Land at Pontarddulais
A very large strategic residential allocation by a National Housebuilder on a site with very challenging topography
Project information
Client
Persimmon Homes
Partners
Phoenix DP, Vectos, Tetratech, Corun
Location
Swansea
The Challenge
Our client required a strategic masterplanner to assist in the preparation of a hybrid planning application for 500 homes and a primary school on a complex strategic site in Swansea. Rather than seeing the site’s severe engineering constraints as roadblocks, we saw them as unique placemaking opportunities. The topography features steep gradients sloping in multiple directions, major green infrastructure assets, and a strategic water main running through the land. Balancing critical site levels, sustainable drainage (SAB), and commercial delivery against high design ambitions was a formidable challenge on this greenfield site.
Our Role
Acting as a design guardian and placemaking advisor, we bridged the gap between Persimmon Homes’ internal team and the Local Planning Authority. We acted as a peer, filter, and creative problem solver—working with the client through design challenges to ensure commercial viability aligned fully with policy and Supplementary Planning Guidance.
In our role as design guardian, we helped preserve the core placemaking ambitions, ensuring that design quality and complex technical requirements were successfully resolved together. We critically reviewed and refined the detailed housing layouts to guarantee they met the LPA’s rigorous quality expectations. By synthesising these technical constraints into the design, we helped to shape a green & blue Infrastructure-led masterplan that seamlessly merges high-level placemaking with commercial realism.
The Outcome
A highly contextual masterplan delivering c500 homes that positively interface with both existing and proposed Public Open Space (POS). The scheme is entirely outward-facing, supported by a clear hierarchy of streets and spaces that ensure strong legibility and local distinctiveness. At the heart of the development is an engaging play, amenity, and leisure strategy—delivering a vibrant new neighborhood that adds lasting value to the wider community.
