‘Save Our Woods from developers’
CAMPAIGNERS have objected to plans for a 40-home development in Cardiff and say the proposed location is a “little oasis”.
Developer PMG says the proposed new scheme on land off De Braose Close, and behind Blethin Close and Nicholson Webb Close, in Danescourt, is an “affordable living environment”.
The scheme would include twostorey homes, both terraced and detached.
A planning application to Cardiff council is yet to be submitted.
But a campaign group called Save Our Woods has been set up in opposition to the plans.
Sian O’Neil, who lives in Sumner Close, said: “I do not wish to see this development proceed.
“The wood is a very beautiful green leisure space, rich in wildlife and much loved and prized by the residents. It would be wanton vandalism to obliterate this woodland for housing and for profit.”
Details of PMG’s proposals say the land is “too small to make any credible agricultural use and is of limited ecological value”, and say some “key trees” would be retained as part of the proposed development.
A public meeting was held on Tuesday evening at St John’s Parish Hall in Rachel Close to discuss the plans, which 130 concerned residents attended. Another meeting was due to take place yesterday at 7.30pm at Radyr Comprehensive School.
Councillor Philippa Hill-John, who organised the meeting at St John’s Parish Hall, said she would be concerned about the impact on transport and access to the new site.
She said: “It’s got an intrinsically natural beauty in a highly populated area. It’s a great open space.
“The concerns we have are that it’s going to put further pressure on the transport network, it’s an aesthetically attractive, great space.
“I appreciate Cardiff as a city has a need [for affordable housing], but within this particular site and this particular ward there’s not a pressing demand.”
The site is owned by Nabatean Ltd, which is linked to the Plymouth Estates Trust.
Councillor Neil McEvoy, who was due to hold the meeting at Radyr Comprehensive, said: “The proposed building on the little oasis in Danescourt is particularly painful for residents.
“I’m opposing the development strongly and ask as many people as possible to do the same.”
PMG’s proposals say “the vision of the project is to create a pleasant affordable living environment of traditionally derived houses in a pleasant setting”.
It says the development would be in a sustainable location within 300 metres of bus stops and close to “excellent walking and cycling infrastructure connections”.
PMG declined to comment.