Former Ysgol Pontfadog could be turned into affordable housing as consultant reveals recommendation

A former village school could be converted into affordable housing after the results of a consultation exercise were made public.

Ysgol Pontfadog in the Ceiriog Valley shut its doors for the final time in July last year amid dwindling pupil numbers.

The move by Wrexham Council was staunchly opposed by members of the community, but following its closure they decided to focus on how the 110-year-old primary school should be used in future.

Around 230 responses were received as part of a feasibility study conducted jointly by rural development agency Cadwyn Clwyd and Glyntraian Community Council.

They included suggestions to turn it into a forest school, community hub or wedding venue.

However, the consultant who produced the final report said “significant support” had been voiced for creating housing at the site.

In the document, Marc Roberts from Cynlas Cyf said: “Based on the evidence presented in this report, the recommended option for the school site is for its redevelopment as a site for starter/affordable homes.

“This is the only viable solution presented during the period of study, and the only one which would ensure that the issues negatively impacting on the vitality and future prosperity and wellbeing of the community are addressed.

“The results of the extensive engagement work and survey with the community also indicate significant support for such a development for the Ysgol Pontfadog site.

“There is much to commend the forest school and community hub proposal and the directors are encouraged to forge ahead with their ideas, but to explore other options and identify other locations within Glyntraian for this venture.”

The decision to consolidate the number of primary schools in the area from three down to two was taken by executive board members at an emotionally charged meeting in August 2018.

It came despite more than 1,300 objections being submitted against the move to send pupils to the dual-language Ysgol Cynddelw two miles away.

Wrexham Council previously pledged to work with the community to find an alternative use for the Ysgol Pontfadog site.

Mr Roberts said the development of houses should be undertaken either by the local authority or a housing association.

He added: “This option is on the premise that the development is led by Wrexham CBC and/or a housing association, in co-operation with Glyntraian CC, and that a significant social return on investment through the development of a community project is also delivered.

“A robust and clear local lettings policy will also need to be embedded within the project.”

The report will be considered at a meeting of Glyntraian Community Council being held at the Oliver Jones Memorial Hall in Dolywern on Wednesday

Councillors will decide whether to endorse the recommendation for it to then be considered by the county borough council.

By Liam Randall – BBC Local Democracy Reporter (more here on the LDR scheme)