**£13.5 Million Project to Deliver Affordable Housing for Over-55s Approved in Haverfordwest**
A transformative £13.5 million development is set to bring a much-needed boost to affordable housing in Haverfordwest, as Pembrokeshire Council’s cabinet has given the go-ahead for a comprehensive scheme aimed at residents aged over 55. This landmark decision reflects an ongoing commitment to modernising local housing provision and supporting older, more vulnerable members of the community.
Approved following a cabinet meeting held on Monday, 2 June, the scheme includes the construction of 25 new flats and a bedsit, accompanied by a 12-bed reablement centre and various communal spaces. The contract for the work, valued at more than £13.5 million, has been awarded to C Wynne & Son, contingent upon the successful allocation of a Housing with Care Fund grant of around £5.5 million to cover the reablement facilities. Should the funding application be unsuccessful, the council will revisit the plan to explore alternative financial solutions.
Council officers emphasised the anticipated benefits of the project in their report to cabinet members. As well as offering stable, affordable homes for long-term residents, the development will feature specialist reablement units, designed to support individuals as they regain the independence and skills necessary to transition back safely into their own homes after hospitalisation or illness. This model, blending independent living with tailored support, reflects evolving priorities within social care and housing policy.
Demand for modern, accessible one-bedroom homes in Pembrokeshire remains high, with the council’s review of sheltered accommodation back in 2018–19 acknowledging that much of the existing stock “is no longer fit for purpose.” Replacement of outdated facilities with state-of-the-art, compliant alternatives is now a key part of the council’s housing strategy. The planned Haverfordia House development, which lies close to the town centre and local amenities, is considered central to these efforts.
Councillor Michelle Bateman, cabinet member for housing, addressed concerns about the scheme’s substantial price tag, explaining that “features such as lifts and enhanced security are vital to meet the needs of future residents,” and that the council’s focus was on “providing what is needed, not just what is cheapest.” While apprehension about cost is natural during periods of public spending scrutiny, Bateman reiterated the importance of creating safe, dignified homes that would serve the county’s older residents well into the future.
Currently, the local authority manages 629 sheltered properties, with the average tenant aged 71. Notably, 91% of current tenants receive needs-based support from Sheltered Housing Assistants, with around 30% facing complex needs such as significant disabilities, mental health challenges, or hoarding. The council’s report highlighted how day-to-day assistance—ranging from welfare checks to rapid response to health or mobility issues—enables older residents to maintain their independence for longer, while potentially reducing pressure on costlier emergency services.
As a dual-purpose facility, Haverfordia House will incorporate facilities supporting both social care and independent living, with its design taking advantage of nearby green spaces, public car parking, and excellent accessibility to Haverfordwest’s shops and services.
The initiative builds on a decision made in 2019, when the council acquired the freehold of Haverfordia House, explicitly intending to replace the outdated building with a modern hub promoting both housing and well-being for over-55s. Plans for the new development were unanimously welcomed by cabinet members during the meeting.
Looking ahead, local leaders are keen to position this project as a flagship for future sheltered housing in Pembrokeshire. It demonstrates a growing recognition that the needs of older residents are shifting and that the provision of new, supportive, and adaptable homes must keep pace with demand. The scheme is expected not only to improve individual well-being but also to bolster community resilience, cementing Haverfordwest’s reputation as a place where older people can live well.