New industrial units near Port Talbot Docks approved

The development, led by PTB Properties Ltd, will include two MOT test centres and two flexible-use spaces for industrial or storage purposes.

The steel-framed building will span 34 metres in length and 7.1 metres in height, clad in profiled metal with a pitched roof. The site, previously used for lorry storage, has been unused for some time and is now overgrown. Planning permission was granted between April and June, with final sign-off confirmed at the council’s meeting on 1 July.

This latest approval adds to a series of regeneration projects underway in Port Talbot, many of which have been covered by Swansea Bay News.

The Celtic Freeport initiative, spanning Port Talbot and Milford Haven, is set to attract significant investment in green energy and offshore wind. The project is expected to create up to 16,000 jobs across South West Wales and includes designated tax sites offering incentives for new businesses.

Work is progressing on the £20 million SWITCH Harbourside facility, a research centre focused on decarbonising the steel and metals industry. Led by Neath Port Talbot Council and Swansea University, the centre will support innovation and low-carbon growth as part of the Swansea Bay City Deal.

Meanwhile, Tata Steel has announced plans to build one of the world’s largest electric arc furnaces in Port Talbot, representing a £1.25 billion investment in greener steelmaking. The new furnace is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 90% and secure long-term production capacity using recycled scrap metal. However, the announcement also comes with significant workforce implications, with up to 2,800 job losses as the company transitions away from traditional blast furnace operations.

In response to the potential job losses, a new start-up business fund has been launched to support affected steelworkers and their families. The fund offers grants of up to £10,000 to help individuals start their own businesses, with additional support available for training, mentoring, and equipment. It’s part of a wider effort to diversify the local economy and provide alternative employment pathways.

The broader political landscape has also brought renewed attention to Port Talbot’s industrial future. During a recent visit, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage pledged to reindustrialise Wales, including reopening coal mines and “restoring” steel production.