Huge New Distribution Centre With 1,100 Parking Spaces Approved Near M4

A major new distribution hub is set to be built near the M4 in Swansea — but developers will have to pay more than £1.3 million towards road upgrades and environmental measures before construction can begin.

Swansea Council’s planning committee has approved plans from Stoford Properties Ltd to demolish empty industrial units at Penllergaer Business Park and replace them with a huge warehouse and multi‑level parking facilities.

The site sits just off the A48, close to junctions 46 and 47 of the M4.

What the development includes

The 11‑hectare scheme will feature:

- A 151m x 73m warehouse with rooftop solar panels  

- A double‑level van car park measuring 153m x 70m  

- A separate 221‑space car park  

- 899 van bays, HGV bays, 36 bike spaces and 28 motorcycle spaces  

- New trees planted to replace those removed (113 new trees in total)

The council expects the facility to operate 24 hours a day.

£1.3m in required contributions

As part of the planning approval, the developer must fund:

- £790,000 for improvements at M4 junction 47  

- £50,000 for bus stop upgrades  

- £40,000 for A48 crossing improvements  

- £25,000 to reduce the A48 speed limit from 50mph to 40mph  

- £16,000 for traffic regulation orders and signage  

- £390,593 for biodiversity improvements across three nearby grassland sites  

A planning report said these measures were essential to ensure the surrounding road network can “operate safely and effectively” once the centre opens.

Traffic concerns raised — but modelling deemed ‘robust’

The scheme attracted 24 objections, including from Penllergaer Community Council, with many residents worried about the impact on the already‑busy junction 47.

The council’s highways department initially recommended refusal but changed its stance after receiving further modelling and agreeing mitigation measures.

A highways officer told councillors the modelling was “accurate and robust” and represented a worst‑case scenario. Traffic light timings at the junction will be reviewed once the centre is operational.

Jobs expected — but not everyone convinced

An agent for the developer said the site had been vacant for two years and the project would create “a significant number of jobs”.

However, some councillors remained uneasy. Cllr Philip Downing said the impact of HGVs queuing to join the roundabout “does not fill me with confidence”. He abstained from the vote.

The application was approved with nine votes in favour, one against, and one abstention.

A large distribution depot already operates around a mile away at Parc Felindre, north of the M4.