The first modular homes are set to be built under Cardiff Council’s flagship housebuilding programme courtesy of a pilot scheme. This innovative scheme will see nine affordable, two-bedroom homes built for council rent delivered on Crofts Street in Plasnewydd. 

National developer Wates Residential and Cardiff Council are completing the scheme as part of their 10-year ‘Cardiff Living’ commitment to deliver around 1,500 homes across the city to help tackle the growing demand for housing. 

Modular housing in Plasnewydd will result in a significantly reduced programme of works on site in addition to reduced site traffic, minimising disruption for existing communities and reducing emissions. All of the homes will boast mechanical and natural ventilation, providing year-round comfort, while annual heating bills are expected to be around 90% less than traditional builds, helping to reduce fuel poverty. 

The project will be delivered through Wates Residential and Homeshell, a joint venture between architects, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners and AECOM. Work on the brownfield site, previously a former laboratory, is expected to start later this year.

Edward Rees, Regional Director for Wates Residential, said: “It’s fantastic to see consent given to this affordable housing project, which is part of our long-term partnership with Cardiff Council. The modular design will increase energy efficiency and shorten our time on site, helping to reduce emissions and disruption for existing residents.

“This is just one of the ways innovative solutions can help tackle growing demand for housing and we look forward to working with the council to deliver more homes over the coming months and years.”

Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, Cllr Lynda Thorne, added: “The Crofts Street development will provide nine new council homes in the city, and helps us on our way to building 2,000 new council homes, around 600 of which are being delivered through our Cardiff Living partnership with Wates Residential.

“We’re always looking for opportunities and new ways of developing more affordable housing to tackle growing demand in the city and to do so as quickly as possible. This exciting scheme, which will be the first time we have used a highly energy-efficient modular build system, can be delivered in considerably less time than a traditional-build project and has been awarded Welsh Government Innovative Housing Funding.

“The advantages of the scheme include reduced energy bills for tenants, helping to combat fuel poverty, while the amount of construction time on site is significantly reduced, which is an obvious benefit for people living in the community around the development.”