Plans to convert city home spark parking concerns

PARKING in a Cardiff suburb could “create pressure” for existing residents if plans to turn a three-bedroom home into a seven-bed house are allowed, according to local councillors.

A planning application to transform the property on Romilly Road in Canton is set to face Cardiff council’s planning committee this week.

The property, next to Thompson’s Park, would be created by adding a ground-floor rear extension and a roof extension.

Seven parking spaces, one per bedroom, will be created and waste and recycling bins will also be provided at the property.

But objections have been raised by councillors who say the increase in the number of people living at the property will mean parking on the street will become stretched at a time when “parking spaces are already at a premium”.

Labour Councillors Stephen Cunnah, Susan Elsmore and Ramesh Patel all objected to the application.

They said that the change “is likely to create pressure on on-street parking and waste collection, to the detriment of current residents”.

“It appears highly likely there will be an increase in the number of vehicles parking on the street, at a time when parking spaces are already at a premium.

“Even if the issuing of new Residential Parking permits is restricted for the new residents at 105 Romilly Road, these new residents will park on unreserved spaces on the same street or nearby.

“In addition, with seven new residents, there is a strong likelihood of an increased number of visitors to the street, who may also require on-street parking.

“This concern is particularly exacerbated with regard to the nature of Romilly Road. Romilly Road is busy at all times, being a through road and on a bus route, as well as accommodating Thompson’s Park and the people who visit the park.”

Coun Patel added: “The problem with any of these conversions what we get is a number of cars coming into the area. The council has a policy that says they want to reduce congestion. You can’t do that unless you restrict things. We’re not addressing some of those basic items.

“Parking should be looked at very carefully. If you look at Grangetown where the Tramshed is and the student accommodation has been built, they have a policy that there should be no parking for the students.

“But they park around the surrounding area. That’s what’s going to happen on Romilly Road.”

Neighbours also raised concerns about the increase in waste, noise disturbance and a change in character in the area if the plans were to go ahead.

Two previous planning applications, on Llandough Street and Daniel Street, which were refused by the council were allowed on appeal by the Planning Inspectorate.

The council say that, and the fact the proposal is in compliance with planning guidance and the Cardiff Local Development Plan means it should go ahead.

The planning committee will meet tomorrow.