**Major Step Forward for New Llanelli Special School Project**
A significant milestone has been reached in Llanelli, as Carmarthenshire Council’s cabinet members have officially sanctioned plans to build a new special school to replace Ysgol Heol Goffa. While the journey towards completion is far from over, this decision marks a pivotal juncture for families and educators who have long advocated for improved facilities serving children with complex learning needs.
The council’s leadership faced two main options: constructing a 150-place replacement for the current Ysgol Heol Goffa, which caters for students with severe and profound learning difficulties; or opting for a larger, 250-place institution, which would also accommodate children diagnosed with autistic spectrum conditions. Ultimately, at a meeting held on 31 July, cabinet members greenlit the 150-place plan—a proposal currently estimated to cost between £27.5 million and £34.8 million.
Yet, key hurdles remain before the first foundation is laid. Carmarthenshire Council must still prepare a comprehensive business case for approval by the Welsh Government, alongside securing all necessary planning permissions. Furthermore, more detailed design and feasibility studies are needed to shape the final blueprint for the school.
Local campaigners, meanwhile, continue to press the council for cast-iron guarantees that sufficient places will be available locally for children on the autism spectrum. Some supporters expressed concern that the decision could mean the previously envisioned specialist units for autistic pupils may be shelved. “The fight is not over,” one campaigner insisted, highlighting the ongoing desire to ensure no child is left without access to suitable educational provision.
Councillor Glynog Davies, responsible for education and the Welsh language, described the governor chairman’s recent endorsement of the chosen option as a welcome development. “It’s a good plan, a plan that will meet the demand, and it’s a plan that we’ll be able to realise,” he remarked, expressing confidence that the planned school would offer a meaningful response to the needs of local families.
However, debate remains about the provision for pupils with autistic spectrum conditions. Questions were raised during the meeting about the status of two specialist centres that had been considered for children with autism at mainstream primary and secondary schools in the area. Councillor Davies clarified that alternative arrangements were already underway at Burry Port Community Primary School and Ysgol Penygaer, while provision for those with more significant learning difficulties exists at Ysgol y Felin.
Turning his attention to secondary education, Cllr Davies indicated plans to boost autistic spectrum condition placements at Canolfan y Môr, which is part of Ysgol Glan-y-Mor in Burry Port. According to the council, this enhanced provision should be operational from September 2025, aiming to alleviate some of the current pressure on special education places across Llanelli.
Last year, the council faced criticism after scrapping an earlier proposal for a new Ysgol Heol Goffa, citing spiralling costs. That decision fuelled local protests and an independent review, eventually leading to the shortlist of six options—four of which were ultimately ruled out.
Councillor Alun Lenny, cabinet member for resources, acknowledged the significance of the current scheme, calling it a major investment at a time when funds to meet broader educational needs are tight. Council leader Darren Price also thanked stakeholders for their input and reaffirmed commitment to meeting demand for autism-related placements at alternative sites.
Rebecca Davies, vice-chair of the Save Ysgol Heol Goffa Action Committee, offered a measured response to the announcement, praising the approval but noting the apparent removal of extra specialist autism units. “We are grateful the new school is coming because it is desperately needed,” she said, while making it clear that campaigners would continue lobbying to secure adequate support in the region.
The decision has undoubtedly brought new hope for many families, but for some, the campaign for inclusive, specialist educational provision in Llanelli is still very much alive. As the process continues toward design, approval and construction, residents and officials alike will be watching closely to ensure that promises of support for every child are kept.