Places to live

This section explores the buildings that make up your place, the facilities available for local people and housing provision.

The main function of our towns and communities is that they are the places where we live. Our places need to provide a range of housing opportunities for a wide range of people at a level they can afford. This may include rental properties, social or affordable homes, houses for first time buyers, apartments, family homes, accessible homes, downsizer homes and retirement homes. In some places, a lack of new or affordable housing or housing in the right place might increase house prices, preventing young people from getting on the housing ladder, In other places, a lack of employment and opportunities may lead to empty homes or people moving away. 

It is vital that the future needs of the community are considered and new homes are well-designed, accessible dwellings of the right location, type, size and tenure for your community. The quality of homes is important in promoting healthy, safe and happy lives. Across Wales, 18% of homes are classed as poor quality.[1] There is significant potential to upgrade homes to meet Wales’ zero carbon commitments . ‘Retrofit’ is the process of  energy saving home improvements and installation of new low carbon energy and heating technology to help make homes across Wales more energy efficient, reduce bills and create healthier places to live. Alongside this commitment, there is a need to consider where homes are located and how they provide access to the services and facilities we need every day through active travel means such as walking, cycling and public transport.