Now that residents at Monmouthshire Housing’s small housing development on Greenmeadow Crescent have settled in, our interim CEO Gwyndaf Tobias dropped by to hear what they think of their new homes and community.
The small development comprises two, 2 bedroom semi-detached houses and four, 1 bedroom walk up apartments, providing tenants with their own front door at ground level and private garden.
The residents moved into their new homes just in time for Christmas and it became quickly apparent they shared mutual aspirations for creating a thriving community where residents would look out for and help each other – which is exactly what they are doing!
MHA’s interim CEO Gwyndaf Tobias was shown around the apartments and met some of the residents, and said:
It’s always immensely rewarding to be able to see first-hand how residents turn their houses into a comfortable home they can feel proud of.
It was a pleasure to meet Matthew, Lee and Jim and witness the obvious camaraderie and strong community spirit that has been created in such a relatively short time. This small development really is a blueprint for the perfect community, where people feel a real sense of belonging, and support and trust each other.
We are sure they will reap the financial rewards in the future from having the additional environmental measures, that include air source heat pumps and solar panels.
One of the residents Matthew Starmore spoke about his friendship with neighbours Lee and Jim and their shared passion for creating a welcoming community garden.
Lee said:
Matthew has been brilliant, he cuts the grass for most of the residents and has got me involved with gardening, something I have not done previously. I have created a small, raised bed in my garden, which I am looking forward to planting up with fruit and veg.
I am proud of my home and have settled in with my dog Bella really quickly. My support worker was gobsmacked when she saw my new home! I have also included a few little touches, as my son loves cars, so when he comes to visit he can feel right at home too.
Green fingered Matthew said:
We have created a fantastic little community despite only moving in a few months ago.
With Spring approaching, we have weeded the front garden, and planted meadow grass with meadow flowers. A sweet almond tree takes pride of place in the community garden and adjacent to the fence we have created a herb garden and planted over 1,000 seeds, which should smell lovely in the summer!
Jim and his wife Brenda have kindly contributed lots of plants and terracotta pots from their last home, which looks amazing and has helped bring the grassy corner plot to life.
Matthew added:
The community spirit is getting lost these days and it really is a sorry state when households don’t care about the area they live in or can’t be bothered. When I was growing up people looked after each other, did things to make others happy to no gain to themselves except to see that smile on another person’s face.
The homes were built by Capsel Homes, in partnership with Monmouthshire County Council and Welsh Government, and replaces a block of flats and garages that had needed substantial investment and maintenance.
The homes are constructed with timber frame and utilise sustainable methods of construction that include solar panels and air source heat pumps, avoiding the need for fossil fuels. The properties also achieved an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of A.
