Dolffin Quay 24-storey tower ‘must be prevented’
POWERFUL opposition has grown against plans for a 24-storey building in Cardiff Bay, with a leading city politician, two AMs and an MP all voicing their disapproval.
The latest interventions come after dozens of opponents gathered to hear former Welsh Secretary Lord Crickhowell speak against the proposed Dolffin Quay development on Tuesday.
Plans by Associated British Ports (ABP) for the scheme include 200 homes, waterfront shops and restaurants on the twoacre site. Now politicians from the area have added to concerns the scheme will “smother” one of Cardiff Bay’s last green spaces.
Posting on Twitter, AM for Cardiff South and Penarth Vaughan Gething said: “I will not support the Dolffin Quay plans.
“The idea that building over well-used public green space and obscuring current views of the Norwegian Church enhances public space is risible.”
Alun Davies AM added: “Why on earth would we allow a development which overshadows some of Wales’ real iconic architecture?”
Ely councillor and former Cardiff council leader Russell Goodway has also voiced opposition to the plans.
Replying to Mr Davies’ post, the council cabinet member for investment and development said: “Absolutely. Must be prevented.”
Stephen Doughty, MP for Cardiff South and Penarth, said: “ABP South Wales need to rethink their wrong-headed plans for Dolffin Quay.”
More than 1,600 people have signed a petition over what they call “the last remaining green space in Cardiff Bay”.
The proposed buildings, next to the Norwegian Church, would look directly onto the Roath Basin waterfront.
Rachel Maycock, Cardiff Bay resident and petition supporter, said: “I bring my little girl down here and we don’t have a garden. I definitely think it is an oasis.”
As reported in yesterday’s Echo, Lord Crickhowell also described the Bay as an “oasis” for the city. He said: “Any idea that people will come to Cardiff and regard Cardiff as a greater city because of this great slab of luxury accommodation put here to spoil the view and dominate every other building around it is to me a farcical suggestion.”
An ABP spokesman said: “The size and scale of the building will help to address the urgent need for new homes for the people in Cardiff. A new park, public realm and open space at the heart of the scheme will enhance the surroundings of the Norwegian Church Arts Centre and the existing pubs and cafés.
“The proposed scheme has been informed by detailed pre-application discussions with officers at the City of Cardiff Council, a series of resident and stakeholder meetings, and a public exhibition held in November 2016.”