Last chance to have say on Bay plan

A FINAL call has been made for people to submit comments about controversial plans for new homes being built in Cardiff Bay.

Developer ABP wants to build the Dolffin Quay in the area around the Norwegian Church.

It has previously said the development will bring 200 much-needed homes to the area, as well as boosting the appeal to residents and tourists alike through shops and restaurants.

But residents have been campaigning against the proposals saying it will mean the last of the Bay’s public green space has been lost.

A new petition, by the Welsh Norwegian Society, has gathered almost 7,000 names.

It says that the new plans would “overshadow and overcrowd the Norwegian Church and its waterfront setting”.

“The Norwegian Church is one of the most recognised and well-loved buildings in Cardiff Bay. Since it was reopened as a cultural centre on the waterfront of Cardiff Bay in 1992 it has been appreciated, by residents and visitors alike, as one of the few historic buildings that convey the history of Cardiff Bay; a symbol of Cardiff’s rich multicultural past.

“If the Dolffin Quay development were allowed to go ahead, the open views of the iconic Norwegian Church from around the Bay, and its Waterfront Park setting would be gone forever.”

A spokesman for the Welsh Norwegian Society said: “It is clear from the petition that the Norwegian Church is known and loved around the UK, and even around the world.

“People appreciate the Norwegian Church as a symbol of Cardiff’s multicultural history, and do not want this iconic building to be smothered by the Dolffin Quay development.”

Among the people who have signed the petition is Terje Inderhaug from Bergen in Norway.

Terje said: “I was a planning student in Cardiff in the 1980s and was involved with the efforts to save the Norwegian Seamen’s Church and rebuild it on the waterfront of Cardiff Bay.

“As a planner, I have great concerns about the Dolffin Quay scheme which will impact on the heritage value of the Norwegian Church and other important landmarks in the Bay, including the views from the Senedd and the Pierhead Building.”

The Dolffin Quay plans would see a collection of buildings where people are currently able to walk along the waterfront promenade to the Norwegian Church and make use of the open space in Britannia Park for picnics.

The developer has submitted its planning application and public comments can be submitted until tomorrow. They can be sent by post or email. For more details, see www.cardiff. gov.uk