Contractors handed over keys for 14 houses at the highly anticipated Old School Lane development in Johnston this week - the first residential properties built by the Local Authority in more than 25 years.

Completion of Phase 1 of the Old School Lane development by WB Griffiths marks an important milestone for Pembrokeshire County Council.

The new homes are the first residential properties built by the Local Authority in more than 25 years and are an important moment in PCC’s Housing Development Programme.

Built on land of the former Johnston Community Primary School, Old School Lane development consists of 33 new homes that include a mix of one to five bedroom properties.

Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing Delivery Councillor Jon Harvey said: “I am delighted that our first new build council houses for many years have been completed with tenants due to take occupation after Christmas.

“I would like to thank the Council’s contractor WB Griffiths for stepping in to complete the development following the previous contractor going into administration and also the local community for their positive engagement throughout.

“This development is the first of a number of sites that the Council has in its house building programme over the coming years.”

Offering a range of general allocation, supported living and disabled adapted properties, these homes deliver a new look to social housing in Pembrokeshire.

The properties are built to meet high energy efficiency levels to help keep running costs down and designed for greater future accessibility flexibility, creating a ‘home for life’.

This includes ground floor wet rooms in all properties along with low threshold doorways.

Externally the development features permeable block paving throughout, helping to reduce the strain on the existing drainage system and improve the way surface water can drain away.

Local Member Cllr Aled Thomas said he was thrilled to see the completion of the first phase.

“Housing issues are felt acutely across Johnston, and the local lettings policy developed in conjunction with Johnston Community Council will see local people being able to live in their home community once again.

“I look forward to seeing the final completion of this development, as well as other developments that are in the pipeline for the village.”

The properties were recently advertised on the Pembrokeshire Choice Homes website, which gave anyone with an open housing application the opportunity to express their interest. Due to the popularity of this development, there has been a record number of bids on these homes.

Working with the local community a Local Lettings Policy has been applied, offering applicants who could demonstrate a local connection to Johnston the opportunity to move to the new properties.

The first 14 homes will be occupied in January and the final stage of the development of 33 properties will be completed by Spring 2024. During this time, there will be an opportunity for the local community to visit.

Director of Housing and Social Care Michael Gray said: “I’m delighted to see the Old School Development come to fruition.

“Our Housing Strategy is clear on increasing the supply of affordable housing to meet local needs, whilst at the same time, supporting people to live independently for longer in their own homes.

“This development will increase our supply of general, supported living and adapted properties.”

Please follow the PCC Housing Services Facebook page for further development updates.

If you have any queries, please contact the Customer Liaison Team via [email protected] or 01437 764551.