A plan to look at developing a disused school site in Pembrokeshire for modular homes that could be used as temporary accommodation for local homeless people will be discussed by senior councillors next week.

The ex-school site at Augustine Way, Haverfordwest could also include units to help relieve one-bed pressures, including accessible/wheelchair friendly accommodation or for those having to move out if urgent refurbishments are needed on council houses.

Demand for one-bedroom accommodation remains high in Pembrokeshire with more than 2,000 people on the housing list for this type of home and single person households make up the majority of homeless cases. The council also heavily relies on temporarily accommodating our homeless in local B&Bs.

The potential to utilise Welsh Government funding towards develop this ‘meanwhile site’ will make a significant impact on reducing the current annual cost of temporary accommodation such as B&B and hostels.

Up to 30 units of accommodation, phased over two years, could be developed on the site, which would be similar in style to similar developments in other Welsh towns and cities, with support for residents available on site.

A similar, but smaller, eight pod development has been well used at Hubberston for a number of years, with the new plans just part of the County Council’s build programme and investment in new housing for Pembrokeshire residents.

“There is an ongoing need to provide suitable temporary accommodation for people faced with homelessness while supporting them to find a permanent home.

Following discussion at Cabinet on July 7, if approved, the next stage will include engagement with the local community,” said Cabinet Member for Housing Cllr Michelle Bateman.

The Cabinet will take place on Monday, July 7 at 10am.