AN MS visiting the construction site of 24 low carbon social houses in Penygroes has labelled the development “desperately needed new, green homes for locals”.

Siân Gwenllian, Arfon’s Member of the Senedd visited the construction site as part of the ‘See Your Site’ initiative, where active construction sites open their gates to further education students of the new Built Environment GCSE.

It serves as an opportunity for the learners to go ‘behind the scenes’ to see the latest projects and be encouraged into the industry.

The 24 affordable houses in the Dyffryn Nantlle village of Penygroes are being built by Williams Homes of Bala, as part of Grwp Cynefin’s advancement towards low carbon housing.

Contemporary methods of construction will be used, and solar panels and air source heat pumps will be installed, meaning the homes will be low carbon and energy efficient.

The scheme has been awarded an innovation grant via the Welsh Government’s Innovative Housing Programme, which goes toward the construction of low carbon homes, and it is hoped properties will be available from early 2023.

Ms Gwenllian said: “As the local Member of the Senedd, I am inundated with casework from local people on social housing or affordable housing waiting lists. The need is alarming. People often live in unsuitable circumstances, with elderly parents or a large family in an over-crowded house, for example.

“Therefore, I warmly welcome developments such as the one in Penygroes, and I’d like to thank the Construction Industry Training Board for the site visit.

“The houses will go some way to meeting the great need for local, green homes here in Dyffryn Nantlle.

“It’s also great to hear of the ‘See Your Site’ initiative’s work in giving young people the opportunity to explore the opportunities offered in the numerous professions in the construction industry.

“It’s always good news that local, high-quality employment opportunities are afforded to our youth in the Welsh-speaking areas.”