Scheme for new flats approved despite community objections
PLANS for a block of 20 apartments in Adamsdown have been approved – despite objections from local residents, councillors, an MP and the council’s planning committee.
Hale Construction and Hafod Housing Association now have permission to build 20 flats on Metal Street on the site of the old Great Eastern Hotel.
Local concerns about the plans include how residents of the threestorey building would overlook the neighbouring Adamsdown Primary School, and how the modern design will contrast with the 19th-century listed St German’s Church, on the other side of the road.
The site, on the junction of Metal Street and Sun Street, is currently boarded up and overgrown, with unofficial access through a hole in a rusty gate.
It was the home of the former Great Eastern Hotel, once one of the oldest buildings in Adamsdown but demolished a decade ago.
While Cardiff council’s planning committee refused permission for the flats in February this year, the Welsh Government’s planning inspectorate overturned that decision last month.
The planning inspectorate dismissed local concerns about the flats and awarded the housing association planning permission, claiming residents’ evidence was “not compelling”.
Nicola Gulley, the inspector, said: “The letter of objections submitted on behalf of the residents of Adamsdown, outline a number of concerns [over] the need for affordable housing and the potential impact the proposed development would have on the levels of crime and disorder experienced locally.
“In respect of affordable housing, I am content the evidence presented by the appellant makes clear there is a significant requirement for new social rented accommodation of the type proposed to meet the needs of the residents of Cardiff.
“With regard to the issues of crime and anti-social behaviour, no compelling evidence has been presented which demonstrates the proposed development would either contribute to, or exacerbate, the level or frequency of crime and anti-social behaviour.”
One reason why councillors refused permission was due to the location opposite St German’s church and its vicarage, both listed Victorian buildings. The church first opened in 1884, its website said, after the opening of Bute Docks brought a surge in local population.
However, Ms Gulley said open views can only be seen of these buildings across the currently empty site, from the south part of Metal Street.
She said: “These views have only existed since the Great Eastern Hotel was demolished, and would be diminished or lost whatever is built on the appeal site.”