Conwy County Council granted planning permission for the low-carbon housing development in January 2023.

The first stage in the development started in April with the demolition of three terraced houses and four semi-detached older properties, which had been empty for several years.

Among them was the former Edward Boase & Son timber merchants, which closed in the 1980s.

This will make way for the construction of a five-storey block of apartments for social rent, which is expected to start in July and is due to be completed in early 2027. 

The new homes are being built to the highest energy efficiency standards, and to help the environment will not rely on fossil fuels for heating.

Instead, they are being fitted with air source heat pump heating systems.

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Solar PV (photovoltaic) panels will be fitted on the roof to generate power and each apartment will have mechanical ventilation and heat recovery (MVHR) systems which will help to keep the new homes warm and fresh by taking stale air and moisture out, bringing fresh, clean air in and recycling warm air.

Gary Cook, regional development manager for Wales & West Housing, said: “There’s a demand in Colwyn Bay for good quality, modern homes for older people that are affordable to rent and heat. 

“The homes that were on the site had become derelict. This is a chance to redevelop a key town centre site to create homes for more local people using renewable technologies.

“Being more energy efficient means the homes will be warmer and lead to reduced energy bills for the people who will live in them, as well as reducing carbon consumption.”

The homes are being built in partnership with Conwy County Borough Council with part funding by the Welsh Government Social Housing Grant.