Shop plans spark huge objections

PLANS to turn a former Cardiff pub into a new shop have been met with huge objections from the local community.

An application for the Michaelston Inn to be turned into a new shop with attached flats has incensed neighbours in Ely.

The plans would see the pub on Michaelston Road turned into a large retail space with attached first-floor flat. There would also be nine flats and 36 parking spaces.

The developer says it would regenerate the area.

“With the Michaelston Inn public house no longer being the centre of community life, amenities such as a local convenience store and other commercial units will be more viable options to serve the surrounding community, they are more sustainable and of benefit to a wider range of local residents,” it wrote in its application.

The Michaelston Community Action Group has submitted an objection and petition.

The objection says there are already outlets including a Spar and takeaway in the parade of shops.

The proposed access route is on a route which they maintain and they are not prepared to share access.

They say there are already parking issues nearby and there will be further congestion.

One letter says the size of the flats is not suitable for the area.

“This is most unsuitable for an already overpopulated area as there is already development both sides of St Fagans Lane causing traffic congestion along Michaelston Road and the Culverhouse Cross roundabout during peak periods.

“We do not need more shops when we already have adequate shopping facilities in the area.”

The Barnwood Crescent residents say they believe the building should only be replaced with a building of the same size, not a four-storey building.

Other local businesses say it would set back progress they’ve made in recent years.

One letter on behalf of the existing businesses says they have worked with their MP and council to get funding to stop anti-social behaviour in the area.

That has changed the area, they say, but they fear progress would be set back by the new premises.

It also says that extra large lorries using the area, near a school and nursery, would be a “great danger”.

Kevin Brennan MP and Mark Drakeford AM have sent a joint objection saying that “in our opinion this will be hazardous and will have a detrimental effect on the community”.

No date has yet been set for the matter to be decided by planners.