A ridiculous development

THE Atlantic Wharf area near the canal has been called Little Venice. We are now faced with an inappropriately large development in the canal area in the shape of a six-story block of what is described as “student accommodation”.

Well said, Cllr Saeed Ebrahim (Echo, November 17) in opposing this ridiculous development which would mean, among other things, diverting a right of way by destroying a footpath which has been used by myself and other local residents since the late 1980s.

Has the council made any assessment of the need for yet more student accommodation in an area where other schemes are in the pipeline? Really? Or do they agree with Cllr Wendy Congreve (Echo, September 21), who said too many of this type of accommodation had been developed and, surprise, surprise, they were now being turned into commercial, lucrative developments. Wise words indeed, and I hope her fellow members of the planning committee take note.

It has been said that bits and bobs of land such as the plot at Atlantic Wharf are ripe for development.

But, taken to its logical conclusion, this would mean building on every bit of informal open space, many of which have trees, support wildlife and provide a pleasant environment for local residents.

I hope the planning committee will reject the plans for this out-ofproportion block and let people continue to enjoy the walk along the canal - or if they’re not convinced, at least organise a site visit to see the area for themselves.

AR Davies

Little Venice, Cardiff