STUDENT TOWERS SET FOR GREEN LIGHT
464-ROOM ‘LANDMARK’ DEVELOPMENT FOR THE CITY CENTRE
A “LANDMARK” development of four connected towers of student flats in Cardiff look set to be given the go-ahead.
Plans for four towers to be built on the site of the current Hallinans House on the junction of Fitzalan Place and Newport Road.
The existing building would be demolished to make way for four buildings of varying heights between 11 and 32 storeys.
The towers will be covered in copper, charcoal and zinc finishes.
In total the development would contain 464 rooms.
There would be open plan and quiet study areas as well as a gym and laundry in the buildings.
On the ground floor there would be two commercial units.
The development would include 134 cycle spaces.
Councillors on Cardiff council’s planning committee have been recommended to approve the scheme at a meeting on Wednesday.
One objection has been received from a resident in Cathays. They write that the building is too large. “Such a development would be intimidating and threatening. The site is far too limited for such a high building.
“Young people who are leaving home – often for the first time, in a new and strange city – need accommodation in a much more civilised atmosphere. They need accommodation of a moderate size that has a feeling of human society. It is completely unrealistic to think that providing places to keep bikes is sufficient for students these days.
“A considerable number of them drive cars and certainly should permission be given for a development like this, it should be ensured that there are plenty places for parking cars so that the development does not cause more parking problems for other people who use that part of the city.”
Another objection came from the owners of Cromwell House, which sits behind the site.
The comment, submitted by RPS Planning and Development, says that no consideration has been made about the “erosion of the Central and Bay Business Area”.
Other concerns are about overshadowing of adjacent properties.
The objection reads: “The overlooking and overshadowing is far greater than caused by the 2004 permission to extend Hallinans House. The impact upon privacy and amenity given the separation distance is again far greater than this permission. If development were to proceed it would stifle investment to convert Cromwell House to a hotel.”
Planning officers say that the proposal is “an acceptable design” and will “provide a landmark feature that makes a positive contribution to this part of the city centre”.
The applicant, Boardroom Properties Ltd and Howells Properties, would have to pay £313,068 towards local schemes including air monitoring and alterations to roads.