500 jobs with pre-fab homes plant

The factory is planned near the former Panasonic plant

Up to 500 jobs will be created at Neath Port Talbot if plans are approved for a factory making pre-fabricated homes.

Fleming Developments UK want to build a new plant on the Baglan industrial estate near the former Panasonic factory where 250 jobs were lost.

The scheme is to go before Neath Port Talbot's planning committee next week.

Council leader Derek Vaughan said it was "excellent news" for the area, adding the plans meet with the authority's unitary development plan.

"It is an exciting project which will provide a considerable boost to the economy of Neath Port Talbot and I look forward to work starting on site," he added.

If approved, the factory will be developed on land between Moor Road and Baglan Way, south of the former Panasonic factory.

The council said at first the factory would operate between 0800 and 1800 GMT, but if demand for the product grows, it could extend that to 24-hour working

It said council officers have concluded the proposals will not impact on homes and residents and would have significant economic benefits.

Panasonic Electronic Devices which made cars speakers, announced two years ago that it was to close its Baglan plant saying increasing competition and price pressure had led to significant losses.

The £13m factory opened in 1998 after Panasonic relocated from a smaller site, where it had been based for 10 years.