Finance plans for a new 'super school' in the Swansea Valley have been paused following opposition from parents.
Welsh government officials are to meet with Neath Port Talbot Council to discuss the plans, which would lead to the closure of three primaries - Alltwen, Llangiwg and Godre'r Graig.
Councillors voted narrowly to back the proposal last month, involving the creation of the 'super school' at Parc Ynysderw in Pontardawe instead.
The plans, currently under consideration, include the creation of a new school catering to more than 750 pupils.
They have prompted widespread opposition, with concerns over the impact on local communities, children's wellbeing and the environment.
READ MORE: Council moves ahead with plans for 'super school' in Pontardawe
A Welsh Government spokesman said: "The funding element of the proposal is currently on hold, pending the presentation of a satisfactory Welsh language impact assessment by the local authority to Welsh Government.
"Welsh Government officials are due to meet with the local authority to discuss this as a priority.
“The local authority is proceeding with the statutory proposal.
"We cannot comment on this aspect, as ministers may be required to make a decision on this at a later date.”
Neath Port Talbot started a consultation exercise last autumn over the proposed school, which would include a swimming pool on council-owned land at Parc Ynysderw, next to Cwmtae Community School and Pontardawe Leisure Centre.
It would cater to more than 750 three to 11 year olds, and open in September 2024.
But parents opposed to the plans argue the new school would lack the community feel of the current schools and would mean many, who currently walk to school, would have to start using transport, leading to a rise in traffic and making it harder for people to support local businesses.
Neath Port Talbot Council say the three schools facing the axe have a collective backlog of maintenance of an estimated £2m.
Pupils at Godre'r Graig have been taught in temporary classrooms in the grounds of comprehensive Cwmtawe, after the school was closed suddenly in 2019, due to a landslide risk.
A risk assessment carried out on the mountain behind it showed was a ‘possible’ likelihood a landslide could occur under adverse conditions.
They have said they fear ever returning.
The issue lead to a row when Neath Port Talbot Council leader Rob Jones was recorded saying he would rather every school were 3 - 16 years.
A spokesman for the authority said: “The objection period for the proposal to establish an English-medium 3-11 school to replace Alltwen, Godre’rgraig and Llangiwg primary schools ended on Wednesday, July 14.
"Following full consideration of all objections received a report will be prepared for the Council’s Cabinet for final determination in early autumn.”
