Two new housing developments for Saundersfoot represent ‘significant investment’ in the seaside village’s future - a local county councillor has stated, highlighting a focus on ‘sustainability, affordability, and community benefit’

Saundersfoot’s south ward county councillor Chris Williams said that Persimmon Homes, one of Wales’ largest developers, invited him to join Stuart Phillips, Managing Director of Persimmon Homes West Wales; Henry Tufnell MP, Member of Parliament for Mid and South Pembrokeshire; for a tour of the new Ger-y-Môr housing site at Sandy Hill, along with site manager Tom Dennis, and area manager Callum Davies.

Ger-y-Môr - is a 72-unit development approved last year by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

Developers have stated that the zero-carbon ready scheme will bring a range of facilities to the local community, including an equipped play area at the heart of the site, contributions to highway and active travel upgrades, and a dedicated active travel link that connects the site back to Sandy Hill Road.

The design also incorporates a sustainable drainage system with bio-retention areas and rain gardens, green technologies such as solar panels and electric vehicle charging points, as well as ecological enhancements to mitigate impacts on dormouse habitats and preserve existing trees and hedgerows.

As part of the housebuilder’s community contribution, Persimmon will also transfer 35% of the homes to a local housing provider for rent and shared ownership to help alleviate pressure on Pembrokeshire’s housing list.

“Over the last few months, I have had numerous conversations regarding the new social housing that will be available in Saundersfoot as part of two housing developments,” said Cllr Williams,

“I have visited both developments to see first-hand how work is progressing and have passed on feedback from local people to those responsible for the projects.

“One concern raised recently involves the newly constructed junction at the Persimmon site on Sandy Hill Road. Two residents noted that the layout appears to differ from the original plans, particularly in relation to visibility splays, which seemed insufficient when approaching by car.

“Persimmon explained that due to environmental constraints and the time of year, it is currently not possible to remove additional sections of hedgerow. However, they have confirmed that the full visibility splays will be completed before any residents move in, with hedgerow management to be carried out under licence at the appropriate time.

“The scheme aims to deliver high-quality new homes for local people, and I have seen significant progress on the Sandy Hill site over the past six months. During our visit, we had a preview of the show home, which is due to open to the public on August 23.

“The development will offer two, three, and four-bedroom homes for sale, with 35% of the properties transferred to a local housing provider for social rent and shared ownership, including 25 homes specifically for social rent.

“The scheme is zero-carbon ready and includes a central play area, contributions to highway and active travel upgrades, and a dedicated active travel link to Sandy Hill Road.

“Sustainable drainage features such as bio-retention areas and rain gardens are incorporated into the design, alongside solar panels and electric vehicle charging points. Ecological enhancements will help protect dormouse habitats and preserve existing trees and hedgerows.

“These features will future-proof the site while also easing pressure on the local housing list by ensuring more residents have access to affordable, high-quality homes,” stated Cllr Williams.

He continued: “After all the hard work that went into the planning process, working closely with both Persimmon and the local planning authority, and taking on board valuable feedback from residents, it’s really positive to see the vision now becoming a reality, with new homes coming to the market for local people.

“The added bonus of 35% of these homes being allocated to a local housing provider for rent and shared ownership will go a long way in helping to alleviate the pressure on Pembrokeshire’s housing list.

“We need more affordable homes in Saundersfoot, and I’m pleased Persimmon has been able to deliver them here through a collaborative approach. I look forward to seeing the site completed and the positive impact it will have on our community.”

Persimmon Homes West Wales Managing Director, Stuart Phillips said: “Persimmon is delighted with the progress we’ve made on site since we broke ground earlier this year and are proud of the extensive engagement we had with the local authority and community throughout the planning process to get to where we are today.

“Therefore, we were very happy to welcome two important community representatives to site to see what we have accomplished and show how much new homes can benefit local areas, from meeting housing need to driving skilled employment opportunities.”

Following the visit, MP Henry Tufnell, remarked: “It’s a pleasure to visit a housing development like Ger-y-Môr, not only because of how it will provide new homes for local people, but also because housebuilding is so important to generating economic growth and providing good jobs.

“I have had a positive relationship with Persimmon so far and I am pleased that they understand what’s required locally, and I welcome their input into my efforts to stimulate employment opportunities, housing solutions, and growth in Pembrokeshire.”

Cllr Williams also recently visited the Nant Y Dderwen development and received an update from Morgan Construction, who confirmed the project remains on schedule with no delays.

All key infrastructure works, including drainage, service connections, and roads, have been completed. Phase one is well advanced, with thirteen of the sixteen open market homes substantially complete.

Two properties are already occupied, and the show home is open for viewings. Cllr Williams resported that while sales have been slower than expected, visitor feedback has been positive, and all phase one properties remain available for reservation.

The final phase is due to launch later this year, with full completion of the development expected by the end of 2026.

“The affordable housing element, delivered with ATEB, is also progressing well, with handovers set to begin from October,” continued Cllr Williams.

“The development team has engaged with the local community, including hosting a site visit for the primary school to inspire pupils’ interest in construction and completing groundworks to improve the school’s outdoor facilities over the summer.

“Discussions are also underway with Saundersfoot Community Council about adopting the open space in the north-east corner of the site after completion.”

ATEB Group has announced a new partnership with Morgan Construction Wales Ltd to deliver nineteen affordable homes for social rent as part of the Nant Y Dderwen scheme.

These will include a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, bungalows, and houses, built to the latest Welsh Government design standards using Modern Methods of Construction.

Fully electric to support decarbonisation goals and achieving an EPC rating of A, they will help reduce long-term energy costs for residents. The project is part-funded by the Welsh Government’s Social Housing Grant and will be allocated through ATEB’s Local Lettings and Local Worker schemes. Completion is expected in spring 2026.

“Both developments represent significant investment in Saundersfoot’s future, with a focus on sustainability, affordability, and community benefit,” added Cllr Williams.

For more information on ATEB homes, please contact: [email protected]