Vale of Glamorgan Council
Cyngor Bro Morgannwg
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Cascade Approach

Affordable homes for people with housing need and local connections

The Cascade Approach is used to allocate some newly built affordable homes in the Vale of Glamorgan.

 

It helps make sure homes are allocated fairly by balancing housing need with local connections to the area.

 

Applicants with a local connection will be given priority consideration. However, all eligible applicants are encouraged to apply, as properties may be allocated through later stages of the Cascade Approach.

 

Before you Apply

To apply for a property advertised under the Cascade Approach, you must be registered with Homes4U. Please note, that applications take up to two weeks to process.

 

Register for Homes4U

What is the Cascade Approach?

The Cascade Approach is used for the first letting of some newly built affordable homes.

 

When a property becomes available, applicants are considered in stages based on:

  • their housing priority band
  • whether they have a local connection to the area

The Council has a legal duty to help people who are homeless and those with urgent housing needs. The Cascade Approach supports this by:

  • prioritising applicants with the greatest housing need
  • supporting the Council's Rapid Rehousing approach
  • reducing the use of temporary accommodation
  • recognising local connections where appropriate
  • helping to create balanced and sustainable communities

Once a property has been let for the first time, future vacancies will usually be allocated through the standard Homes4U process.

Areas where the Cascade Approach applies

The Cascade Approach may be used on new housing developments in:

 

  • Barry
  • Cowbridge
  • Penarth
  • Llantwit Major
  • Dinas Powys
  • Llandough
  • Rhoose
  • St Athan
  • Sully
  • Wenvoe

What is a local connection?

A local connection means you have a strong link to the area.

This may be because you:

  • live in the area
  • work in the area
  • have close family members living in the area
  • are retiring from tied accommodation connected to your employment

The full definition of local connection is set out in the Homes4U Allocations Policy.

 

Homes4U Allocations Policy

 

Applicants with an adapted housing priority will take precedence when a suitable adapted property becomes available, regardless of local connection.

How properties are offered

Properties are offered in the following order:

 

  1. Gold Plus or Gold applicants with a local connection
  2. Gold Plus or Gold applicants without a local connection
  3. Silver applicants with a local connection
  4. Silver applicants without a local connection
  5. Bronze applicants with a local connection
  6. Bronze applicants without a local connection

Site-specific Information

Each Cascade Approach development has its own guidance, which includes details of the eligibility criteria, local connection area and priority details:

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I apply if I do not have a local connection?

    Yes.

     

    Applicants with a local connection are considered first, but all eligible applicants are encouraged to apply. If a property is not allocated at an earlier stage of the Cascade Approach, it may be offered to applicants without a local connection.

  • How are local connection areas decided? 
    Local connection areas are based on Community Council boundaries. The area used for a development will be shown when the property is advertised.
  • How are properties advertised? 

    Properties available through the Cascade Approach are advertised on Homes4U under the New Builds section.

     

    You must be registered with Homes4U before applying.

     

    When applying, you should have your registration reference number and banding information available.

  • How is my local connection verified? 

    If you are shortlisted for a property, the Housing Strategy team will contact you to confirm your details and explain what evidence you need to provide.

     

    Once your local connection has been verified, your application details will be passed to the relevant housing association.

     

    If you cannot provide evidence to support your local connection, any offer of accommodation may be withdrawn.

  • What evidence can I provide for a local connection? 
    The evidence required will depend on how your local connection is established.

     

    Family connection

    • Birth certificate
    • Adoption certificate
    • Marriage certificate

     

    Living in the area

    • Council Tax bill
    • Utility bill
    • Tenancy agreement

     

    Previously lived in the area

    • Council Tax bill
    • Utility bill
    • Tenancy agreement

     

    Retiring from tied accommodation

    • Letter from employer

     

    Working in the area

    • Employment contract
    • Payslips
    • Letter from employer

     

    Evidence must be provided within two weeks of being nominated for a property.

  • How long does the Cascade Approach apply? 

    The Cascade Approach only applies to the first letting of new homes.

     

    Any future vacancies are normally advertised and allocated through the standard Homes4U process.

Guidance

Contact Us

If you need further information, email: