Persimmon Homes West Wales recently handed over the keys for 20 high-quality, new homes to a local housing association at its Michaels Grove and Morgans Walk sites in Llanharan.

The latest tranche of properties for affordable rent – 14 from Michaels Grove and six at Morgans Walk – were transferred to Valleys to Coast, who operate across South Wales, working with local authorities to ease pressure on their housing waiting lists.

Cllr Mark Norris – Cabinet Member for Planning at Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council – joined both parties on site, which is near the Persimmon Academy in Llanilid, which is run in conjunction with Bridgend College, where local apprentices learn their trade.

As well as a new primary school, a village centre with leisure, retail, and community facilities, and 1,000 quality new homes for local people, the large-scale development will have seen hundreds of properties put in the hands of organisations like Valleys to Coast when completed.

The transfer comes not long after the Site Manager at Michaels Grove and his team won a prestigious ‘Pride in the Job Quality Award’ for work undertaken at the development. The Quality Award is highly regarded in the homebuilding industry, serving as a benchmark for outstanding quality and performance among site managers.

As part of its mission to deliver a positive and lasting legacy in the areas in which it builds, the five-star developer has also donated to nearby organisations such as Llanharan Community Council, Pontyclun Athletics Club, and Bridgend College Rugby Academy through its Community Champions scheme.

Persimmon Homes West Wales’ managing director, Stuart Phillips, said "Persimmon is determined to leave a positive community legacy where we build, and one key element of our offering is the transfer of quality new homes to local housing association partners.

“I am pleased to say that this is neither the beginning nor the end of this kind of partnership, and we hope this significant community contribution will help alleviate pressure on the local housing list.

“We are pleased to partner with Valleys to Coast to deliver this increase in housing provision for people around Llanharan and nearby as we continue to make progress on this popular site delivering quality homes for local people.”

Huw Lewis – Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Services at Valleys to Coast commented "Valleys to Coast is proud to work with partners like Persimmon to create well-designed communities and deliver much-needed affordable housing. Working on new developments strengthens our financial position, allowing us to reinvest in the homes we have and continue delivering high-quality housing for those who need it most. 

“These 20 homes are a great example of what collaboration can achieve on a development site, with our two companies working together for the benefit of local people. We’re excited for 20 new families to call these properties home."

Cllr Mark Norris, Cabinet Member for Planning at Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, added  “I really welcome this partnership between Persimmon and Valleys to Coast as it demonstrates the necessary collaboration to meet local housing goals in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

“The number of homes for housing associations in Parc Llanilid are a huge positives of this major site and will be a much-welcomed addition to the area and serve local people.”