**Plans for 800 New Homes and a Primary School Progress in Bridgend**
Bridgend could soon see a significant transformation as a major housing development plan, comprising more than 800 new homes, moves a step closer to fruition. The proposal, which also includes a new primary school and additional community facilities, is currently under consideration by Bridgend County Borough Council’s planning department.
The proposed development is earmarked for land east of Pencoed, adjacent to the existing Bridgend College campus. According to the latest plans, which were formally submitted as an outline application in April 2025, a total of 804 homes are set to be built if planning consent is granted. The submission follows an extensive process, including an environmental scoping report to assess potential impacts and a public consultation carried out in 2024.
The development is slated to provide a range of housing options aimed at catering to the area’s growing population. The current layout features a mix of one, two, three, and four-bedroom homes, including apartments, terraced houses, semi-detached, and detached properties. Usually, such sizeable projects raise concerns about environmental impacts, but the scheme has taken steps to mitigate these. The proposed number of homes is, in fact, lower than the original policy allocation, as significant areas have been dedicated to sustainable drainage systems and preserving mature vegetation.
These environmental considerations are noteworthy, particularly as debates around sustainable development gain traction nationwide. The integration of green spaces and sustainable infrastructure is increasingly being seen as essential to ensuring new developments have a positive long-term impact on their communities and the climate.
A notable aspect of the plans is the inclusion of community benefit elements. As outlined in the development proposal, up to 20% of the new properties could be designated as affordable housing. This policy aims to provide accessible homes for local families and help address the affordability concerns present in Bridgend and across Wales. In addition, the potential creation of a new primary school within the development could ease pressure on existing educational facilities and improve services for future residents.
The site in question has already been prioritised in Bridgend Council’s Local Development Plan (LDP) as a “strategic site for housing,” signifying its role in tackling the area’s housing shortage. The LDP serves as the council’s blueprint for managing local growth, setting out where development should take place to support the needs of both current and future residents.
This latest development proposal comes at a transformative time for education in Bridgend as well. In 2023, plans were approved for a new £70 million campus for Bridgend College in Bridgend town centre. Building work is under way, with state-of-the-art facilities, including a 250-seat theatre, IT suites, and creative studios, expected to be delivered by 2026. Existing facilities at the Pencoed campus — next door to the proposed housing site — will be complemented by the new development, reinforcing the area’s status as a growing educational and family hub.
As work begins to clear the way for the new college, including demolition of a former police station and a multi-storey car park, local stakeholders are closely monitoring both projects. These developments are poised to bring significant change to the area, offering economic opportunities, new housing, and improved community services. Nevertheless, large-scale schemes of this nature often draw public scrutiny regarding traffic, environmental impact, and pressure on existing resources.
Looking ahead, the decision on whether to grant full approval rests with Bridgend County Borough Council. The outcome could shape the local landscape for decades to come, balancing the need for new homes with commitments to sustainability and community wellbeing.
Residents, organisations, and interested parties have been encouraged to keep engaged with the ongoing planning process, as public feedback continues to play a crucial role in shaping such major projects. As Bridgend prepares for substantial growth, the debate over how best to develop its future remains firmly in the spotlight.