Homes to replace derelict school

The number and type of houses will be debated at a later date

A derelict school in the Swansea Valley is to be demolished and replaced with houses, despite opposition from locals.

Councillors in Neath Port Talbot have given the plans for the old Cwmtawe School site in Pontardawe the go ahead.

Thirty people objected saying it would cause traffic problems and disturb wildlife, among other issues.

But the council said the empty building was an eyesore, had become a target for vandal and arson attacks and was a drain on its finances.

To try and allay concerns it had amended its plans for the site to exclude the school playing fields and a wooded area.

The school was closed more than 10 years ago but the buildings were being used by Neath Port Talbot College until early last year.

The council's head of property, Gareth Nutt, said: "This proposal will help to regenerate what has become a target for vandals and breathe new life into what is now a derelict eyesore."