Regeneration project proposed in Wales has cast major traffic concerns

A proposal to build 2,500 new homes in Cardiff has caused serious concerns about an increase in traffic problems.

Cardiff councillor, Emma Reid-Jones, has expressed her concerns that traffic could be brought to a standstill if plans for thousands of new homes to the north of the city are approved this week.

Cardiff Council’s planning committee are set to meet tomorrow to discuss an outline planning application for the construction of 2,500 homes on land south of the M4 between Lisvane, Pontprennau and Cyncoed.

If plans are approved, the development is also set to include a primary school, land for a secondary school, employment land and a district centre which will have shops and spaces for leisure and community use.

However, Cardiff Council ward member for Lisvane and Thornhill, Emma Reid-Jones, said she already had daily reports of construction vehicles in St Mellons causing tailbacks and delays.

Claiming ‘Lisvane’s road infrastructure is already at breaking point’, Cllr Reid-Jones said using more heavy goods vehicles (HGV) will lead to ‘gridlock’.

Plans for the new developments state a potential 73 construction vehicles will be using St Mellons Road and other residential streets across Lisvane and Pontprennau to access building sites. Although, drawing on past experience, Cllr Reid-Jones claimed the increased HGV use from other sites ‘damaged our roads leading residents raising serious safety concerns particularly for pedestrians and cyclists.’

The proposed development surrounded the Churchlands site being developed by Redrow homes, which has planning permission for 1,000 homes, a primary school and a village centre.

Cardiff councillors that are opposed to the idea have questioned whether the development was necessary after it had been revealed the population figures for the city had been overestimated – according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, estimates suggested the population is expected to dip by around 8,600 people between 2018 and 2016.

However, a spokesperson from Taylor Wimpey, one of the largest home construction companies in the UK, said: ‘Our plans for a new development at North East Cardiff have been carefully considered following engagement with the local community, Cardiff City Council and key stakeholders. 

‘If our planning application is approved, the scheme will make a significant contribution to Cardiff City’s housing offer by delivering sustainable homes that meet the needs of residents now and in the future.

‘The proposals for the development include plans that will encourage sustainable travel choices and feature an easily accessible district centre which will comprise a GP surgery, supermarket, pub and fitness centre.’

Cardiff Council is currently in the process of preparing a new Local Development Plan (LDP) which will inform where new developments take place and how land across Cardiff is used.

A Cardiff Council Spokesperson said: ‘There is currently a shortage of housing in Cardiff, so even before population increases are considered, there is a need for additional homes, and more affordable homes, for people to live in.

‘In determining what’s required, the council will take into account the latest evidence on household growth and need, including the first set of census findings issued in June.

‘It will also take into account the need for affordable homes and the amount of new homes with planning consent that can contribute to the supply of new homes in the Replacement LDP.

‘The next stage in the preparation of the Replacement LDP will be a consultation on a ‘Preferred Strategy’ over the summer. This will identify a proposed level of growth for Cardiff up to 2036, where the public can have their say.’

Photo by Ezequiel Garrido and Avel Chuklanov and Mike Erskine