Trivallis development plan embraces proactive, entrepreneurial, quality homebuilding

Trivallis aims to build at least 130 high quality new homes annually, incorporating diverse housing models (social rent, market rent and ownership), prioritising smaller units to meet demographic shifts, and focusing on energy efficiency and accessibility. Trivallis plans to expand its geographic reach within the Cardiff City Region and strategically utilise Welsh Government resources and design standards.

Risk mitigation strategies, including financial controls and quality assurance measures, are integrated to ensure the plan’s success. The overall goal is to improve community well-being by increasing the quantity and quality of affordable housing.

The plan outlines ten elements to ensure Trivallis achieves its goals:

1. Mixed rent and ownership models: providing a range of housing options, including low-cost homeownership, social rent, and private market rent. “by offering a mix of options, we can better meet the housing needs of different people in the local area.”
2. Smaller units: prioritising the construction of one-bedroom homes to address the rising number of single-person households. “by prioritising one-bedroom properties, our housing supply will align with the local population’s evolving requirements.”
3. Welsh Government pattern book: utilising pre-approved, standardised housing designs to streamline construction, ensure high quality, and create “adaptable, accessible, and environmentally friendly housing.”
4. Larger sites: focusing on developments with a minimum of 20 homes to improve management efficiency. Smaller development opportunities will be passed to local community housing organisations.
5. Extending geographic scope: while Rhondda Cynon Taff remains the priority, development will expand to Cardiff, Caerphilly, Bridgend, and Merthyr. Newport and South Powys are also being considered for future projects.
6. Excellent transport links: prioritising locations near the South Wales Metro network and major roads to enhance tenant mobility and improve access to work and education. “by integrating housing with excellent transport links, we can create communities that are better connected, more inclusive, and environmentally sustainable.”
7. Accessible: designing flexible and adaptable homes from the outset, with accessibility features to accommodate aging populations. “by incorporating accessible features into all homes from the outset, we can avoid costly modifications later and allow tenants to live independently for longer.”
8. Energy efficient: developing sustainable, energy-efficient homes to lower costs, improve health, and support Welsh Government’s climate goals.
9. Forward funding & unconditional purchases: using internal funds to buy land and build homes, including purchasing land without planning permission to reduce costs and gain greater control over the process. “this proactive approach will allow us to act quickly when opportunities arise, ensuring we don’t miss out on key sites.”
10. Regeneration: a dedicated programme to regenerate existing sites, separate from new development targets, with each regeneration project being financially self-sufficient.

Launching the plan, Director of Development Louise Attwood, said: “The Trivallis Development Plan is an ambitious, comprehensive strategy to address the urgent housing needs in Wales, particularly within the Rhondda Cynon Taff area and the surrounding regions. It marks a shift toward a more proactive, entrepreneurial, and data-driven approach to development at Trivallis. The emphasis on accessibility, sustainability, community well-being, and efficient delivery demonstrates our clear focus on creating better living environments and addressing the diverse needs of the population. It is not just about building homes but about building thriving communities.”

Download the Trivallis development plan here.