THE development of 24 affordable houses featuring solar panels and air source heat pumps is set to begin in Penygroes.

Housing association Grŵp Cynefin is carrying out the £5.5million project near Plas Silyn Leisure Centre, marking the start of its move to low carbon and energy efficient properties.

The two, three and four bedroom properties, as well as eight one bedroom flats, will be let on an affordable rent basis to people who are registered and eligible via Gwynedd Council’s Housing Register and Tai Teg.

It is hoped the project, which received £500,000 funding from the Welsh Government, will contribute in a small way to solving issues around rising housing prices in Gwynedd.

“These types of schemes are vital to communities as they bring affordable homes to areas in which people have grown up but are priced out of buying a property and therefore move away," said Gwyndaf Williams, development manager at Grŵp Cynefin.

“This development at Penygroes will be one of the largest projects of its kind for Grŵp Cynefin. We are setting a precedent for future construction, not just for us but across North Wales, so that these high-quality, energy-efficient homes will be the standard specification.

“They will be well insulated and feature solar panels as well as air source heat pumps, which absorb heat from outside to heat the homes and hot water, which will help reduce utility bills.

Grŵp Cynefin is experienced in modern methods of construction, such as modular builds at Maes Glyndwr at Cynwyd near Corwen in Denbighshire, which reduces the amount of journeys to the site.

Mari Tudur, senior rural housing enabler, who works with communities to understand issues such as affordability and availability, said: “We are very happy that the number of homes we wanted to be built has been approved. There’s a strong demand in the area so it will be rewarding to see affordable, high-quality houses being built for local people who won’t have to move away.”

Shan Lloyd Williams, chief executive at Grŵp Cynefin, added: “The new Maes Dulyn development signals a change in how we will be developing all our future homes, helping to maximise our contribution to the green agenda and future sustainability. Grŵp Cynefin is committed to cutting our carbon emissions, providing warmer homes and to helping our tenants to reduce their energy bills."

We are also committed to provide good quality affordable housing for local people, and this development in Penygroes will be a great example of working together with the local community, local suppliers and Gwynedd Council to help tackle the shortage of homes in Gwynedd.”