Planning consent has been granted for a multi-million pound project to extend and refurbish a school satellite site in Rhondda Cynon Taf, securing the future of specialist education for young people with severe or profound Autistic Spectrum Disorder.
Staff and pupils at Buarth y Capel in Ynysybwl will benefit from a modern development by the end of 2027, following the decision by the council's Planning and Development Committee.
The new standalone teaching block will feature six specialist classrooms, breakout spaces, and accessible toilets, with the single-storey building linked to the existing eastern side of the school using a canopy walkway.
Key features of the new development
Associated works include photovoltaic solar panels, a soft play area, an 18-space car park, and new access gates. A one-way vehicle route will be created across the reconfigured site, while an older classroom building is set to be removed.
Council officers noted that the modern facility will provide a much-needed net zero carbon building for the growing community. Site landscaping will enhance the surrounding environment, while revised road layouts will improve overall traffic safety and parking.
The project is being delivered in partnership with the Welsh Government through its Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme. Architect firm EPT designed the new block, while contractor Knox and Wells will carry out construction works.
Community engagement shapes final plans
Initial plans were shared with the local community earlier this year during a face-to-face engagement event. Feedback collected from local residents during that public session helped shape the details of the final planning application.
Buarth y Capel is a satellite site of Ysgol Ty Coch, which is one of four local Additional Learning Needs settings. The site focuses on education for learners aged 14 to 19 who have a diagnosis of severe or profound Autistic Spectrum Disorder.
These new proposals will ensure the current facility can continue meeting the educational needs of these young people, according to council documents.
Investment across the county borough
Councillor Sharon Rees, cabinet member for education and young people, said: “It’s fantastic news that the major investment for the Buarth y Capel satellite site has secured planning consent, with the project now able to progress. We know that the number of learners requiring an ALN school placement has increased and is projected to grow further, while pupils’ needs are becoming more complex.
“For these reasons, we’re investing in ALN schools across the County Borough, with Thursday’s planning decision a key milestone in our proposals for Ynysybwl and surrounding communities.”
Rees highlighted that the satellite site has already benefited from refurbished rooms and new specialist therapy areas in recent years. The council will soon be creating its fifth ALN school, with the brand new Ysgol Cambrian in Clydach Vale on course to open during the 2026/27 autumn term.
In September 2025, Maesgwyn Special School in Cwmdare received a £1.5 million extension, comprising new facilities and modern spaces, while a new Early Years ALN setting was opened in Tonyrefail.
Track record of delivery
Rees noted: “The Buarth y Capel project will become the latest to be delivered jointly with Welsh Government, with whom we have an excellent track record. A huge £79.6 million investment across four of our mainstream schools in Greater Pontypridd was delivered in 2024 and 2025 – along with brand new buildings delivered in Pontyclun, Llantrisant, Church Village and Ferndale.
“We’re now moving onto the next tranche of school investments, under a £414 million funding commitment with Welsh Government over the years ahead. This includes Ysgol Cambrian and Ysgol Glyn-Coch in the months ahead, and future investments at Ysgol Cwm Rhondda in Cymer and Ysgol Llanhari.”
Officers will now further progress the Buarth y Capel project, with the next milestone being the start of construction on site. This will include very close working with the contractor and the school, to ensure the works progress with minimal disruption to pupils’ learning.
The council will publish an update in due course, outlining the start of works. Rees thanked residents in Ynysybwl for their cooperation, along with the wider school community who attended the engagement session earlier in the year, to help develop the final plans.
