Uncertainty over future of Lichfield’s bus station is disappointing, councillor says

https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/2026/03/15/uncertainty-over-future-of-lichfields-bus-station-is-disappointing-councillor-says/

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Catching the 432

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New images reveal detail of Llanelli’s proposed transport hub as plans formally submitted

A greener, safer gateway

The full planning application, prepared by AtkinsRéalis, sets out how the southern side of the station would be transformed into a modern transport hub. The latest drawings show two new bus stops with cantilevered shelters topped by green roofs, real‑time passenger information boards, and a redesigned car park with 40 spaces, including bays for disabled users, motorbikes and electric vehicles.

A new 2‑metre wide footway would run through the site, linking Copperworks Road and Station Road, while a series of raised and uncontrolled pedestrian crossings are planned to make it easier and safer to move between the station, bus stops and surrounding streets. Cycle users would benefit from a 22‑space covered bike shelter, also designed with a green roof.

Landscaping is a key part of the design, with existing poor‑quality scrub and hedgerow replaced by semi‑mature tree planting to screen the site from nearby homes. The plans also include bioretention areas to manage surface water and improve biodiversity.

Public backing

The consultation report shows that 88% of respondents believed Llanelli would benefit from the interchange, with more than four in five saying it would encourage them to use public transport more often.

One resident commented that the hub would “finally bring buses and trains together in one place,” while another said it would “make the station feel like a proper gateway to the town rather than a back entrance.”

Concerns were raised about whether the bus facilities would be fully used, given the current limited services on Station Road. The council’s response was that the interchange is designed for future growth, particularly with developments such as Pentre Awel expected to increase demand.

Other feedback led to changes in the final design: pedestrian crossings were revised, cycle shelters relocated, and the dimensions of disabled and EV bays adjusted.

Part of a wider regeneration picture

The interchange is not being developed in isolation. It is intended to complement the £200m Pentre Awel wellness and life science village, which opened its first phase earlier this year. The landmark development on Llanelli’s coastline is expected to create around 2,000 jobs and attract thousands of visitors, making improved transport links essential.

It also ties into Carmarthenshire Council’s new town centre masterplans for Llanelli, Ammanford and Carmarthen, which set out how empty buildings will be brought back into use, new homes created, and public spaces improved. The council has been clear that better transport connectivity is central to making town centres more vibrant and accessible.

Closer to the station itself, the demolition of the Four Tys housing blocks in Tyisha has now been completed, paving the way for a new mixed‑use development with modern housing, community facilities and green space. The interchange is seen as a vital link in reconnecting Tyisha with the town centre and wider region.

“Enhancing access to sustainable transport”

Cllr Edward Thomas, Carmarthenshire’s Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste and Infrastructure, said earlier this year:

“We are looking for feedback to help shape plans for Llanelli Multi‑Modal Interchange to ensure that we are providing an appropriate solution that enhances access to more sustainable transport opportunities to support Llanelli into the future.”

Next steps

If approved, the interchange would be built in phases alongside the existing station, with construction carefully managed to minimise disruption. The council says the project is a vital part of its strategy to reduce car dependency, improve access to jobs and education, and support the wider regeneration of Llanelli.

Related Llanelli regeneration stories

Canolfan Pentre Awel opens its doors in Llanelli
The landmark £200m wellness and life science village has welcomed its first visitors, promising 2,000 jobs and a major boost to the local economy.

Future of Llanelli, Ammanford and Carmarthen town centres set out
Carmarthenshire Council unveils masterplans to revitalise town centres, bring empty buildings back into use and create new homes and jobs.

‘Four Tys’ housing blocks in Llanelli set to be demolished
The demolition of the Tyisha tower blocks has cleared the way for a new mixed‑use development with modern housing, community facilities and green space.

#busStation #CarmarthenshireCouncil #CllrEdwardThomas #Llanelli #LlanelliRailwayStation #LlanelliTrainStation #LlanelliTransportHub #multiModalInterchange #PentreAwel #planningApplication #publicTransport #townCentreMasterplan #TransportHub #Tyisha

Neath’s transport hub plans sent back to the drawing board

Public says “no” to current design

The six‑week consultation earlier this year drew almost 1,900 responses, and the verdict was clear: residents did not believe the hub was necessary in its current form. Many argued that Neath already has the essentials — a train station, a bus station and a taxi rank — and questioned whether demolishing businesses and removing parking spaces could ever be justified. Others said the real problem was not infrastructure but the decline in bus services, with timetables cut back and evening services disappearing.

Concerns about cost, congestion and community impact

Respondents repeatedly raised the issue of value for money, describing the hub as a poor use of public funds at a time when the town centre is struggling to attract shops and investment. Traders feared that losing parking on Windsor Road and altering pedestrian routes would reduce footfall, while residents worried that re‑routing buses could worsen congestion on already busy streets. Safety was another recurring theme, with some fearing that a new interchange could become a magnet for anti‑social behaviour rather than a solution to it.

Councillors opt for a rethink, not a rush

Faced with such strong opposition, councillors agreed not to push ahead with the existing design. Instead, they backed a recommendation to reassess the scope of the project. Officers have been asked to explore alternative options, taking into account the concerns raised during consultation and the opportunities created by new Welsh Government transport policies. The aim is to bring back a scheme that is more ambitious, more collaborative, and more closely tied to Neath’s wider regeneration plans.

What the rethink will involve

Rather than a single blueprint, the council will now embark on a process of re‑design. This will mean looking again at the layout and scale of the hub, reviewing issues flagged by the newly appointed project team, and ensuring that any new proposal supports the town centre masterplan. Officers will also work closely with Network Rail, Welsh Government and Transport for Wales to see whether the railway station can be included in a fully integrated scheme. Active Travel links and wider placemaking goals will also be part of the conversation.

A chance to rebuild trust

By pausing the project, councillors hope to avoid pushing through a scheme that the community has already rejected. Instead, they say the next stage will be about listening, collaborating and designing something that genuinely improves transport while supporting Neath’s long‑term regeneration. Further public engagement is promised at key stages, giving residents another chance to shape the future of their town.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

“Don’t fix what isn’t broken”: Council thanks public for Neath Transport Hub feedback but concerns remain
Hundreds of residents told councillors the hub was unnecessary, urging investment in existing bus and rail services instead.

Neath Transport Hub proposals could mean Victoria Gardens bus station move
Plans suggested relocating buses away from Victoria Gardens, sparking debate over the future of the town’s central bus station.

#busStation #Neath #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #NeathTrainStation #NeathTransportHub #Transport #TransportHub #VictoriaGardens