Carmarthenshire housing completions fall below council forecast

Carmarthenshire completed 373 homes in 2025-26, a figure that represents an increase of 11 homes compared to 2024-25 but falls short of the 520 homes projected for this period. An additional 337 homes are currently under construction.

The council's local development plan (LDP) previously identified a requirement for approximately 1,013 homes per year on average. A cabinet report noted that housing completions have only exceeded 700 twice since 2007-08. Potential factors for lower delivery rates include the cost of living crisis, site availability, the expiration of the current LDP, and lingering effects from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Councillor Carys Jones identified environmental constraints and infrastructure requirements as significant planning challenges. Specifically, updated flood risk planning policies in Wales and concerns regarding nitrogen pollution in marine conservation areas, such as the Burry Inlet, may impact future site allocations and development opportunities.