ONE of Gwynedd Council's first housing developments in many years is verging on completion, with the hope that the first tenants will move in before Christmas.

The innovative scheme for eco-friendly homes in the Segontium area of Caernarfon is close to being ready, with the units to use 90 per cent less energy than traditional homes.

Councillor Craig ab Iago, Gwynedd Council's cabinet member for housing and property, said: "I am delighted to be involved in the development of these new houses.

“This is the first step of our vision to build modern, green, safe and affordable homes to house people in their communities.

“We are facing a housing crisis, and we want to do everything we can to increase housing supply and opportunities for people to live in their communities.

“The impact of the crisis can be seen in communities across Gwynedd, but we are serious about making a difference for the benefit of the people of the county.

“Seeing our vision of ensuring the people of Gwynedd have access to a suitable home which is of a high standard, affordable and improves their quality of life being realised through the construction of such buildings means a lot to me.

"The Housing Action Plan is still in its early days, and buildings like this are not built overnight, but it is a clear indication of our commitment to providing homes for the people of the county."

Gwynedd Council's £77 million Housing Action Plan was approved by the cabinet in December 2020 and has been implemented since April 2021.

It is a six-year plan designed to address the following objectives:

• No one is homeless in Gwynedd.

• Social housing available to all who need one.

• Everyone's home in Gwynedd is affordable to them.

• Gwynedd’s housing are environmentally friendly.

• Homes having a positive influence on the health and well-being of the people of Gwynedd.

The 33 projects set out in the Housing Action Plan are funded through a number of sources, including the council tax premium on second homes, the council's asset plan budget, a variety of Welsh Government grants, and borrowing.

The pods on the site of the old Ysgol Pendalar building in the Segontium area of Caernarfon will be offered to vulnerable individuals, who will receive support to develop the skills to live independently before moving on to their own tenancies.

The design is based on 'passivhaus' principles which will result in the creation of their own energy, keeping costs low for tenants.

Carys Fon Williams, head of the council's Housing and Property department, said: “There are a number of Gwynedd individuals currently living in temporary accommodation - the highest numbers we have ever seen here in Gwynedd.

“This new scheme starts us on the journey of finding suitable homes for these individuals and providing them with the support to sustain future tenancies.”