#bryncoch — Public Fediverse posts
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BRYNCOCH: £1,000 boost for ‘friendship and hope’ school as pupils celebrate big win
Persimmon Homes West Wales handed over the four-figure cheque to Ysgol Maes y Coed — a much-loved school supporting young people aged two to 19 with complex learning needs.
And the cash couldn’t come at a better time.
The school’s inspiring “19 Things” initiative aims to make sure every pupil enjoys at least 19 unique experiences before they leave — from trips and competitions to social activities many families would otherwise struggle to access.
Now, thanks to the funding boost, even more of those moments are set to become reality.
Teachers and pupils gathered to celebrate the donation, proudly holding up giant cheque boards as the school’s “Friendship and Hope” banner looked on — a fitting backdrop for a day full of joy.
Deputy headteacher Catherine Tucker said the money will go directly towards enriching pupils’ lives beyond the classroom.
She said: “We pride ourselves on our warm, caring and supportive atmosphere — a place where young people can flourish, learn, enjoy, be happy and safe.
“This donation is very much appreciated and will help us fund visits and away days… allowing them to take part in fun and social experiences.”
The funding comes through Persimmon’s Community Champions scheme, which dishes out around £50,000 every year to good causes across Wales — with local sports clubs and community groups also among recent winners.
Sales director Sharon Bouhali said the firm was delighted to support the school, adding that staff wanted to recognise the “hard-working team” and help create more opportunities for pupils.
With developments already built nearby and more homes planned across the region, the company says it’s keen to give something back to communities on its doorstep.
And for the pupils of Ysgol Maes y Coed, that means more trips, more experiences — and more chances to make memories that will last a lifetime.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
Builder donation helps support community cricket in Gorseinon
A £2,000 boost helping a grassroots club continue its work in the community.Pontarddulais RFC secures major sponsorship from Persimmon Homes
Rugby club lands significant backing as part of the developer’s community investment drive.Developer helps West Wales rugby club roof fund
Funding support helps improve facilities for players and supporters alike.Developer gives cash boost to Penllergaer football team
Local side benefits from investment to support grassroots sport.Youth football team nets £1,000 donation from housebuilder
Young players in Swansea get vital support for equipment and training. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}Carmarthen school gets financial boost for specialist unit
Funding helps improve facilities for pupils with additional learning needs.Housebuilder donates £2,000 to Carmarthenshire autism charity
Support for a vital local charity delivering services to families.Gowerton school gets financial boost from local housebuilder
#Bryncoch #donation #Neath #PersimmonHomes #specialSchool #YsgolMaesYCoed
Another school benefits from community funding to enhance opportunities for pupils. -
Major 250‑home Bryncoch development back on the table as new plans revealed
Long‑running scheme re‑emerges
A huge proposal to build a 250‑home estate at Leiros Parc has resurfaced as Codi Group — the new housing association formed from the merger of Pobl and Linc Cymru — opens a fresh round of public consultation.
The 11.8‑hectare site sits above Caewern on a sharp south‑facing slope. It is currently farmland, scrub and a former farmyard, but the new outline plans show one of the largest housing developments proposed in Neath in years.
The scheme includes homes, a small community hub, allotments, play areas, new walking and cycling routes, a bus loop and large areas of public open space.
Years of testing and design work
The Design and Access Statement shows the project has been in development for almost a decade. Site investigations began in 2017, with coal mining risk assessments, soil testing, drainage studies and topographical surveys carried out over several years.
Earlier versions of the layout were drawn up long before Codi Group existed, indicating the scheme has been progressing quietly in the background.
Contaminated soil across the site
One of the most significant findings is the discovery of elevated arsenic levels in the shallow soils across the entire site. The proposed solution is to cap the land with buildings, hardstanding and 600mm of clean imported soil in gardens and landscaped areas.
Coal seams were also identified, but engineers say the risk from old workings is negligible.
Steep terrain shapes the development
The DAS describes the slope as the site’s biggest constraint, with long cross‑sections showing how sharply the land falls away. The terrain dictates the road layout, drainage strategy and the distribution of open space.
Drainage tests show mixed results, meaning the estate will rely heavily on Sustainable Drainage Systems, including swales and soakaways. The scheme will require separate SAB approval alongside planning.
A network of high‑voltage overhead power lines crosses the land and may need to be buried to allow development.
Access, footpaths and green buffers
Access would come from Daphne Road, with a secondary pedestrian, cycle and emergency route from Leiros Parc Drive. A public right of way running through the fields would be retained and linked into new routes.
Large areas of the site are set aside as woodland buffers and “eco‑tone planting”, creating green separation between the homes and surrounding landscape. The plans also include a community park, kick‑about area and several small play spaces.
Allocated housing land with affordability requirement
The land is already allocated for housing under Neath Port Talbot’s Local Development Plan, with a requirement for 25% affordable housing. As a housing association‑led scheme, the final proportion could be higher, though this is not confirmed in the outline documents.
Residents can now comment on the plans through the statutory pre‑application consultation run by Asbri Planning. A full planning application will follow once the consultation closes on 16 February 2026.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
Another 95 new homes planned for Pontarddulais farmland
A separate major housing proposal showing continued development pressure across Swansea communities.Historic Ty Mawr restored into new homes for Pontardawe
A heritage‑led housing scheme highlighting how older sites are being brought back into use.New homes completed at former student village site in Swansea
A major redevelopment project showing how large‑scale housing is reshaping parts of the city.New homes to be developed at Ammanford Town Hall
#AffordableHousing #Bryncoch #Caewern #CodiGroup #DaphneRoad #housingAssociation #LeirosParc #LeirosParcDrive #Neath #newHomes #planningApplication #PlanningPermission #Pobl
Another example of public‑sector land being converted into new housing across the region.