News

Welsh Government ‘should focus beyond affordable homes’ to tackle housing crisis

Published

3 months ago

September 16, 2024

A NEW report by leading planning and development consultancy Lichfields calls for a more comprehensive housing strategy in Wales.

Whilst efforts to increase the supply of low-carbon social housing are commendable, Lichfields’ analysis reveals that this narrow approach misses the larger picture.

The Welsh Government’s current focus on affordable housing alone will not solve the deepening housing crisis, which requires a more holistic strategy that addresses both supply and demand factors.

The report, titled “Affordable housing in Wales: Does more of less really mean more?” highlights that the key to improving housing affordability lies in expanding overall housing delivery, not just affordable homes.

It identifies several barriers to achieving the Welsh Government’s target of 20,000 low-carbon social housing homes by 2026. Current efforts, which focus too specifically on delivering subsidised rental homes, do not address the underlying shortage of total housing supply, which remains the primary contributor to the housing crisis. Lichfields’ analysis shows that expanding overall housing delivery would not only increase the supply of affordable homes but also enhance the viability of broader housing goals.

Rhiannon Harrop-Griffiths, a planner at Lichfields and co-author of the report, said: “Our findings show a need for a shift in strategy. By increasing the overall housing stock, the Welsh Government can both increase the stock of affordable housing and improve affordability across all sectors, making housing more accessible to a wider range of people.

“Simply focusing on low carbon social rent in isolation risks perpetuating the shortage of homes across all tenures. A more holistic approach that balances the need for social and affordable housing with private market housing would not only help meet the diverse needs of Welsh communities but also stimulate economic growth through job creation and rebalance communities where young families are excluded from the housing market.”

Key recommendations from the report include adopting a more robust methodology in identifying future need for both affordable and market housing, facilitating higher levels of private sector housing delivery in recognition of its role in providing affordable housing, and revising housing requirements in Local Development Plans to more accurately identify future levels of housing need. The report also calls for greater collaboration between public and private sectors to overcome viability challenges and support sustainable housing growth.

Gareth Williams, a Senior Director at Lichfields, added: “Our research shows that a restrictive definition of affordable housing and a lack of focus on broader housing delivery are hindering progress. By widening the scope to include different housing types and market dynamics, the Welsh Government can better balance supply and demand, ultimately alleviating pressure on the housing market.”

The full report can be downloaded and read here: https://lichfields.uk/content/insights/affordable-housing-in-wales

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

18 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.