Homes planned for old farm at Singleton Park

AN old farm in Swansea’s Singleton Park could be redeveloped into a housing estate.

Swansea Council wants to build 42 properties at Home Farm, which is accessed off Sketty Lane.

Council chiefs have stressed that no park land would be lost if the plans materialise, and that some of the farm buildings would be upgraded.

Home Farm dates from the mid-1800s and comprises a small group of buildings, yards, stone walls, rails for wagons and a farmhouse. It is currently used as council depot, which would be relocated.

Councillor Robert Francis-Davies, cabinet member for investment, regeneration and tourism, said: “Home Farm offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a wonderful heritage-based development that will enhance its immediate area.

“Our plan would see us refurbish and safeguard these historic pioneering farm buildings for enjoyment by residents and visitors for decades to come.

“The setting is unique and the result could be a prestigious project that would showcase the exceptional buildings to great effect.”

Some of the houses would be new, others created by revamping the existing buildings. Some would be affordable.

The council submitted a pre-application enquiry about the proposal last September, although this was not in the public domain.

Cllr Francis-Davies said the authority would consult with local people, volunteer group the Friends of the City of Swansea Botanical Complex, and Welsh Government heritage body Cadw.

“Feasibility work is being carried out and throughout this scheme there is an emphasis on conservation, heritage, ecology and the site’s special status,” he added.

“Singleton Park is an urban public park of outstanding historical interest and it will remain so – and we’re confident this scheme, with its accent on sensitively preserving our heritage, will improve its reputation.”

Cabinet will be asked at a meeting on April 18 to seek expressions of interest for a joint venture partner to work with the council on the project, which the cabinet report described as “well advanced”.

The report added that access and tree felling issues would need to be resolved.

Sketty councillor Peter Jones said he was aware of a proposal to redevelop Home Farm but had not seen any details.

He said the site was fairly well-screened by trees but he would be concerned with any scheme that did not protect the integrity of the park.

“I can’t comment any further,” he said.

Pamela Morgan, of Waunarlwydd, who regularly walks in Singleton Park, said: “I am interested to see where the 42 houses would go.

“The traffic going down Sketty Lane by Singleton Hospital is bad enough as it is.”