The scheme considers a number of early pilot options which include some timber frame and offsite manufacturing options due to the recent grant changes by Welsh Government. The scheme is due is be granted planning permission in the coming weeks. The new homes delivered will meet EPC A rating requirements.

Chartist Garden Village is an exciting collaboration between the council and the Pobl Group which will result in an attractive development on the former Pontllanfraith House council offices site comprising up to 125 homes – of these approx..83 (two thirds of the development) will be affordable; including opportunities for low cost home ownership and social rent.

The development will follow the ‘garden village’ concept, with timeless arts and crafts style homes, designed to enhanced space standards, built around a landscape of street trees, grass verges and open green spaces.

Appointed as EA from Conception stage, RPA have played a lead role in undertaking an extensive Value Engineering exercise on the scheme for the past 8 months. The exercise has looked at varying options to reflect the recent changes in the availability of innovation grant streams from Welsh Government. Options have resulted in increased costs which can be offset by the increase in grant. The scheme was originally let on a traditional basis, however the VE exercise has prompted the change to enhance viability in relation to preferred energy efficient options.