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Plans have been submitted for the construction of a new multi-million pound special school adjacent to the former site of a World War II prisoner of war camp in Bridgend. The proposed development aims to relocate Heronsbridge School from its current site on Ewenny Road to a new location approximately one mile away on Island Farm.
Heronsbridge School, which serves students from nursery age to post-16 with Additional Learning Needs (ALN), is envisioned to accommodate up to 300 pupils aged between three and 19 if the plans are approved. The new facility would feature a variety of classrooms, as well as a swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool with assisted changing rooms, family rooms, and sensory rooms. Additionally, the school is set to include a new 4G sports pitch and a multi-use games area (MUGA) that will be accessible to the local community.
The site at Island Farm has been assessed as the most suitable for the development due to its size and location. Access to the completed facility will be via the existing highway network to the north of the site on Technology Drive.
The design of the new building is intended to incorporate visual references to the current school while adhering to modern standards. The external finishes are chosen to create a calming and welcoming environment while remaining consistent with the broader locality. Furthermore, the proposal includes a residential component to provide a respite service linked to the Social Services and Wellbeing Directorate, alongside the school. This will consist of two buildings—one operated by the school and the other by Social Services (Harwood House)—arranged around a central courtyard designed to evoke a homely atmosphere.
Once operational, the educational and residential services at the facility will be supported by approximately 238 staff members. Originally projected to be completed by 2026, the timeline for the project has faced delays, and the budget has escalated from £34 million to an estimated £60 million due to rising costs.
The planning application was submitted in October 2026 and will be reviewed by Bridgend County Borough Council’s planning department in the coming months.
