WITH a housing crisis currently taking place across the UK, and a population that continues to rise, it is no surprise to hear that there is a growing need for homes all over Wales.
In the borough of Neath Port Talbot, an industrial area that borders the boroughs of Bridgend and Swansea, the situation is no different, with waiting lists for affordable housing currently described by the local council as “lengthening.”
However, like in many area’s situated along the M4 corridor where a number of massive housing developments are taking shape to tackle this demand, there are also housing projects being planned for Neath Port Talbot, with the development of 661 affordable properties targeted by the authority for the next two years.
From affordable properties, to social and private housing, here are some of the housing developments that could be built in Neath Port Talbot in the near future.
Awel Afan, Aberavon
In Aberavon a major housing development is already underway by developers Persimmon, with their project to build almost 140 new homes on the site of the former Afan Lido Leisure Centre.
The development will see 137 new properties built on the once hugely popular attraction in Aberavon, after it burned down more than a decade ago.
Once completed Awel Afan will be made up of two, three and four-bedroom houses, as well as a range of two-bedroom apartments, with developers claiming it will bring fresh life to the area.
Talcennau Road, Port Talbot
Plans for new homes at the former Dyffryn Lower Comprehensive School in Devonshire Place, Port Talbot, were agreed to at a special planning committee in April 2023, after members decided to progress with proposals following a vote of ten councillors to one.
It could see the construction of 43 affordable properties built on the site by developers Linc Cymru, along with an internal road network, landscaping, and additional car parking. Council officers also confirmed that 25% of these would be secured as affordable housing.
Meadow Road, Neath
Plans to build 52 affordable homes on greenfield land in Neath have also been submitted in a joint development between Tai Tarian and Jones Brothers (Henllan) Ltd.
Here they propose to build a mix of houses and apartments on land off Meadow Road, Eaglesbush Valley, Neath, on land that is allocated for housing within the local development plan.
Eagle House, Port Talbot
Despite being described as an “irreplaceable historical asset,” plans to demolish Eagle House based on Talbot Road, to make way for 18 affordable flats were approved at a Neath Port Talbot Council planning committee meeting in 2022.
Eagle House, based on Talbot Road is located between the newly-renovated Grade II-listed Plaza Cinema and Grand Hotel, and dates back to the 1800s where it was described as a building of historical significance in its position adjacent to Port Talbot Parkway Railway Station.
It will now make way for flats that will be developed by by I&S Gorvett and Castell Group, and will be made up of 13 one-bed apartments and five two-bed apartments spread across four floors.
County Flats estate
Social housing provider, Tai Tarian is also continuing with a project build more than 50 new affordable homes and refurbish more than 70 existing flats in Port Talbot this year.
The group is refurbishing six blocks of flats and building an extra 55 flats in Bevin Avenue, Sandfields, on 2.4 hectares of land located close to Aberavon beach. As well as the refurbishment work they will create the new flats that consist of one and two bedrooms. It is hoped the final stages of work will now begin by the summer of 2024.
Heol Crwys, Cwmafan
Additionally, plans for a 43 home development on land at Heol Crwys in Cwmafan have also been announced by Tai Tarian. The site which is currently home to 30 bungalows could be demolished to make way for new housing, after the properties were said to, “detract somewhat from the character and appearance of the area”.
If approved, the new site would contain 43 affordable homes, providing what is described by the plans as “significant visual enhancements in the area”.
Blaenbaglan, Baglan
While no plans have so far been put forward for the site in Baglan, the land known as Blaenbaglan is currently allocated under the Local Development Plan as having space for a developer to build approximately 140 dwellings on.
The property is situated on the edge of Baglan Village, near Port Talbot Town Centre, and enjoys excellent transport links with Port Talbot, the M4 Motorway, and the A48. Tenders are now expected to be handed in by developers in September, 2023.
Speaking of these developments, deputy leader of the council Cllr Alun Llewelyn said it was important that the authority continues to develop quality accomodation in the borough to match the other economic developments that are planned.
He said: “The council is in the early stages of revising the Local Development Plan and is also currently consulting on its draft Housing and Homelessness Strategic Plan.
“Our plans for revitalising the local economy include major projects such as the Freeport in Port Talbot, the Wildfox resort in the Afan Valley and the Global Centre of Rail Excellence in the Dulais valley. We are also developing economic strategies for our town centres, valleys and villages. It’s important that there is sufficient choice of housing for residents to be able to live and work near their communities across the county.
“We also know that waiting lists for social and affordable housing are lengthening with many applicants and families waiting much longer for housing. There are increased pressures from urgent housing and homelessness cases. We are working with our partners in local housing associations and Welsh Government to address the housing shortages.”
A council spokesperson added: “The draft Housing and Homelessness Strategic Plan, currently out for consultation, sets out how the council will look to proactively address the housing challenges impacting our communities and highlight how we intend to work together to improve the lives and homes of the residents of Neath Port Talbot.
“We are also working with a number of Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) to develop 661 units of affordable housing over the next 2 years through use of of the Welsh Government Social Housing Grant (SHG).”
