70 new homes for social rent are on their way to Llwynhendy, Llanelli thanks to a new development by Beacon Cymru, part-funded by the Welsh Government’s social housing grant scheme (SHG).
The site, which is adjacent to the Scarlets’ home ground, is one of the first to enter development stage since Beacon Cymru was formed in January 2025 by the merger of established community landlords, Coastal Housing Group and RHA Wales.
Located off Maes ar Ddaffen Road in Llwynhendy, Llanelli. The site was purchased from Tata Steel, who will also supply some key construction materials. The structures will be built using a galvanised steel frame, whilst the roofs will feature the sleek and stylish Catnic SolarSeam system with built-in solar energy generation. The site spans approximately 2.02 hectares and will deliver 70 high-quality, 100% social rent homes as a mix of:
- 18 two-person, one-bedroom apartments
- 30 four-person, two-bedroom houses
- 10 five-person, three-bedroom houses
- 8 six-person, four-bedroom houses
- 2 three-person, two-bedroom bungalows
- 2 wheelchair-adapted two-person, one-bedroom bungalows
The homes have been designed with support from Swansea University’s Specific knowledge centre to ensure high levels of energy performance for residents and minimise the environmental impact of the construction process.
Much of the existing site and adjacent highway experience significant waterlogging, particularly within its south-west corner. To mitigate against flood risk to the development site and to provide betterment to the surrounding areas, the completed scheme will retain rainwater on-site via an attenuation basin, rainwater gardens and permeable paved driveways. These features across the site not only mitigate flood risks but also create rich areas of biodiversity within the development boundary.
Monmouthshire-based Edenstone Homes will complete the detailed design and undertake the build process on behalf of Beacon Cymru and will give an enhanced role to renewable energy technologies and biodiversity practices that exceed industry standards and meet a commitment to sustainability shared by all project partners.
The scheme will deliver modern methods of construction (MMC) by way of offsite manufactured steel frame and will also be Net Zero Energy compliant through the utilisation of air source heat pumps, extensive integrated PV panels on the roofs, smart hot water cylinders and home control systems as well as EV charging points and excellent insulation values to the fabric of the homes.
Construction will commence shortly and take approximately 2 years, with the initial handovers for occupation by mid 2026.
Debbie Green, Chief Executive of Beacon Cymru Group, said:
“This development with Edenstone Homes is a significant, early milestone in our journey to deliver more high-quality, affordable homes as a result of merger. Our commitment to renewable energy, biodiversity, and the collaboration with Tata Steel reflects our continued dedication to innovation and sustainability through the merger process and into our bright future as Beacon Cymru. We are grateful to Welsh Government for their continued support in the form of funding to help make these much-needed homes a reality.”
Glyn Mabey, Chief Executive of Edenstone Group commented:
“We are delighted to take part in one of the first projects of the newly-formed Beacon Cymru Group. This energy efficient steel frame project is an innovative approach to providing new homes to high quality and energy efficiency standards in Wales, as we continue to grow our mixed tenure residential developer business model across South Wales and the West of England.”
Anil Jhanji, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Steel UK said:
“Supporting a community development which will add such value to the region, is incredibly humbling for Tata Steel. For decades it has been recognised that more homes are needed across the UK, and this project showcases the role that steel can play in building housing at scale and pace. We are confident that this scheme will act a catalyst for the wider residential market, with steel as the key material of choice, and we look forward to completing it in due course.”
Jan Bell, Innovation & Engagement Director Swansea University said:
“We’re thrilled to have brought together partners for this project, to create energy efficient, steel intensive homes using a local Welsh supply chain. This effort builds on long term partnerships with the University, Tata Steel, Carmarthenshire County Council and Coastal Housing, supported by Welsh Government. Together we’re delivering affordable, scalable, and sustainable active homes that incorporate biophilic design, harmonize with the local environment and support Welsh steel products and businesses”.
