2,800 more homes needed in Bridgend by 2033

A housing market projection report for Bridgend County Borough has found that more than 2,800 new social and affordable homes are going to be needed to meet demand over the next decade.

The report, which was discussed by Cabinet, found that an additional 2,834 social and affordable homes are needed by 2033 to meet local demand.

The majority of these are located in the Bridgend town, Pyle, Kenfig Hill, Cornelly and Porthcawl areas, with one-bedroom homes and flats accounting for just under 40 per cent of the expected demand.

The report also found that 71 per cent of households own their home either outright or via a mortgage, 15 per cent rent privately, and 14 per cent rent socially.

At 21 per cent, the Ogmore Valley had the highest proportion of private tenants. The area with the highest level of home ownership was Porthcawl, while the Pyle and Kenfig Hill areas had the lowest levels.

Out of 1,100 homes in the county borough which have been classed as long-term empty, the majority were found to be privately owned. The report also found that at 0.1 per cent, the number of second homes liable to pay council tax in Bridgend County Borough is considerably below the all-Wales average of 1.8 per cent.

Housing organisations and charities surveyed as part of the housing market projection indicated that social housing and increased supported housing should be the highest priority.

While views on prioritising improvements to existing housing stock were mixed, most thought that open-market housing should be a lower priority.

Councillor Rhys Goode, Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Regeneration, said: “The 2024 Local Housing Market Assessment has been put together following careful analysis of relevant socio-economic, demographic and property market information to provide us with an authoritative insight into how local housing needs translate into different sizes and types of housing.

“Over coming years, this assessment will provide a bedrock when planning for new houses, regenerating large parts of the county borough, and providing homes for people who are most in need.

“I look forward to working with private developers, social landlords and the Welsh Government to translate this assessment into reality.”

The 2024 Local Housing Market Assessment for Bridgend County Borough will now be sent to Welsh Government for their consideration.