Residents’ parking and privacy fears over apartments plan for pub site

PEOPLE living in a city suburb have criticised plans to demolish a former pub and car showroom to make way for 50 new apartments.

Wales & West Housing Association and Jehu Group have revealed plans to knock down the former Three Brewers Pub and Cardiff Motor Company showroom on Colchester Avenue in Penylan, and build new flats.

As reported in yesterday’s Echo, the housing association said the 10 one-bed apartments and 40 two-bed properties would provide “much needed affordable housing”.

However, some Penylan residents have criticised the plans, saying the development would cause parking problems on nearby residential roads, lead to congestion and a loss of privacy for neighbours.

If given the green light, the development would include 33 car parking spaces and 60 cycle spaces.

Objecting to the application, Dr L O’Hagan said: “There are already significant parking pressures in this area and any planning application needs to take this into account.

“The area has been developed extensively over the last 10 years and these plans do not allow for the fact every single occupant will likely own a car and need somewhere to park it, which will undoubtedly have an impact on Melrose Avenue.”

Dr O’Hagan also said the building could result in a loss of privacy for nearby residents, writing: “No existing building within the local area is higher than three floors and therefore from general building height perspective the proposed development will be oversized and out of place.

“It will also mean that there will be a loss of privacy for a number of residents on Melrose Avenue as their bedrooms and gardens will be overlooked by the new development.”

Liam Ryan added: “I feel this is an over-development for this site and will bring parking problems for nearby roads. Also there is already an accident black spot on Colchester Avenue and I think this will add to the problems.”

Andrew Crothers said: “Melrose Avenue is already busy and there will not be capacity for all residents.”

The Cardiff Motor Company showroom closed in 2018 while the Three Brewers Pub closed in July 2019.

According to planning documents, all 50 flats would be affordable accommodation.

Wales & West Housing Association was contacted for comment.

The application is expected to be considered by Cardiff council later this year. The full application can be viewed on the council’s planning website.

Residents are able to submit their feedback until August 13.