Temporary Housing for Refugees Draws Criticism from Local Residents

Kateryna Gorodnycha and her son, having departed their Kyiv residence following the outbreak of war with Russia, previously resided with sponsors and in a hostel. They are among the initial occupants of interim accommodation units situated in the coastal community of Llantwit Major within the Vale of Glamorgan. Ms. Gorodnycha expressed her satisfaction, stating, “I really love it. It’s our first home in Wales.” She added, “We’ve been living in one room. My son’s very happy to have his own bedroom.” Nevertheless, the 90-unit development, designed to accommodate refugees and families experiencing homelessness, has been labeled an “eyesore” by certain local inhabitants. These residents assert that no consultation process took place. The Vale of Glamorgan council, in response, stated there was an “urgent need” for housing for refugees and homeless families and that an “engagement process” had occurred with local residents. Due to permitted development rights, the local authority was not required to obtain planning permission for the construction of these units, which are intended to remain for a period of five years. Prior to her departure from Ukraine, Ms. Gorodnycha was employed and resided in Kyiv as a TV producer. She relocated to the new emergency accommodation with her teenage son last week. She recounted, “Before February 2022 I had a beautiful flat in Kyiv on the 17th floor next to the Dnipro River and I had grants to film a documentary.” Ms. Gorodnycha continued, “It was a good life… it all just fell apart in one night.” She added, “But I am very grateful for this [home] and how kind people have been.” Ms. Gorodnycha further mentioned, “We didn’t know what to do when we first moved in because of all the space.” She described observing her son carrying a kettle to the bathroom for water and needing to remind him that they now possessed a kitchen sink. Joking, she remarked, “Our first night was perfect because I have my own bedroom and couldn’t hear my son snoring.” Kateryna previously resided with sponsors near Cowbridge and in a hostel located in Barry, and she described her new home’s location as “a dream.” She elaborated, “In Ukraine there aren’t many places on the coast… it’s a huge event to go to the beach, but here you can just walk and see the sea and waves.” Kate Hollinshead, representing the Vale of Glamorgan council, stated that approximately 300 individuals are expected to inhabit the site, which is currently at half capacity. The occupancy will be evenly divided, 50/50, between Ukrainian refugees and families experiencing homelessness. She affirmed, “Ukrainian refugees will be allocated first but we will also allocate to homeless families from the Vale of Glamorgan who have been living in temporary accommodation.” The accommodation units comprise a variety of one and two-storey dwellings, featuring one, two, three, and four bedrooms, intended for short-term occupancy until more permanent housing solutions are established. Nevertheless, the new development has not met with universal approval, particularly from retired RAF engineer Steve McGranaghan, whose residence is situated opposite the units. He expressed, “I’m feeling very disillusioned and broken.” Mr. McGranaghan continued, “It’s affected my health and given me sleepless nights, this was a done deal behind closed doors by the council.” He further commented, “It’s cost £25m, which is the biggest investment the town has had at government level, and we end up with this carbuncle.” The Vale of Glamorgan council and the Welsh government have jointly funded the development, investing approximately £25m at the former Eagleswell school site. Dave Thomas, a member of the 2,000-strong Eagleswell action group on Facebook, remarked that the development resembles his “shed with a felt roof.” He stated, “When this went to planning it was already determined, they were already built and they’re not going to say that’s 25 million pounds spent let’s take the units away.” Mr. Thomas added, “There was no consideration to anyone living here already, it was just a means to an end.” He concluded, “They decided let’s get as many units on as we can and squeeze them in and get as many people in as we can and who cares what it costs.” The Vale of Glamorgan council indicated that it has observed “unprecedented levels of extreme housing need.” A spokesperson for the site, now designated Heol Croeso, affirmed: “The council has been involved in extensive communication and engagement activity with Llantwit Major residents regarding the Heol Croeso development.” The spokesperson continued, “The development went through the normal planning process and was approved by committee after meeting the necessary requirements.” Furthermore, it was stated, “Steps were taken to maintain privacy and address other concerns raised as part of that process.” The units are authorized to remain for a maximum duration of five years, and strategies concerning their eventual removal are slated for publication within the forthcoming 12 months.