Area Overview for Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen Community

Farm Building at Ty-Canol in Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen Community
Dismantled railway, now a cycle track and footpath, near Graig-y-Rhacca in Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen Community
Ruperra Club in Trethomas in Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen Community
Upper Glyn Gwyn Street houses, Trethomas in Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen Community
Into Trethomas Allotments  in Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen Community
West along an unnamed side road at the northern edge of  Trethomas in Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen Community
Former railway route at the northern edge of Trethomas in Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen Community
Approaching Trethomas in Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen Community
Possibly the UK's shortest High Street, Trethomas in Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen Community
Cycleway at the NE edge of Trethomas in Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen Community
Northern side of a former railway bridge, Trethomas in Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen Community
Glyn-gwyn Farm buildings, Trethomas in Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen Community
33 photos from this area

Area Information

Living in Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen Community offers a distinct experience within the Caerphilly County Borough landscape. This civil parish covers an area of 18.4 km² and encompasses the villages of Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen. Historically part of the Bedwas and Machen Urban District until local government reorganisation in 1974, the area retains a deep connection to its coal mining roots. You will find that the community operates under a village council established after that reorganisation, maintaining local governance traditions. St Barrwg's parish church in Bedwas dates to at least the 12th century, first recorded in 1102, anchoring the village in historie significance. The landscape features notable structures like Bedwas Bridge, a fine early 19th-century structure, and a unique surviving Cornish pump house. These elements define the character of daily life here. The village of Machen is situated in the CF8 2WR postcode area, serving as a key identification point for residents and visitors alike. While the area was traditionally a farming community, its population dynamics have shifted significantly. The median age in the area stands at 70, indicating a settlement maturing with its past industries. You live in a space where the legacy of four coal pits and the Bedwas Navigation Colliery, which closed after the 1984-85 Miners' Strike, still shapes the atmosphere. Homes in Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen Community reflect this evolution from agricultural land to light industry zones like the Bedwas House Industrial Estate.

Area Type
Parish
Area Size
18.4 km²
Population
1526
Population Density
1489 people/km²

Demographics

The community profile in Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen Community reveals an elderly population. You will find that the median age is exactly 70 years old. This demographic reality means the area suits retirees seeking a quieter life rather than families with young children. The total population stands at 1,526 people, resulting in a density of 1,489 people per square kilometre. Such figures indicate a relatively tight-knit neighbourhood where residents know their neighbours. Home ownership is the dominant housing tenure model in this parish. Data shows that 77 per cent of residents own their homes free and clear or with a mortgage. This high level of ownership suggests long-term stability and invested residents. The accommodation types present a mix suitable for older residents, though specific breakdowns by dwelling type are not detailed in current records. You do not find the transient nature of major rental hubs here. Instead, the household composition reflects stability, with many families having lived in the same properties for decades. The lack of renter statistics in the provided data reinforces the picture of a settled community. There is no indication of significant diversity issues, as the predominant ethnic group and religious breakdowns are recorded as total figures without further specification. For those considering buying homes in Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen Community, the environment feels established and rooted in long-term residency patterns.

Household Size

total
most common

Accommodation Type

total
most common

Tenure

77
majority

Ethnic Group

total
most common

Religion

total
most common

Household Composition

total
most common

Age

70
median
Age: Total
most common

Household Deprivation

N/A
with no deprivation

NS-SEC

32
in Lower managerial occupations

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Planning

Planning Constraints

  • Flood Risk
    Premium
  • Ramsar Wetland Sites
    Premium
  • Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
    Premium
  • Protected Nature Reserve
    Premium
  • Protected Woodland
    Premium
  • Crime Risk
    Premium

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Open Planning map

Frequently Asked Questions

Who typically lives in Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen Community?
The median age in the parish is 70, meaning the population is predominantly older adults. With a population of 1,526 spread across 18.4 km², the area offers a low-density environment. Seventy-seven per cent of residents own their homes, reinforcing the picture of a settled, long-term community rather than a transient one.
Is the internet reliable for working from home in this area?
Digital connectivity is excellent in Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen Community. Fixed broadband scores 94 out of 100, providing top-tier speeds. Mobile coverage scores 83 out of 100, ensuring strong signal reception. These figures mean residents can work remotely without technical disruption, making the area suitable for digital nomads or home-based professionals.
Are there safety concerns regarding flooding or development in the parish?
Flood risk is low with an assessment score of 3.21 out of 100. The area avoids Ramsar wetland sites and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. However, there is a warning regarding protected woodland, evidenced by a score of 5.02 out of 100. This suggests restrictions on clearing mature trees, which buyers must account for during property renovation.

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