Cwmbran housing project begins at former County Hall site

Construction has commenced on a £35.6 million housing development at the former Gwent County Hall site in Croesyceiliog, Cwmbran. The project aims to deliver 143 new homes following years of delays caused by legal complications.

Initial planning permission was granted in 2019, but legal issues regarding Section 106 agreements left the project in “limbo” until the plans were re-approved the following year. The site was originally sold in 2018 by Torfaen Borough and Monmouthshire County Councils for £2.9 million after the previous offices were demolished in 2013.

The development is being led by the not-for-profit Codi group, which was formed in 2024 through the merger of Linc Cymru and Pobl housing associations. Lovell has been awarded the contract to build the homes. The project includes 58 affordable homes for social rent and below-market rates, 50 homes available through shared ownership, and 35 properties for open-market sale. The initiative is supported by the Welsh Government and Torfaen Borough Council.