CONSTRUCTION has begun on the Vale’s first council house development in 17 years.

Three bungalows - two adapted for families with adults or children with disabilities - is underway at Francis Road, in Gibbonsdown.

An official ground breaking ceremony was held recently, with the Vale of Glamorgan council leader Neil Moore, the cabinet member for housing, social care and health, Bronwen Brooks, and Gibbonsdown councillors Margaret Wilkinson and Julie Aviet.

Cllr Brooks said: “Building new council housing has long been an aspiration of this administration.

"I was delighted last year to be able to announce that we were going to be doing just that and I am extremely proud to be here as construction begins.

“We know that the Vale of Glamorgan needs more affordable housing and more homes for those living with a disability.

"This is exactly what this scheme, and the others we have planned, will deliver.

“These new developments will provide homes to those in genuine need, and those who have in some cases been waiting for a long time.

"This scheme marks a significant change in the way this council works to tackle housing issues and I look forward to delivering many more like it.”

The council said the new homes at Francis Road were being built to a high standard, in line with Welsh Government design quality requirements, and with energy efficiency in mind.

This aim is to make the homes more affordable for their new tenants to run and help address the issue of fuel poverty in the Vale of Glamorgan.

The next phase of the council’s housing development plan will begin shortly with the demolition of Brecon Court, also in Gibbonsdown.

This will allow redevelopment of the site to begin.

Details of public consultation sessions, at which residents will be able to view and comment on plans for the site, will be announced shortly.