Plans have been unveiled for the merging of two schools in Pontypridd onto one site in a south Wales village. The proposal involves the replacement of the current Craig yr Hesg Primary School in Glyncoch with a new primary school building that spans two storeys. This initiative is slated to go before the Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s planning committee on January 30th. Along with the demolition of the existing structure, the project includes community facilities, multi-use games areas, car parking, and playgrounds. The new school aims to achieve a “net zero” status and will serve as a single entity to replace both Craig yr Hesg Primary School and Cefn Primary School.
The new establishment is designed to accommodate modern teaching facilities, two learning support classrooms for up to 300 students, a 45-place nursery, and a 30-place Welsh medium childcare facility. A total of 52 staff members are expected to be employed at the site. Currently, the two schools, managed by one senior leadership team but recognised separately in the local community, cater to a combined total of 313 pupils and have 30 staff members. The proposed new building is set to offer two Multi-use Games Areas and grass pitch play areas to the south-east, in place of the current structures and parking spaces, while additional play areas, outdoor teaching spaces, and community gardens will be located to the north and south.
Access to the site for vehicles will be via an existing entrance point on Cefn Lane, with pedestrian accesses planned on Cefn Lane and an existing footpath to the west of the site. The car parking area is intended to accommodate staff and visitors with 43 parking spaces, including five electric vehicle charging bays and a commercial vehicle space for servicing. The proposal also includes four drop-off bays exclusively for the learning support classes. Community use of the facilities is initially outlined to end at 6.30pm from Monday to Friday, but potential adjustments are expected based on demand as the school becomes operational and usage patterns become clearer.
One objection raised concerns about the safety of the proposed entrance for pupils and the potential increase in traffic flow on Cefn Lane. Additionally, worries were expressed about parking insufficiencies and the suggestion to use nearby land as an alternate drop-off and collection point. Concerns were also voiced regarding the extended hours of community amenities impacting neighbours’ well-being due to increased footfall and vehicle movements outside regular school hours. However, planning officers have recommended approval for the project, citing the benefits of a new state-of-the-art facility for the pupils and the community. The proposal is deemed likely to enhance the visual amenity and not significantly increase existing impacts on residents or highway safety in the vicinity.
In conclusion, the merging of Craig yr Hesg Primary School and Cefn Primary School onto one site in Pontypridd signifies a significant educational development for the village. The proposed new school aims to provide enhanced learning facilities and community services while addressing concerns raised by objectors regarding safety and traffic issues. With a focus on sustainability and modernisation, this project sets a precedent for the evolution of educational infrastructure in the region.