AN UNUSED house in Barry is to be sold – despite the need for council housing.

The former caretaker’s house of Gladstone Primary School, located on Southey Street, has been earmarked for sale, as it is no longer needed by the school.

Plaid Cymru Councillor Ian Johnson objected to the sale, and said: “We are always told that there are long housing waiting lists in Barry, so it makes no sense for the council to be selling off properties.

“In fact, the Welsh Government passed legislation a few years ago to end the ‘Right to Buy’, so that councils could ensure a good supply of council owned homes.

“Obviously any change of use will involve security, but if there were to be any future problems, it would be much more difficult to deal with nuisance neighbours for the school if they were private sector owners or renters.

“It makes no sense for the council to be selling this property into the private sector for who knows what use, rather than securing a home for a local family on the council’s housing list.”

Vale of Glamorgan Council have now confirmed that the cost of upgrading the house to make it a council home meant it was not a ‘viable option.’

A Vale of Glamorgan Council spokesperson said: “This house was assessed for its suitability as a council home, but unfortunately the cost of upgrading the property to meet Welsh Housing Quality Standards meant that was not a viable option so it will be sold instead.

“The council is currently in the middle of an extensive programme to bolster housing stock. Work is under way on a 23-home development on Hayes Road in Barry after 28 new purpose-built properties were built at Llys Llechwedd Jenner in the town.

“A scheme to construct 11 new homes at Holm View is also nearing completion, while there are further plans for council homes on sites at Hayeswood Road and near Colcot Clinic.”