DOLFFIN QUAY PLANS SCRAPPED
CONTROVERSIAL PROPOSAL FOR WEDGE-SHAPED DEVELOPMENT IN CARDIFF BAY WITHDRAWN
A COMMUNITY has succeeded in defeating plans to build a 24-storey tower block in the heart of Cardiff Bay.
The Dolffin Quay development was criticised for its appearance and claims that it would remove the last open green space in Cardiff Bay.
The developers withdrew their plans yesterday after huge public opposition in recent months against its scale and the impact it would have on the surrounding area.
One campaigner said it was a “David and Goliath victory”.
The main aspect of the development would have been a 24-storey building.
Located between the bay and Roath Basin along Harbour Drive, the developer, ABP, said it would bring new shops, bars and restaurants along the side of the bay. It would have also included 200 new homes.
The developer has now withdrawn the plans, according to Cardiff council’s planning documents.
An online petition had gained almost 4,000 signatures.
There were also vocal objections from the Welsh Norwegian Society, which feared the impact it would have on the neighbouring Norwegian Church. A separate petition had gathered another 7,000 names.
Lord Crickhowell, a former board member of ABP and who during his time as Secretary of State for Wales paved the way for the regeneration of Cardiff Bay with the establishment of Cardiff Bay Development Corporation, described the scheme as being “fundamentally flawed”.
He said the plans would be more appropriate for a city centre.
Opponents launched a vocal campaign called “Save our Bae”. They said that it would ruin the landscape and remove open space for families and residents of 800 flats.
On behalf of the campaign group, Rachel Maycock said it was a “David and Goliath victory”.
She said: “This small green space and playground mean so much to residents and visitors of Cardiff Bay. Whether it is being used by families and friends, schools groups or for major events, our city needs more green spaces like this, not fewer. It’s very welcome news.”
Stephen Doughty, MP Cardiff South and Penarth, had previously said he was “utterly opposed” to the plans.
Speaking yesterday evening, he said: “This is absolutely fantastic news. A clear victory for all those local campaigners who have come together with local representatives to fight this illjudged proposal.
“It’s a shame that ABP didn’t listen to the concerns of the local community from the outset but it shows what a campaign based on clear evidence, and which brings together people, can achieve.
“I hope that other developers in the bay area will take heed of the impact of considerable community concerns about infrastructure and the very special nature of the community in the bay when they come to put forward proposals in the future”.
The developers have previously responded to residents and campaigners after their proposals had been criticised.
Speaking in August when the plans were submitted to the council, Rhys Morgan, property manager at ABP South Wales, said: “The regeneration of Cardiff Bay has long been the aspiration of Cardiff council.
“Our plans support that goal with the high quality regeneration that Cardiff’s waterfront deserves. The views of local people have been central to shaping our vision for Dolffin Quay.
“The scheme will also bring together other key areas undergoing regeneration as Cardiff looks to make its case as a world class capital city.”
ABP has been contacted for comment.