**Ambitious ‘Net Zero’ Primary School Wins Approval in Port Talbot**
Plans for an advanced, environmentally sustainable primary school in Port Talbot have been approved, marking a significant step forward for education and sustainability within the region. The development, intended to replace the existing Rhosafan Primary School in Sandfields, aims to set a standard for future school designs across Wales.
Initially proposed in March 2025, the scheme will involve the demolition of both the current Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Rhosafan and the adjacent Tir Morfa Centre. In their place, a brand-new, energy-efficient school, complemented by modern sports facilities, new playgrounds, and a suite of community amenities, will be constructed. The local authority gave its official backing to the project at a planning committee held on 5 August.
Upon completion, the new school will be equipped to serve up to 511 pupils, and will offer nursery and childcare provisions, as well as a dedicated Additional Learning Needs (ALN) unit. Importantly, it will also house a Welsh language immersion unit and an innovative “Winter Garden,” designed as a flexible, all-seasons learning environment. The Tir Morfa training centre, which currently provides education for adults in the area, will also be incorporated into the new school complex.
The development includes thoughtful transport planning, with proposals for 107 parking spaces, three minibus bays, and 14 charging points for electric vehicles. Secure cycle parking forms an integral part of the design, indicating a clear push towards more sustainable, active travel to and from the site.
Officials presenting the scheme recommended phased construction to ensure minimal disruption to the school community. This approach will allow the existing educational and community facilities to remain open while the new buildings rise, with complete demolition of the outdated structures only occurring once the new school is ready for use. A recent council report outlined these logistics, stating, “The proposed primary school would be constructed while the existing school and community facilities remain operational, with partial demolition to some buildings to facilitate the development… Once the new replacement school has been completed, the existing school and associated buildings would then be fully demolished.”
Situated just a short distance from Aberavon Beach, in a largely residential neighbourhood, the new school is positioned to serve both the immediate Sandfields area and the wider Port Talbot community. This initiative falls under the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Schools Challenge Programme, which is committed to delivering environmentally conscious and community-centric educational spaces. Notably, this Port Talbot project is one of only three sites selected across the country to pioneer this approach, and it is expected to become a model for future school developments in Wales.
Local councillors have hailed the decision as long overdue. Councillor Suzanne Paddison, representing Sandfields West, commented, “It’s something that is really needed in the area and I think all residents of the ward and further afield are very happy that we’re going to have this Welsh medium primary school in Sandfields.” Her remarks highlight a growing desire for infrastructure that supports both education and linguistic heritage in the region.
Further underscoring the significance of the development, Cllr Nia Jenkins, Neath Port Talbot Council’s cabinet member for education and early years, stated, “This marks a major milestone in the Council’s Strategic Schools Improvement Programme, which is focused on ensuring all pupils have access to high-quality education in modern, fit-for-purpose facilities.”
The project’s scope, both in terms of sustainability and community impact, presents a forward-thinking approach to modern education in Wales. As work progresses, the Port Talbot initiative will be closely watched as a blueprint for sustainable school construction, blending innovative design with green credentials and local engagement for the benefit of current and future generations.