Community defeats plan for tower block in bay

A COMMUNITY has succeeded in defeating plans to build a 24-storey tower block in the heart of Cardiff Bay.

The Dolffin Quay development was criticised for its appearance and claims that it would remove the last open green space in Cardiff Bay.

The developers withdrew their plans yesterday after huge public opposition in recent months against its scale and the impact it would have on the area.

One campaigner said it was a “David and Goliath victory”.

The main aspect of the development would have been a 24-storey building.

Located between the Bay and Roath Basin along Harbour Drive, the developer, ABP, said it would bring new shops, bars and restaurants along the side of the Bay. It would have also included 200 new homes.

The developer has now withdrawn the plans, according to Cardiff Council’s planning documents.

An online petition had gained almost 4,000 signatures.

There were also vocal objections from the Welsh Norwegian Society, who feared the impact it would have on the neighbouring Norwegian Church. A separate petition had gathered another 7,000 names.

Lord Crickhowell, a former board member of ABP and who during his time as Secretary of State for Wales paved the way for the regeneration of Cardiff Bay with the establishment of Cardiff Bay Development Corporation, described the scheme as being “fundamentally flawed”.