Developers’ contribution cut to £12k
PROPERTY developers in Cardiff have been let off the hook in contributing financially to the local community due to concerns about their profit margins.
Plans for new apartment blocks on Cathedral Road, in a conservation area, were granted permission by Cardiff council yesterday.
The plans include building 33 flats over two apartment buildings and three new townhouses. Developers want to demolish 39A and the rear annexes of 37 and 39 on the street.
Hundreds of people objected to the proposals due to concerns about the modern architecture jarring with the Victorian style of the rest of the conservation area.
Council planners asked the developers to pay £648,660 in section 106 money, which goes towards funding local infrastructure.
This included £535,920 for affordable housing, £35,582 for community facilities and £65,158 for public open spaces.
But the developers told the council this would prevent the project being “commercially viable” – so council planners agreed to accept just £12,000, for new parking restrictions near the site.
This is less than 2% of what was asked for.
Section 106 money is important for ensuring property developers contribute financially to the local community where their building projects benefit from publicly funded infrastructure.
During the planning committee meeting where the plans were approved, councillors raised concerns about the lack of section 106 money on the Cathedral Road development.
Councillor Ali Ahmed said: “Section 106 is very very important to our city. I’m not happy at all with it. But it’s an application that’s difficult to say no to, because we have met every box that needs to be ticked.
“If we keep on saying ‘it’s not viable’, then why do they want to develop properties in areas and places like this?”
Other councillors raised concerns about the impact on the heritage of the conservation area.
Cllr Iona Gordon said: “The contemporary design along Talbot Street of the town houses in particular is a cliche.
“The designation of the Cathedral Road conservation area in 1972 gave formal recognition to its historical and architectural quality. It’s not just local residents that are passionate about the conservation area. It’s a city-wide feature of our city’s heritage.
“There are special planning controls and a very high standard of design is required for any new buildings. The designs here do not enhance the conservation.
“The flat roof and the metal cladding – right directly opposite an impressive Victorian townhouse – make no reference to the surrounding character of the Cathedral Road area.”
Six councillors voted to approve the plans, with two voting against and one abstaining.