MS warns against ‘fear and lies’ over Stebonheath housing plan

The Labour MS said the claim, being shared by the “far‑right group” Voice of Wales, is “not true” and is not supported by any of the documents submitted to Carmarthenshire County Council.

In a Facebook post, Mr Waters said a respected housing association is working with a local developer “to turn the empty old Stebonheath School in Llanelli into small flats for local people to have a home – especially single parents currently living in B&Bs”.

He accused Voice of Wales of “trying to stir up trouble” and “spreading lies that the plan is for asylum seekers”, adding in capital letters: “THIS IS NOT TRUE.”

He said he understood that some residents would prefer the old school not to be developed, but insisted the application “should be decided by facts and by planning law, not by fear, division and lies”.

What the plans actually say

The application, reference PL/10217, seeks permission to convert the former Stebonheath Primary School building into 21 affordable homes. Planning documents state that 20 flats would be created in the main building and one in an attached cottage.

The Design and Access Statement, submitted by Caredig housing association and Swansea‑based Castell Group, says the scheme would provide 11 one‑bedroom flats and 10 two‑bedroom flats. It describes the development as “100% affordable housing” to be managed by a Registered Social Landlord and notes that the building has been vacant since mid‑2024 after efforts to find new commercial tenants failed.

The document sets the proposal firmly in the context of local housing need and Welsh Government policy for the Swansea Bay and Llanelli growth area. It refers to national planning guidance that encourages new homes in accessible locations close to jobs, schools and services. Nowhere in the application or supporting papers is there any reference to asylum accommodation.

Mr Waters said that across Wales “3,000 children [are] living in bed and breakfasts today… because they are on the waiting list for a home”, and highlighted a particular shortage of one‑ and two‑bedroom flats for councils to use. He argued that converting the long‑empty building into small flats for local people is one way of easing that pressure.

Voice of Wales’ record in the area

Voice of Wales has been active around contentious issues in south‑west Wales for several years. Swansea Bay News has previously reported that group co‑founder Dan Morgan received a suspended jail sentence for an insurance scam, and that the group urged parents to boycott a Llanelli school’s mosque visit in Swansea, prompting widespread criticism.

We have also covered disputes where the group was involved in claims about religion lessons at a Swansea primary school which the council later moved to correct, and a racism row linked to Cinema & Co in which the group denied allegations made against it. During the 2023 row over Home Office plans to use Llanelli’s Stradey Park Hotel for asylum seekers, Voice of Wales appeared at protests and Mr Waters has previously said members used aggressive language towards politicians and campaigners.

The group has consistently rejected accusations of racism and has defended its activities in past controversies.

Residents urged to check the portal

The Stebonheath application sits within a wider Welsh Government strategy that identifies Swansea Bay and Llanelli as a national growth area where new homes and investment are encouraged. The planning statement argues the site is well placed for walking, cycling and public transport, with schools, shops and employment within easy reach.

Mr Waters has encouraged residents to look at the plans themselves on Carmarthenshire County Council’s online planning portal by searching for application PL/10217, rather than relying on social media claims.

He said the future of the former school should be decided “by facts and by planning law”, not by those seeking to “stir up trouble” over what the development is for.

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
Another example of public‑sector land being converted into new housing across the region.

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%
Major recruitment drive aims to speed up repairs and improve services for tenants.

Valleys to Coast unveils plans to transform Bridgend town centre building into new HQ

Valleys to Coast (V2C), which manages more than 6,000 affordable homes across Bridgend and Rhondda Cynon Taf, has acquired Wyndham House as part of a wider strategy to support town centre regeneration. The four-storey building, which fronts onto the town’s historic war memorial, will be refurbished to include office space for over 300 staff, a café-style reception, eight one-bedroom apartments, and a small number of retail units.

The housing association is currently based on Tremains Road but says the move will bring its workforce into the heart of Bridgend, boosting footfall and supporting local businesses. A pre-planning application has been submitted, with detailed proposals expected soon.

Jo Oak, Chief Executive of Valleys to Coast, said: “This isn’t just a new office for us — it’s a space where colleagues, customers and the wider community can connect, collaborate, and feel proud of the town centre once again. The acquisition of Wyndham House plays a key role in our own ambitious growth plans, but also the county’s wider plans to regenerate the town. With community, sustainability and innovation at its heart, this project marks the next exciting step in our mission to help Bridgend and its people thrive.”

She added: “Within the next 18 months, we will have transformed the building, bringing over 300 of our colleagues right into the heart of Bridgend Town Centre and attracting additional footfall from our customers and visitors. Our exciting plans to retain some commercial units and bring residential space into the town will help it thrive once again.”

The majority of Wyndham House is currently unoccupied, though it still houses Bridgend Post Office and several office units. It is not yet clear what the redevelopment will mean for the post office’s future. In February 2025, Bridgend Council passed a motion opposing its proposed closure.

Valleys to Coast says it will consult with existing tenants and local businesses throughout the process. The organisation has committed £6 million of its own funding to the project and will seek additional support through regeneration and social housing grants.

The building, originally constructed on the site of the former Bridgend Town Hall, has long been considered a candidate for redevelopment. Artist impressions released by V2C show a modernised exterior and improved public-facing frontage.

Chris Elmore MP, who represents Bridgend and Porthcawl, welcomed the announcement: “This really is fantastic news for Valleys to Coast and our town centre. Not only will it house their 300-strong workforce, it will also provide commercial units for new businesses to thrive along with residential spaces. Ever since I was elected last year, I have beat the drum for town centre regeneration and I am very much looking forward to working with Valleys to Coast as the project progresses.”

#affordableHomes #Bridgend #BridgendTownCentre #ChrisElmoreMP #housingAssociation #socialHousing #ValleysToCoast #ValleysToCoastHousingAssociation #WyndhamHouse

I fucking hate paying #rent so much.

People who are not me have taken well over £100,000 from me over the last 40 years. Imagine what I could have done with that sort of money by now.

I fucking hate that it's my fault if I can't bear to prostitute myself long and hard enough to raise this sort of money any more, to appease those who own it all.

Brothers and sisters, what are we to do?

#RentIsTooHigh
#HousingCoop
#HousingAssociation

My Housing Association sent me a letter reminding me about my obligations. What about your obligations, guys? I’m following mine, by the way. I should start sending letters to them saying “not following your obligations could cause you to pay a compensation fee to the tenant!”

#housingassociation

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.

“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

Plans approved to demolish Neath’s historic Caewern House to make way for 36 flats

Caewern House, which has been a part of the area since the 1870s, has stood empty since closing as a care home in 2019.

After purchasing the site in 2022, Linc Cymru says it has been focused on preserving the building’s heritage while planning for a sustainable future.

The vacant building has seen “numerous instances of vandalism” and is now in a poor state of repair.

Once demolished, six three-storey blocks of apartments will be constructed, each with six apartments.

Linc Cymru say the development has been designed to blend with the surrounding area, with the homes will facing inward, ensuring privacy for neighbouring gardens and fostering a strong sense of community.

While Caewern House is being redeveloped, Linc Cymru say its rich history will not be forgotten. Thanks to a £164,964 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the housing association is running ‘What Once Stood‘, a project that aims to preserve the history, stories and memories of Caewern House and Lower Dyffryn School in Port Talbot before they are redeveloped. 

Running from January 2024 to January 2026, What Once Stood will capture and share the history of these buildings through research, digital archives, and creative storytelling, ensuring their legacy lives on for future generations.

(Lead image: Tim Morris / Linc Cymru)

#Caewern #CaewernHouse #housingAssociation #LincCymru #Neath

“Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust has teamed up with a #HousingAssociation and a #Charity foundation to integrate #SocialHousing data into offical #NHS records and link them to #Health outcomes.”

https://www.ukauthority.com/articles/mersey-care-to-integrate-health-records-with-housing-data/

📍: Winding Hole, Sydenham
ℹ️: winding hole
🗺: https://www.openstreetmap.org/?mlat=52.2821386869478&mlon=-1.52254717849676#map=17/52.2821386869478/-1.52254717849676
📸: Photo by lydia_shiningbrightly on Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/31917220@N07/7549023420

#canal #river #narrowboat #barge #gongoozler #england #uk #flickr #architecture #apartments #flats #housing #leamington #warwickshire #socialhousing #jephson #housingassociation #jephsonhousing