Dozens of new homes are set to be constructed on land adjacent to a school in Cardiff, despite concerns regarding the lack of community facilities in the area. The Cardiff Council’s planning committee has given the green light to plans for the development of 53 new homes and nine supported living apartments on the western side of St Teilo’s Church in Wales High School. This decision was made during a meeting on Thursday, December 12, with the aim of addressing the demand for housing in Cardiff, particularly focusing on affordable dwellings.
While some residents and a local councillor have expressed support for the development, acknowledging the need for additional housing in the city, there have also been voices of concern. It was highlighted that the area lacks essential community amenities, with calls for the inclusion of a community centre within the development. A petition opposing the plans in their current form received signatures from 109 individuals, emphasizing the importance of addressing issues such as drug-related activities, community safety, lack of cohesion, educational gaps, and mobility challenges.
Zahed Khan, representing the Llanedeyrn Community Action Group, stressed the necessity for a community and welfare centre at the heart of Llanedeyrn to promote community engagement and well-being. Cllr Joe Carter, the Cardiff Council ward member for Pentwyn, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that considers not only housing development but also the essential infrastructure to support the community effectively.
During the planning committee meeting, it was noted that while there are concerns about the lack of community facilities, the committee’s role is to assess the plans presented and not to redesign them on behalf of the applicants. The planning report for the housing scheme indicates that developers will be required to make a financial contribution towards enhancing community facilities in the area, ensuring that the development contributes positively to the local community.
Simon Gilbert, the head of planning at the council, explained that while applications are sometimes deferred for further discussions with developers to address specific issues, in this case, the relevant service areas have approved the policy requirements for community facilities. The planning report also mentions the incorporation of a kickabout area within the development, albeit on a small scale, and the retention of a multi-use games area on the site, although the artificial pitch will be lost.
Looking ahead, an application for a new 3G pitch on the school playing fields to the south of the school is expected to be submitted in early 2025. The decision to proceed with the housing development next to St Teilo’s Church in Wales High School reflects the ongoing efforts to address the housing needs in Cardiff, while also underscoring the importance of integrating community facilities to create a more sustainable and supportive living environment for residents in the area.