**Developer Granted Extension to Complete Up to 300 Homes at Former Swansea Student Village**
St Modwen, a major UK housing developer, has been given a crucial extension by Swansea Council to finish the construction of up to 300 residential properties on the grounds of the former Hendrefoilan Student Village in Sketty. The site, previously home to large student accommodation blocks, has gradually been transformed into a growing housing development now known as Hendrefoilan Park.
The decision was made during a planning committee meeting held on 3 June, in which members voted unanimously in favour of allowing the developer extra time to submit detailed plans for the final two stages of the project. Planning permission for the overall redevelopment was first granted back in 2015, meaning the process has been ongoing for nine years.
So far, three construction phases have been either wrapped up or are nearing completion, with a number of new homes already occupied by residents. The extension, approved at this latest committee session, gives St Modwen greater flexibility to complete the last two phases and slightly adjust the housing density in one section of the site. This corner, situated off Gower Road, could see more homes built in a smaller area, but council officers stressed that the overall limit of 300 dwellings would not be surpassed.
A planning officer clarified to those present that the sloping geography of the land had proved a challenge for the company, presenting issues with viability and design. Despite this, he was confident that the 300-home cap would remain in place. “It is very unlikely they will reach the maximum number, but they aim to deliver as many homes as possible within the permitted limits,” he explained.
A further statement from St Modwen’s planning agent, representing the consultancy firm Savills, echoed these views. They reassured councillors that the developer remained committed to delivering a high-quality, sustainable project—one that would benefit both the local community and prospective homeowners.
Concerns were voiced by committee members about the potential impact of increased housing density on surface water run-off and flooding in the area, given the natural slope of the site. In response, council officers noted that stringent drainage standards would need to be fulfilled prior to the submission of any further detailed proposals by St Modwen. This condition is expected to help mitigate the risk of flooding-related issues for the existing neighbourhood.
Residents in the area may also see other local improvements linked to the development. St Modwen has already provided an index-linked financial contribution of more than £942,000 to Swansea’s education authorities to facilitate an expansion of Hendrefoilan Primary School. In addition, the developer has set aside nearly £29,000 earmarked for upgrades to traffic lights at the nearby Gower Road-Wimmerfield Road junction—an often-congested spot that will likely see increased use once the new homes are complete.
Affordability remains a focus. Council documentation shows that 10 per cent of the projected homes at Hendrefoilan Park are classed as affordable housing, with 15 such properties having already been constructed and occupied.
Finally, the last pieces of the original student complex are to be demolished to enable the final phase of building. The removal of these blocks in the north-east corner of the site will help realise the council’s vision of transforming the once student-only neighbourhood into a family-oriented residential community.
This extended timeline allows for careful consideration of community needs, infrastructure, and environmental impacts as work continues at Hendrefoilan Park. Residents and stakeholders alike will be watching closely as the former student village enters its next chapter as a key housing site in Swansea.