**Neath Port Talbot Councillor Steps Down from Coalition Over Town Centre Plan Concerns**
A councillor in Neath Port Talbot has publicly announced his departure from the authority’s ruling coalition, citing significant reservations over the borough’s proposed town centre transport hub and a lack of progress on policies close to his heart. The decision, which comes at a pivotal time for the council, will see Councillor Nathan Goldup-John continue to serve locally, albeit outside the current “rainbow coalition”.
Councillor Goldup-John, who represents the Coedffranc Central ward and is a member of the Green Party, made his intentions clear during the council’s 2025 annual general meeting. He attributed his exit to ongoing concerns around the major redevelopment plan for Neath town centre, particularly the new multi-modal transport hub. These concerns were reportedly compounded by what he sees as insufficient advancement on other critical initiatives he had championed while part of the governing group.
The controversial transport hub, which was put forward by the local authority earlier in 2025, aims to create a unified public transport interchange at the forefront of Neath railway station. The design would centralise bus, rail, and taxi services beneath a large canopy, offering shelter for passengers and potentially revitalising Station Square, adjacent to Windsor Road. Renderings released by the council suggest the new hub could become a “striking gateway” to the town, intended to boost footfall and support the local economy.
Despite these ambitions, Cllr Goldup-John remains unconvinced. He described the plan as “flawed” and lacking in “strategic direction”, raising fears that the redevelopment could fail to meet its own objectives and potentially harm both local businesses and the environment. “The proposals remained unchanged despite early and detailed feedback I offered, grounded in professional expertise over two years ago,” he remarked to fellow council members. He also noted that concerns he raised previously have since been echoed by other stakeholders. “This is a flawed plan that lacks strategic direction and is unlikely to achieve its goals, destroying business space and the environment at the same time,” he added.
The fate of the multi-million-pound Neath Interchange project is not yet sealed. While preliminary funding has been secured via the Welsh Government’s Local Transport Fund, the scheme hinges on further financial support and formal planning approval from the council. A public consultation process, currently open until 11 June 2025, is inviting input from residents across Neath and the wider county borough. The council has made it clear that any decision on the hub will be strongly informed by the feedback gathered during this period.
In response to the developments, a spokesperson for Neath Port Talbot Council emphasised the consultative nature of the current design phase. “The proposals for a new transport hub at the front of Neath railway station are currently a matter for public consultation. Feedback from the consultation will be provided to members for consideration before any decision is made,” the spokesperson commented.
Observers have noted that Cllr Goldup-John’s exit could have wider procedural implications for the governing coalition, which has led Neath Port Talbot since 2022. The so-called “rainbow coalition” had sought to bring together multiple parties and viewpoints, yet internal rifts over flagship schemes such as the transport hub may test the group’s cohesiveness moving forward.
Public opinion on the proposed redevelopment remains mixed. While some members of the community welcome the prospect of improved transport connectivity and potential economic benefits, others—like Cllr Goldup-John—remain wary of the risks posed to established businesses and local character. Ultimately, the coming weeks are likely to prove decisive as councillors weigh resident feedback and chart a path for Neath’s town centre.
For those wishing to have their say, the council’s consultation remains open, providing an important chance for residents to influence the final outcome of this high-profile plan. The issue encapsulates broader challenges faced by town centres across the UK, as they balance economic regeneration with community needs and environmental concerns.