Plans for new affordable homes in Swansea given go-ahead

Image: courtesy of BDP

Multidisciplinary design practice BDP is supporting Swansea Council in delivering a new low carbon neighbourhood

Major plans to create much-needed affordable and energy efficient housing in Swansea have been given approval.

A planning application, submitted by Swansea Council, has now been approved for the development of 156 affordable homes in the Bonymaen community.

A multidisciplinary team of architects, landscape architects and engineers from international design practice BDP is supporting the council in delivering the plans.

The housing scheme is set to be developed in four phases along Brokesby Road, providing a mix of homes ranging from 1-bedroom flats and 2-bedroom bungalows to 3 & 4-bedroom houses.

The development will provide enhanced public green spaces, incorporating play areas for children along with active travel routes linking the development with surrounding areas.

The plans include highly insulated, panelised timber frame homes that are powered by solar PV and heated by ground source heat pumps, with MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) and battery storage in place to ensure they run efficiently.

Sustainable urban drainage systems, known as SuDS, are an important feature of the plans and a requirement in Wales. They provide sustainable management of rainwater, promote biodiversity, and enhance the townscape by creating green streets.  

The flats, houses and bungalows are designed to Lifetime Homes Standard, meaning they are adaptable as people’s needs change during their lifetime, for example for wheelchair use.

Nick Ellis, senior architect at BDP, who has been working with the council on the proposals, said: "The vision for this new proposed neighbourhood of 159 homes is to create a highly sustainable, low carbon model of family living that prioritises the wellbeing of the people who live there and supports social cohesion.

"The proposed people-centred design seeks to create an inviting, accessible and enjoyable place to live, through well-designed public open spaces, play areas and a network of tree-lined streets that connect to the wider community.

"A range of types of homes that are highly energy efficient and cost effective to run will cater for people at all stages of life and support Swansea Council's drive to eradicate fuel poverty."