#pobl — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #pobl, aggregated by home.social.
-
SWANSEA: 186 homes planned for Penplas – including derelict supermarket site
Plans have been unveiled to build 186 new homes on land in Penplas that has stood derelict for nearly three decades.
The proposals focus on three sites off Milford Way — including the former Leo’s superstore, which has remained vacant since it was demolished in the mid-1990s.
Developers say the scheme could finally bring the long-neglected land back into use, delivering new housing for local families and first-time buyers.
Map showing the three proposed housing sites off Milford Way in Penplas, including the long-derelict former Leo’s supermarket siteThe plans have been submitted to Swansea Council for pre-application consideration by housing association Codi (previously known as Pobl), working in partnership with building firm Morganstone and the local authority.
If approved, the development would form a key part of wider efforts to regenerate the Penderi area, which covers Blaenymaes, Portmead, Penplas and Cadle.
The move comes amid growing demand for housing in Swansea, particularly in established communities where younger generations are struggling to stay close to family.
Local resident Dylan Jones said the plans could help keep communities together.
He said: “New houses are very much needed in this area. People who grow up here naturally want to live near to their parents and friends when they start their own families.”
He added: “We are a proud community, who always look out for each other, and these proposals look like they will also enable those who may want to downsize from family homes as they get older.”
The new homes are expected to be modern and energy efficient, with developers promising lower energy bills and environmentally friendly design.
Plans also include improved green spaces and better links between different parts of the neighbourhood, reflecting feedback from local residents.
The development builds on wider regeneration work already underway in Penderi, including the launch of a major masterplan aimed at transforming the area, as previously reported when a long-term vision for the community was unveiled.
It also follows significant investment in existing homes, including a groundbreaking energy retrofit scheme that has seen hundreds of properties fitted with solar panels to cut costs and carbon emissions — part of what we reported as the UK’s largest project of its kind.
Homes in Penderi fitted with solar panels as part of a major energy retrofit scheme already underway in the area
(Image: Codi)Codi says the latest proposals are another step in a long-term commitment to the area, where it has been a landlord for more than 30 years.
Development director Claire Tristham said the plans are about more than just housing.
She said: “These proposals add another step in delivering high-quality, energy-efficient homes providing comfortable, affordable homes.”
She added: “Regeneration here isn’t short term — it’s a long-term commitment to people, place and opportunity.”
The scheme is still at an early stage, with further consultation expected before any formal planning application is submitted.
But for many in Penplas, the prospect of finally seeing the long-empty supermarket site brought back to life could mark a turning point for the area.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
Masterplan launched to transform a Swansea community
The wider vision behind regeneration plans in Penderi.Contract awarded for largest UK energy retrofit of its kind in Penderi
Major investment has already upgraded hundreds of existing homes in the area.UK’s largest energy retrofit scheme reaches milestone in Swansea community
#BlaenYMaes #Cadle #Codi #CodiGroup #Fforestfach #housingAssociation #LeoSSupermarket #MilfordWay #Morganstone #newHomes #Penplas #Pobl #regeneration #socialHousing #Swansea
Ongoing work to cut energy bills and emissions for local residents. -
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. -
Former Swansea police station turned into 68‑room homeless accommodation
A Grade II‑listed building once home to Swansea Central Police Station has been completely renovated to provide safe, supported accommodation for people with nowhere else to go.
The site — now known as Llys Glas — includes 68 individual rooms spread across several floors, with shared kitchens, en‑suite bathrooms, communal areas and round‑the‑clock support for residents. Many of those moving in are dealing with health issues or have recently been released from prison.
The project is a partnership between Swansea Council and social housing landlord Codi, formerly known as Pobl. Codi has owned the building since 2003 and had been using it as student accommodation until recently.
The council says the new development will help reduce its heavy reliance on bed and breakfast rooms, which has surged since the pandemic and been made worse by the cost‑of‑living crisis and a shortage of affordable housing across the city.
Grant funding from the Welsh Government has enabled the conversion to go ahead.
Cllr Andrea Williams, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Service Transformation, said:
“I’m very impressed with the renovation and the hard work everyone has done to get us to this stage. I also want to thank Welsh Government for providing funding for this development. Without them, this would not have been possible.
“We have a growing number of residents in Swansea who are very much in need of this type of temporary accommodation, where they can get the support they need, along with the reassurance of a safe place to live.
“This will be where many of the tenants can work towards getting themselves in a better and more positive place, preparing for a move into more permanent accommodation and improving their lives.”
Andrew Vye, Executive Director – Customer and Community at Codi, said:
“We have an excellent relationship with Swansea Council, working closely in partnership on key projects right across the city, and are pleased to be able to assist their efforts to the supply of homes for homeless people.
“Housing is at the heart of everything. The security a suitable environment provides can allow those who have experienced homelessness to get back on their feet.
“Homelessness continues to be a challenge across Wales and can impact anyone. We are committed to working in partnership with local authorities to offer solutions.”
The council has opened several new schemes in recent years to ease pressure on emergency accommodation, including 24 units at Ty Tom Jones in partnership with Codi, four temporary pods at Bryn House in Uplands, and family flats in Penlan.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
Swansea student block could become homeless accommodation under new plans
A major city centre building could be repurposed to help meet rising demand for temporary housing.Homeless Swansea artist finds his spark thanks to Business Wales
A local artist rebuilds his life with support that helps him turn creativity into opportunity.Animal charity teams up with accommodation provider to support homeless dog owners
A new partnership ensures people experiencing homelessness don’t have to give up their pets.Kind‑hearted local fashion lecturer knits 365 hats for Swansea’s homeless
#Codi #CodiGroup #featured #homelessness #Pobl #Swansea #SwanseaCentralPoliceStation #SwanseaCouncil #temporaryAccommodation #TyGlas
A year‑long act of generosity provides warmth and support to people living on the streets. -
Swansea student block could become homeless accommodation under new plans
A prominent six‑storey building on St Helen’s Road could soon switch from student flats to temporary supported accommodation, with councillors set to decide the application on Tuesday 13 January.
Pobl Homes & Communities has applied to convert the Boutique Student Living complex — the former Sun Alliance House office block — into 76 self‑contained studios for people needing secure, short‑term housing with on‑site support.
Office block turned student flats now facing another change
The building was originally constructed as offices before plans were first lodged in 2017 to convert it into student accommodation. Those proposals did not progress at the time, and a fresh application was brought forward in 2021, leading to the building’s eventual conversion into an 80‑unit purpose‑built student accommodation (PBSA).
Now, less than five years after the student scheme was finally delivered, the building’s use is set to change again.
The new proposal would repurpose the studios for residents moving on from homelessness, with internal alterations only and no changes to the building’s external appearance or height.
24/7 management and on‑site support
The scheme would be jointly managed by Pobl and Swansea Council, with a 24/7 staff presence, controlled access and a detailed operational plan covering safeguarding, visitor management and incident reporting.
Planning officers say the building’s central location, existing layout and car‑free set‑up make it suitable for the new use. Their report recommends approval, subject to conditions and a revised Section 106 agreement.
Decision due next week
The application will be considered by the council’s Planning Committee on Tuesday 13 January 2026.
More housing and planning news
New homes completed at former student village site in Swansea
Major redevelopment delivers new housing on the former student village site.Marina student flats to become social housing
Plans approved to convert unused student units in Swansea Marina into social housing.New student accommodation plans for empty St Helen’s Road offices
#homeless #homelessAccommodation #Pobl #StHelensRoad #studentAccommodation #SunAllianceHouse #Swansea #temporaryAccommodation
Fresh proposals lodged to turn vacant offices on St Helen’s Road into student flats. -
Wales’ biggest housing group gets new name as Linc and Pobl merge to form Codi
The new identity came into force on 1 January 2026, bringing the two major organisations together under one banner and one strategy. The move creates a single not‑for‑profit giant with nearly 25,000 homes, 17,000 people receiving care and support, and more than 3,000 staff across Wales.
A new Welsh housing heavyweight
The merger, first confirmed in June, brings together decades of work by both organisations — including the earlier merger of Swansea‑based Grŵp Gwalia and Newport’s Seren to form Pobl back in 2016.
Codi says its mission is simple: to “rise” to the challenges facing communities across Wales, with the name taken from the Welsh word for “rise”.
The new group says it will use its combined strength to deliver more homes, more support and more long‑term investment in local communities.
Scott Sanders, Group CEO of Codi Group, said:
“The completion of the merger and transition to Codi marks a significant step forward. Codi brings together the strengths and legacies of two strong organisations with shared values and deep community roots, giving us the size and scale to make a real difference while staying local to the communities we work in.
“As an anchor institution in Wales, we have a unique ability to influence and drive real change. Working in partnership with like‑minded organisations, our ambition extends beyond simply building better homes to shaping whole communities.
“Our ability to deliver at scale while staying rooted in local communities is what sets Codi apart and underpins how we approach growth, partnership, and lasting outcomes for our customers.”
£1bn boost and thousands of new homes
Codi says it will contribute £1 billion to the Welsh economy over the next five years, supporting jobs, skills and new developments across the country.
The group also plans to build more than 4,500 new homes, alongside continued investment in existing communities and services.
As a not‑for‑profit organisation, Codi says its focus remains on helping people “live well, feel supported and achieve their full potential”.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
Housing associations Pobl Group and Linc Cymru complete merger
Two major Welsh housing associations formally join forces to create a new not‑for‑profit giant.Drone video shows Swansea’s ‘living building’ rising above city skyline
New drone footage captures dramatic progress on the city’s landmark eco‑friendly development.Work to begin on 31 affordable homes in Pontlliw despite local opposition
Construction set to start on a new affordable housing scheme following planning approval.Housing association to increase its maintenance and repairs staffing by 50%
#careSupport #CodiGroup #GrŵpGwalia #housingAssociation #LincCymru #newHomes #Pobl #Seren #socialHousing
Major recruitment drive aims to speed up repairs and improve services for tenants. -
Drone video shows Swansea’s ‘living building’ rising above city skyline
Woolies reborn
Commissioned by Powell Dobson architects, the aerial video shows the former Woolworths site transformed into the Biophilic Living Biome, a development led by Hacer Developments in partnership with housing group Pobl.
The footage captures the adjoining 13‑storey tower climbing above the city centre. While the structure is visibly taking shape, the green planting and rooftop gardens promised as part of the scheme are yet to be installed.
A UK first
The project has been described as the UK’s first “living building,” designed to blend homes, workplaces and nature in the heart of Swansea. Once complete, it will accommodate up to 500 people through the jobs and apartments it creates.
Earlier this week, Swansea Bay News reported on new grant funding pledged to support the commercial elements of the development, part of wider investment in Welsh town and city centres.
Greenhouse in the sky
Due for completion in the first half of 2026, the scheme will feature a four‑storey urban greenhouse, rooftop gardens, wildflower borders and green spaces. Apartments managed by Pobl will sit alongside an education facility, retail units and around 32,000 square feet of commercial floor space.
The building will also incorporate a bio‑solar roof, ambient loop heating and sustainable drainage systems, powered by solar energy and an air source heat system.
Artist’s impression of the ‘Biophilic’ living building under construction between the Kingsway and Oxford Street in Swansea city centre.Wider regeneration
The ‘living building’ is part of a wider programme worth more than £1bn that is reshaping Swansea city centre. Other projects include the nearby office scheme at 71/72 Kingsway, developed by Swansea Council and part‑funded by the Swansea Bay City Deal, which is already 80% let.
Funding
The Biophilic Living Biome is being funded by a mix of private sector investment, the Welsh Government’s Innovative Housing Programme, Pobl and the Development Bank of Wales.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
Millions pledged to revive Welsh centres
Grant funding announced to support commercial elements of Swansea’s ‘living building’ and other town centre schemes.City centre Biophilic Swansea scheme a UK first
Developers say the Oxford Street project will set a new benchmark for green regeneration.City centre living building scheme set for late summer finish
Construction milestones revealed as the tower rises over Swansea’s skyline.University expertise to help residents grow food on roof
#apartments #biophilicBuilding #construction #droneVideo #Hacer #Kingsway #KingswayRegeneration #livingBuilding #OxfordStreet #Pobl #PowellDobsonArchitects #regeneration #Swansea
Swansea University teams up with developers to support rooftop food production at the Biome. -
Historic Ty Mawr restored into new homes for Pontardawe
Dating back to the 1800s, Ty Mawr is identified by Neath Port Talbot Council as a Building of Local Importance. It once formed part of the sprawling tinplate works owned by W. Gilbertson and Company, which at its peak provided employment for much of Pontardawe’s population and sustained families for generations.
Today, the rest of the site is occupied by Cwmtawe Comprehensive School, retail units and housing — leaving Ty Mawr as the sole surviving structure of the town’s industrial past.
Vacant since the late 2000s, and formerly used as an “Extra Care” facility, the building had fallen into disrepair. Now, thanks to housing association Pobl, working with T.A.D Builders Ltd. and supported by Welsh Government’s Social Housing Grant, the landmark has been carefully restored and extended.
Ty Mawr pictured before restoration, after years of standing empty and falling into disrepair.(Image: Pobl)New homes and sustainability
The project has created 12 modern, energy‑efficient apartments for social rent — six one‑bedroom and six two‑bedroom units. A new build element complements the refurbished two‑storey detached structure, with improved access from the highway and enhanced parking arrangements. Solar panels have been installed on the roof to boost sustainability.
Jo Brown, Project Manager for Pobl Group, said at the outset:
“This scheme is an excellent example of Pobl’s commitment to build general needs homes and bring existing buildings back into fruition. We look forward to working with T.A.D Builders Ltd, and all being well, working toward a completion date in Summer 2025.”
That completion has now been achieved, with residents beginning to move in.
Blending old and new
A spokesperson for Pobl said:
“Restoring such an old structure came with challenges — from insulating thick walls to retaining its unique character — but the result is a striking mix of old and new.
“We’re so pleased to welcome new residents to Ty Mawr and see this much‑loved building once again playing an important role in the heart of the community.”
Local heritage preserved
By regenerating Ty Mawr, Pobl say they have helped preserve the character of Pontardawe’s industrial past while addressing contemporary housing needs. The building’s legacy as part of the tinplate works endures — but now with a new role, providing homes and stability for today’s community.
#BuildingOfLocalImportance #construction #CwmtaweCommunitySchool #Pobl #Pontardawe #renovation #socialHousing #TADBuilders #tinplate #TyMawr #WGilbertsonAndCompany
-
Housing Association to increase its maintenance and repairs staffing by 50%
This represents an increase of more than 50% on current staffing levels in the dedicated responsive repairs team.
Pobl says the investment demonstrates its ongoing commitment to delivering “exceptional repairs and maintenance services”, providing a more efficient service and better value for money for customers.
The new roles cover a variety of trades disciplines including engineers, electricians, roofers and flooring specialists, as well as supervisor and manager’s posts. With recruitment already underway It is anticipated that the new jobs will be rolled out in a phased approach across the 25/26 financial year.
The Group will also be creating five new apprenticeship posts to help tackle the growing challenge of attracting young people into a trades career, a move aimed at enabling Pobl to safeguard and secure the long-term trades pipeline, creating customer focussed technically skilled tradespeople.
John Connolly, Director of Trades at Pobl Group, said: “This recruitment drive, and the expansion of our in-house trades team, is an important step forward in enhancing the quality and efficiency of our repairs and maintenance services. It’s a big investment that will enable us to take greater control over the service we offer, ensuring a consistent, high-quality experience for customers.
Advertisement“We’ve listened to feedback and used it to shape how our repairs and maintenance service will look going forward. Under our new structure, with the expanded team, not only are we aiming to provide an improved service with greater accountability and flexibility, it will also ensure better value for money for customers who want to know that their rent money is being used as efficiently as possible.
“We are particularly excited about the newly created apprenticeships and providing opportunities for young people to develop and grow. It is an exciting time for the Group following the merger between Linc Cymru and Pobl last year. This recruitment drive is an example of the community focussed services and investment programmes made possible by being part of a large but local expanded group providing homes, care and support for the people of Wales.”
Following the successful merger between Linc Cymru and Pobl in 2024 the Group now manages over 24,000 homes, with ambitious plans to deliver more than 4,500 new homes over the next five years, and provides care and support to almost 17,000 individuals.
#apprentices #electrician #engineers #housingAssociation #Pobl #roofer #trades
-
Housing Association to increase its maintenance and repairs staffing by 50%
This represents an increase of more than 50% on current staffing levels in the dedicated responsive repairs team.
Pobl says the investment demonstrates its ongoing commitment to delivering “exceptional repairs and maintenance services”, providing a more efficient service and better value for money for customers.
The new roles cover a variety of trades disciplines including engineers, electricians, roofers and flooring specialists, as well as supervisor and manager’s posts. With recruitment already underway It is anticipated that the new jobs will be rolled out in a phased approach across the 25/26 financial year.
The Group will also be creating five new apprenticeship posts to help tackle the growing challenge of attracting young people into a trades career, a move aimed at enabling Pobl to safeguard and secure the long-term trades pipeline, creating customer focussed technically skilled tradespeople.
John Connolly, Director of Trades at Pobl Group, said: “This recruitment drive, and the expansion of our in-house trades team, is an important step forward in enhancing the quality and efficiency of our repairs and maintenance services. It’s a big investment that will enable us to take greater control over the service we offer, ensuring a consistent, high-quality experience for customers.
Advertisement“We’ve listened to feedback and used it to shape how our repairs and maintenance service will look going forward. Under our new structure, with the expanded team, not only are we aiming to provide an improved service with greater accountability and flexibility, it will also ensure better value for money for customers who want to know that their rent money is being used as efficiently as possible.
“We are particularly excited about the newly created apprenticeships and providing opportunities for young people to develop and grow. It is an exciting time for the Group following the merger between Linc Cymru and Pobl last year. This recruitment drive is an example of the community focussed services and investment programmes made possible by being part of a large but local expanded group providing homes, care and support for the people of Wales.”
Following the successful merger between Linc Cymru and Pobl in 2024 the Group now manages over 24,000 homes, with ambitious plans to deliver more than 4,500 new homes over the next five years, and provides care and support to almost 17,000 individuals.
#apprentices #electrician #engineers #housingAssociation #Pobl #roofer #trades
-
Housing Association to increase its maintenance and repairs staffing by 50%
This represents an increase of more than 50% on current staffing levels in the dedicated responsive repairs team.
Pobl says the investment demonstrates its ongoing commitment to delivering “exceptional repairs and maintenance services”, providing a more efficient service and better value for money for customers.
The new roles cover a variety of trades disciplines including engineers, electricians, roofers and flooring specialists, as well as supervisor and manager’s posts. With recruitment already underway It is anticipated that the new jobs will be rolled out in a phased approach across the 25/26 financial year.
The Group will also be creating five new apprenticeship posts to help tackle the growing challenge of attracting young people into a trades career, a move aimed at enabling Pobl to safeguard and secure the long-term trades pipeline, creating customer focussed technically skilled tradespeople.
John Connolly, Director of Trades at Pobl Group, said: “This recruitment drive, and the expansion of our in-house trades team, is an important step forward in enhancing the quality and efficiency of our repairs and maintenance services. It’s a big investment that will enable us to take greater control over the service we offer, ensuring a consistent, high-quality experience for customers.
Advertisement“We’ve listened to feedback and used it to shape how our repairs and maintenance service will look going forward. Under our new structure, with the expanded team, not only are we aiming to provide an improved service with greater accountability and flexibility, it will also ensure better value for money for customers who want to know that their rent money is being used as efficiently as possible.
“We are particularly excited about the newly created apprenticeships and providing opportunities for young people to develop and grow. It is an exciting time for the Group following the merger between Linc Cymru and Pobl last year. This recruitment drive is an example of the community focussed services and investment programmes made possible by being part of a large but local expanded group providing homes, care and support for the people of Wales.”
Following the successful merger between Linc Cymru and Pobl in 2024 the Group now manages over 24,000 homes, with ambitious plans to deliver more than 4,500 new homes over the next five years, and provides care and support to almost 17,000 individuals.
#apprentices #electrician #engineers #housingAssociation #Pobl #roofer #trades