50 affordable housing development starts in Wyesham

A NEW 50-unit affordable housing development is officially underway in Wyesham, promising a major boost to local social housing stocks and the regional economy.

Awen, formerly known as MHA (Monmouthshire Housing Association), recently hosted Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Housing and Tourism, Cllr Sara Burch, alongside Wyesham Ward Member, Cllr Emma Bryn, at the Kymin Rise site to mark the commencement of the project.

The development, being built in partnership with Magor-based homebuilder Edenstone Group, has been specifically tailored to address the acute housing shortage in the region. Designed to support people at various stages of life, the scheme features a diverse mix of homes. Once completed, Kymin Rise will offer 18 one-bedroom apartments, six two-bedroom apartments, 12 two-bedroom houses, 12 three-bedroom houses, and two four-bedroom houses.

All homes will also be low carbon, net zero and designed to achieve an EPC A rating, helping to provide energy-efficient homes for future residents.

Set within the scenic backdrop of the Wye Valley, the neighbourhood is sited to give future residents direct access to local schools, essential amenities, and Monmouth town centre.

With rising energy costs hitting households hard, developers are highlighting the project's strict environmental standards. Every home is designed to achieve a top-tier EPC A rating, operating on a low-carbon, net-zero blueprint. Furthermore, the construction relies heavily on Welsh industry, utilizing modern, highly insulated timber frames manufactured directly within Wales.

To protect the local environment and the nearby river ecosystem during construction, developers have implemented strict surface water management systems. These measures meet all Sustainable Drainage Approval Body (SAB) requirements, ensuring soil, debris, and contaminants are blocked from entering the public drainage network.

Beyond physical bricks and mortar, the project is delivering a direct financial injection into the local area. A total of £63,255 in community benefits funding has been committed to the development. Awen executives have pledged to collaborate directly with Wyesham residents to identify grassroots projects and priorities that will see the maximum impact from the funding.

"I’m really looking forward to seeing these much-needed homes for social rent completed," said Cllr Sara Burch during her site visit. "It’s particularly encouraging to see how concerns around water management have been addressed to help reduce potential flood risk, and I am delighted that the timber frames will be made here in Wales."

Awen’s Chief Executive, Gwyndaf Tobias, emphasized that the project is about more than just numbers. "Our ambition is about more than simply building houses. We want to create a community where people can put down roots, build their future, and feel proud to call home," Tobias said.

Edenstone Operations Director Chris Edge added that the focus on energy efficiency and variety ensures Kymin Rise will contribute positively to the wider Wyesham community for generations to come.

Awen Housing Group, which rebranded from MHA in September 2026, currently manages approximately 4,000 homes across Monmouthshire, Newport, and Torfaen, maintaining some of the highest social housing tenant satisfaction scores in Wales.