Approval given for 23-storey block of flats

PLANS for a 23-storey block of flats in Cardiff have been approved by councillors.

The proposal for the 109-apartment tower on land off Dumballs Road in Butetown was given the green light by planners on Wednesday.

Although some concerns were raised by councillors at the City Hall meeting, approval was granted subject to certain conditions including a contribution of more than £100,000 for nearby improvement works.

A planning officer told the committee that the top floor of the tower would be for just one apartment with a “very generous” terrace area overlooking the city.

The land where the tower would be built is currently vacant with a industrial estate neighbouring the land.

The planning committee heard that a business at the nearby estate had raised objections to the plans.

A planning officer told councillors the business feared that tower block residents could complain about the noise from his site.

The officer said that a noise assessment will be carried out at the site.

Some councillors also raised concerns about how the block would change the area.

Heath councillor Lyn Hudson said: “What I’m seeing at the moment is it’s industrial areas being changed to residential use with inadequate parking.

“Where are the industry going to go? Where are the offices going to go?”

Riverside councillor Iona Gordon added: “What makes a city vibrant is to have mixed use areas.

“I can see the area is changing down Dumballs Road. They [nearby businesses] are serving the city centre.

Coun Gordon added: “[It] is squeezing out the small businesses. In our LDP (Local Development Plan) where are the small businesses going to go?”

A small scale retail or office space is also proposed for the ground floor of the tower facing Dumballs Road.

As part of the application, money would be given to improve both park and community facilities nearby.

In total, £100,000 would go to improving Canal Park and the rest to centres including Butetown Community Centre, Butetown Youth Pavilion, Channel View Leisure Centre, local shops on Bute Street and James Street, and local community venues run by the voluntary sector in the ward.

Parking spaces for 30 cars will be included at the rear of the site, and covered parking will be provided for 115 bikes.