Fears new block will overshadow homes of elderly

RESIDENTS are fighting against the development of new homes they claim “could impact the elderly” in an area of Cardiff.

Plans for 42 new homes, which could be built on land off Allensbank Road in Heath, were unveiled earlier this month.

As previously revealed in the Echo, developers want to build 12 two-bedroom two-storey houses fronting Allensbank Road and 30 apartments in a threestorey block behind the proposed houses.

The homes would be built to environmentally-stringent Passivhaus standards, which will be almost self sufficient in terms of energy use.

The site, which is largely grassed at the moment, was formerly part of a day centre called the Highfields Centre and neighbours the Oaks Garden Centre.

But people living nearby are concerned about the impact the three-storey block could have.

John Jones, from the Heath Residents Association, said: “We are concerned about the density of the building and the impact it will have on elderly people.

“There are 29 bungalows for elderly and severely disabled people opposite where the building would be so they are concerned.

“They will look out onto the proposed block of flats.

“They are small bungalows and they are now going to be totally obstructed.”

Mr Jones feared the development would bring more traffic to what is already a “congested area”.

Coun Graham Hinchey also raised issues about the design of the proposed development.

Although he is not against new housing in the area, he claims Heath needs housing that “fits with the community that already exists”.

Coun Hinchey said: “My objections relate to the density, design and impact on disabled people in the community.

“The plan sticks out like a sore thumb. It’s about the size.

“I do not believe this design is fit for the community.

“Our ward has one of the highest elderly populations in Wales.

“People looking to move want to downsize from their houses so they can stay close to their families and the community.

“The bungalows opposite are now just going to have a view of a three-storey block.”

But Cardiff council said some properties will be “accessible” for older members of the community.

It was also noted that many consultation events relating to the proposal have been held.

A spokeswoman for the council said: “The Highfields development is part of the Cardiff Living programme, the council’s exciting house building partnership with Wates Residential to deliver 1,500 new homes, including 600 new council homes, in the city.

“A planning application is being submitted by Wates Residential for a development of 42 homes on the Highfields site.

“Ten homes will be council-managed older person’s independent living units, delivering much-needed, flexible, highly energy-efficient and accessible properties for older members of the local community.

“A number of engagement and consultation events have taken place with local residents including a pre-planning application consultation over the summer.

“There is now a further opportunity to give feedback on the scheme as part of the planning process.”

A spokesman for Wates Residential said the company had no comment to make at this stage.