PLANS for new bungalows for people aged over 55 in a Monmouthshire village have been approved by councillors, despite the scheme going against the council’s Local Development Plan.
The care scheme will see 24 homes built, including 20 bungalows, on a site next to the recently-opened Foxhunters Care Community in Llanfoist.
Planning officers had recommended refusal of the scheme as the site is allocated for employment land in the Local Development Plan (LDP).
But at a planning committee meeting on Tuesday, Matthew Gray, representing the applicant, told councillors there is “a critical need” for accommodation to serve the over 55s in the county.
“The proposed use as 24 extra care units represents a logical and sensible use of the site,” Mr Gray said.
“The proposed development will compliment the existing care home in addition to providing high quality bungalow accommodation for those aged over 55.”
Cllr Phil Murphy was among those to support the plan, saying the proposal represented “a better use of the land” than alternative employment uses.
“Covid has altered the whole situation with regards to that type of development,” he said, adding that some of the council’s aims since putting together the LDP have now changed.
Cllr Louise Brown said there was a need to provide accommodation for older people in Monmouthshire.
“There is a demand for bungalows and often people who wish to retire want to have a bungalow rather than a house,” she added.
Cllr Roger Harris voiced concern over going against the recommendation of planning officers, but said he would ‘reluctantly’ support the plans.
“It will be a very nice addition to what we have in the area,” he said.
But planning officer, Craig O’Connor, said the development would not create enough jobs to be considered as an employment use for the site.
“Trying to preserve the land allocation we have is quite critical to ensure we get sustainable developments with job opportunities as well,” he said.
Cllr Giles Howard, who represents the ward, argued that although the site is allocated for employment, other developments such as a Brewers Fayre pub and care home have already been built in the area.
Cllr Sheila Woodhouse said the development would be “a great asset” to the area, and said she hoped more employment sites would be available in the council’s replacement LDP when it is agreed.
The plans include detached and semi-detached one, two and three-bedroom bungalows, with 24-hour emergency support, communal areas and 34 car parking spaces.
Approach this boarded up terraced house in the south Wales valleys and it’s hard to know what awaits you inside.
The front of the house looks in relatively good order for a property going to auction.
Arguably the guttering looks like it could do with some attention and maybe the facade would benefit from a lick of paint, but overall, it appears to be a typical example of an auction property in need of some modernisation.
The house in Blaenrhondda is going to auction for a guide price of £17,000 so it is expected that renovation work will be required, but how much exactly?
The boards on the windows look sun-bleached and windswept, like they have been in place for a number of years, so how long has this Rhondda Valleys property been empty? More than 40 years, according to the auction house selling the two to three bed property.
And when you push the front door open and venture inside it becomes clear that the property may be empty of an occupant but it is certainly not empty.
All of the home’s contents are still in place.
From a dated sofa in front of an ancient television to carpets and wallpaper dating back decades, this house is a fascinating step back in time.
Before entering the house there are original features to notice and admire before the rooms stuffed with vintage furniture and past interior design demand your full attention.
In the entrance porch there is a panel of beautiful Victorian tiles either side of the front door depicting flowers and fruit.
Most buyers taking on a house that has not touched for decades will hope they discover plenty of original features that have not been ripped out during decades of fluctuating interior trends.
And luckily many of the original features in this house have survived any changes in decor fashion and have not been rehoused at the bottom of a skip.
Delightful wall tiles are joined by a beautiful stripped wood inner hall door featuring a frosted glass panel.
It’s hard not to notice the sight of classic Minton floor tiles stretching out along the hall, in parallel to the dado rail.
There may be more original features to discover, like original floorboards desperate to be sanded and restored, but it is hard to know among the abandoned contents within the rest of the house.
The layout of the house, as far as can be seen, is two reception rooms, a kitchen and a rear room (presumably the current bathroom on the ground floor). There’s also two or three bedrooms upstairs – depending on where a new owner wants to put the bathroom.
The front reception room, once revived, will have light flooding into the space when the boarding is off the large window that looks out over the mountain top opposite.
An original 1930s fireplace is the central vintage feature from that particular era and a characterful aspect of the house that could be retained.
Into the rear reception room and the space is a little easier to ascertain.
The former occupants’ sofa, armchair and television remain, as does the 1970s decor – including stone effect wallpaper and tassel lampshades.
Again there is a fireplace lurking behind the now defunct gas unit, probably dating back to the 1920s or 30s.
The window in the corner will one day soon welcome light back into the room and a new owner may even replace the window with a door out onto the garden and the beautiful views of the valley outside.
Squeeze past an old sideboard and then into the kitchen. Here the journey becomes more treacherous as much of the ceiling has come down and is now part of the floor.
A vintage 1930s kitchen unit has survived the structural incident, as has another tiled fireplace.
Through the door at the back is presumably a toilet facility at the rear of the house and access to the garden.
At the top of the stairs is a widow that reveals lovely views of the mountains at the back of the property.
Upstairs the three bedrooms are certainly doubles, as there is a double bed in each plus substantial bedroom furniture.
One of these bedrooms could become an upstairs bathroom or a new owner could steal some space from two rooms and create a compact shower room without sacrificing a room.
Throughout the house there are signs of the property taking a battering from nature over the years.
Signs of damp and crumbling plaster suggests the property is in need of a full renovation, from the roof and guttering at the top to a cure for damp at the bottom. However once done, this could prove a very homely abode.
Outside, there is a garden waiting to be saved from the overgrown weeds.
Once cleared, the views surrounded by beautiful mountain tops will make the hard work more than worth it.
Imagine a sunny Sunday morning brunch or a summer evening BBQ on a patio terrace in this little slice of the valleys.
Auctioneers initially surveying the property prior to sale were astonished by what they saw inside.
Sean Roper, who is handling the sale for Paul Fosh Auctions said: “Going into the house is like stepping back in time.
“It’s as if the previous owners just closed the front door and left with everything almost as they had left it forty years ago. The decor and groovy wall paper harks back to the sixties and seventies.
Sean added: “But it can’t just be opened up and moved into by new owners as there is a fair bit of work that needs to be done to bring it up to modern standards.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for someone with imagination to acquire a traditional, mid terraced house in need of a full modernisation.
“The village of Blaenrhondda is situated north of Treherbert and Treorchy and is in a semi rural location surrounded by attractive countryside and wonderful views over nearby mountains.
Sean said: “The village itself benefits from a range of amenities however there are a much wider selection of shopping facilities and transport links in Treherbert and Treorchy.”
The next Paul Fosh Auctions online sale when this and a further 82 lots will be offered starts at 12 noon on Tuesday, October 20 with lots going under the hammer from 5pm on Thursday, October 22.
Looking for a doer-upper or something a little different? Thinking about setting up a property portfolio? Then an auction may be a good place to start.
Here is a small selection of properties from the catalogue of the next sale held by Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions, which will be held online on Thursday, October 22 starting at 5pm with bids being registered from 12 noon on Tuesday, October 20.
Florence House, Ruperra Street, Newport: A landlord looking to expand their portfolio would likely be interested in this block of ten flats in Newport. The block is made up of six one-bedroom flats, and four two-bedroom flats, all of which would benefit from some refurbishment. Seven of the flats are currently let but the other three are to be sold with vacant possession. The block is a short walk from Newport city centre which offers a large range of shops and amenities. This property has a guide price of £405,000.
138 Tan Y Bryn, Rhymney, Tredegar: This modern mid-link property would be well suited to a potential first-time buyer, or someone looking for a buy-to-let. It has been previously let, enjoying good occupancy levels. The property benefits from double glazing and has central heating, with further benefits being three bedrooms, a forecourt and an enclosed rear garden. This property has a guide price of £40,000.
Cefn Perthy Farm, Henllys Way, Coed Eva, Cwmbran: If it is something slightly more exotic you’re looking for, there is this secluded one acre plot, comprising of a farmhouse, barns, outbuildings with walled yard, gardens and a small paddock. The barns also have approved residential planning permission for two large three-bedroom dwellings and are ready for conversion. The farmhouse benefits from four bedrooms, extensive gardens with views, a yard for parking and an original garage. It also features mains electric and water, and oil-fired central heating. This property has a guide price of £575,000.
Flat 7, Wesleyan Church, High Street, Llanhilleth, Abertillery: Fancy owning part of a former church? This flat in Llanhilleth is part of a converted church and offers spacious accommodation throughout. It features one bedroom, a kitchen, living room, bathroom, and study/office. It is situated close to local amenities and Llanhilleth railway station, with links to Cardiff city centre. This property may be of interest to investors looking to let, and it could be let for £350 a month. It has a guide price of £23,000.
Cottage rear of 74, King Street, Brynmawr: One of the more unusual lots in this month’s auction is this stone-built cottage in Brynmawr. The property does require full modernisation throughout, but comes with a forecourt and rear yard, and it features a slate roof covering. It would be very well suited to someone looking for a nice project. The cottage is situated close to Brynmawr town centre with its wide range of facilities and amenities. It has a guide price of £18,000.
Flat 6, Rodney House, Millennium Walk, Newport: This top-floor modern flat in Newport is within walking distance of the city centre with its wide range of amenities. It should be of interest to those looking for owner occupation, and investors alike. The flat features an open-plan fitted kitchen/lounge with Juliet balcony, two double bedrooms, and a family bathroom. It also benefits from double glazing, gas central heating, and an allocated parking spot. It has a guide price of £90,000.
A development proposed for Abergavenny to create 24 extra care bungalows for the over-55s would allow local elderly people to remain living in their community and benefit the local economy, claims the developer.
The care scheme, which would also create 20 new jobs, many of them highly-skilled care sector positions, is for a site close to the recently-opened Foxhunters Care Community in Llanfoist.
Foxhunters Estates, a sister company of Dormy Care Communities which operates the nearby Foxhunters Care Community care home, would run the new site.
Helen Davies-Parsons, chief executive of Dormy Care said: “The new development fills a need locally for this type of extra care provision. Without schemes such as ours local elderly residents would be forced to move away from Abergavenny leaving behind family, friends and their community as there currently isn’t this type of accommodation available.
“This is bad not just for the well being of the local elderly but for the struggling local economy which would be deprived of their spending power which is more often used within the local community. ”
“Monmouthshire has the highest population of over 65 year olds in the whole of Gwent.
“We want to support and help maintain the wellbeing of these older people by creating communities that can support them to live independently without them having the heavy burden of property maintenance.
“Living in a close-knit community is commonplace to many older people and having good neighbours is an important factor in reducing loneliness and isolation.
“We envisage that many of the people who would purchase these properties would hail from the local community of Abergavenny and would likely have family close by. They would be able to maintain their community and family links.”
Mrs Davies-Parsons, who stressed that the scheme would also lead to the creation of ‘quality’ jobs, said she had been encouraged by the ‘overwhelming positive’ local community support for the project on Monmouthshire County Council’s website.
The Foxhunters care home, on the adjoining Llanfoist site, was recently named as among the highest rated in Wales by online care guide, carehome.co.uk
The land, to the south of the Brewers Fayre Restaurant on Iberis Road in the village, is currently set aside by the council’s Local Development Plan for industrial and business use.
The extra care housing plan, which council planning officers have recommended for refusal due to loss of allocated employment land, include the creation of detached and semi-detached one, two and three-bedroom bungalows. The site, which overlooks the Blorenge, would also benefit from communal areas and 34 car parking spaces.
Some of the bungalows will have private gardens, and all will have a private patio and access to shared communal gardens.
The proposed development would benefit from 24-hour emergency support and access to a range of leisure facilities already provided at the care home. This includes a cafe, bar, hair salon and treatment rooms.
A decision is due to be made on the application by the council’s planning committee on Tuesday, October 6.
A STUNNING property in the heart of rural Monmouthshire is for sale through Paul Fosh Auctions.
The Old School House, on Pentre Road near the village of Llanwenarth, is set in an acre of grounds.
The stone built former schoolhouse, which retains a host of original features, is four miles from the market town of Crickhowell.
It is being sold by Paul Fosh Auctions in its October catalogue and has a guide price of £365,000.
Sean Roper, who is handling the sale of the property for Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions, said: “This is a delightful former schoolhouse set in just under one acre of grounds.
“The intriguing and attractive stone-built property retains many original features but also offers scope for further improvement.
“The property is approached by an impressive sweeping driveway with gated entrance to reveal wonderful well planted gardens with stunning views.
“The wonderfully well planted gardens are full of mature trees and shrubs. The gardens offer stunning views towards the Sugarloaf and The Blorenge Mountains. There is a double garage with electronic roller shutter door with power”.
On the ground floor there is the entrance hall, kitchen/breakfast room, dining room, further hallway, living room, sitting room, utility room and cloakroom.
On the first floor there is the landing, four bedrooms and bedroom one has an ensuite.
The next Paul Fosh Auctions sale, when this and a further 82 lots will be offered, starts at midday, on Tuesday, October 20 with lots going under the hammer from 5pm on Thursday, October 22.
INVESTIGATIONS continue into an explosion at a house in Chepstow last week.
A man who was inside the property was taken to hospital with injuries, described by police as serious, following the incident in Lower Church Street on the evening of Monday, September 21.
No one else was injured in the blast. Several houses were evacuated following the explosion and subsequent fire.
Speaking today (Tuesday), a spokeswoman for Gwent Police said “enquiries are ongoing” and was unable to provide an update on the injured man, who was taken to Morriston Hospital in Swansea for treatment.
A spokeswoman for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said a fire investigator had attended the scene to conduct a joint investigation with the police.
Due to the damage to the property, as well as safety concerns, the investigator had not been able to enter the house, she added.
Previously, a gas emergency service manager from Wales and West Utilities told the Argus the blast was not thought to be related to the mains gas network”.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, has set out the government’s Winter Economy Plan with new job retention measures in a statement to the House of Commons.
Robin Hall, managing director of Newport-based financial services business Kymin, takes a look at what he said.
The Job Support Scheme will support business who are facing lower demand than usual for this time of year due to effects of coronavirus. It is different to the current furlough scheme which comes to an end on October 31, in that employees will need to be working for the company for at least 33 per cent of their usual hours.
The company must pay the employee for the hours they work and for every hour not worked, the employer and the government will pay a third each of the employee’s usual pay, which will make sure that the employee earn a minimum of 77 per cent of their normal wages.
The government has capped its contribution to £697.92 per month. The grants will not cover Class 1 employer NICs and pension contributions and at the time of writing it seems that the employer will not be able to top up employee’s wages as has been the case with the furlough scheme.
The scheme is due to start on November 1, 2020 and run for six months, employees needed to be on the payroll before September 23, 2020.
All SMEs with a UK bank account and a UK PAYE scheme will be eligible, larger businesses will also be eligible if their turnover has fallen during the crisis. It will be open to employers even if they have not previously used the furlough scheme.
The Chancellor also announced more support for the self-employed.
He is extending the self-employed grant on similar terms to the Job Support Scheme, it will cover three months’ worth of profits for the period from November to the end of January.
It covers 20 per cent of average monthly profits up to a total of £1,875 and a further grant covering February 2021 to the end of April may be available.
Companies which have used Bounce Back Loans will see the loans extended from six to ten years, which could cut the monthly repayments in half.
Lenders will also be able to extend the length of the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Schemes from six to ten years as well. Those businesses struggling with the repayments can choose to make interest only payments for six months and those in “real trouble” can apply to have the repayments suspended completely for six months.
There was also an announcement on taxes, with the 15 per cent emergency VAT cut for tourism and the hospitality industries extended from January 1 to March 31, 2021. Any business which deferred their VAT bills will also be able to pay them back in 11 interest free instalments.
Whether these measures will protect “viable jobs” in the long-term as the chancellor hopes, well only time will tell. A long-term plan with a positive legacy is what is needed, let us hope that before the next six months is up that a clear plan for the future starts to emerge.
