Former college site set for 134 social homes in Pontypool
Plans submitted to turn the former Coleg Gwent campus into a low‑carbon estate of 134 social homes, retaining a community football pitch.
Torfaen Council has received a planning application to convert the former Coleg Gwent campus on Blaendare Road into a new estate of 134 social homes.
The site, situated in Cwmynyscoy on the southern edge of Pontypool, has been earmarked for housing in the borough’s local development plan since 2013.
Housing association Hedyn, created from the merger of Melin Homes and Newport City Homes, lodged the proposal last week with the council’s planning department.
Hedyn intends to deliver a mix of low‑carbon dwellings, ranging from one‑bedroom flats to four‑bedroom houses and two‑bedroom bungalows.
The development would comprise 39 one‑bedroom flats with shared access, 26 “walk‑up” one‑bedroom flats, 32 two‑bedroom houses, 23 three‑bedroom homes, nine four‑bedroom houses and five two‑bedroom bungalows.
Most of the new homes would be built as flats, providing a higher density option for local families and single occupants.
Retaining community facilities is a key part of the plan, with the existing Race AFC football pitch preserved and a new changing room and parking area added.
The pitch, set on the north side of the 5.5‑hectare site, will be flanked by the new housing, creating a clear visual link between sport and residence.
To improve access, Hedyn proposes demolishing the former 107 Blaendare Road building, creating a new entrance to the estate while keeping the wide north‑western access road in use.
The existing road and footpath network will provide easy pedestrian routes to local amenities, the application notes.
A regular bus service already runs along Blaendare Road, linking the site with Pontypool town centre and surrounding areas.
The former college closed its Pontypool base in 2020, later serving as a Covid‑19 vaccination centre before briefly hosting construction apprenticeships.
Gwent Police also used the main building for dog‑training exercises until the site was fully vacated in the summer of 2023.
Hedyn’s submission describes the scheme as “low carbon social housing” aimed at offering tenants “the best possible living environment”.
Local officials will now assess the application against the borough’s housing targets and environmental standards.
If approved, the project would join other recent brownfield conversions, such as the 143 new homes at the former County Hall site in Croesyceiliog and the approved housing at the former police training college in Cwmbran.
Torfaen’s housing strategy prioritises the reuse of disused sites to meet rising demand for affordable homes without expanding into greenfield land.
Community groups have welcomed the prospect of additional social housing but have urged the council to ensure adequate infrastructure and services accompany the new development.
Hedyn has indicated that sustainable construction methods and energy‑efficient fittings will be incorporated throughout the estate.
The planning decision is expected later this year, with the council promising a transparent consultation process for local residents.
Should the scheme receive consent, construction could begin in early 2025, delivering the first homes within two years.