Plans for 350 new student flats in Cardiff are set for approval
Student accommodation in Cardiff is a polarising subject, with many city residents angered at the sheer number of purpose built accommodation blocs being erected across the city. On the other hand, Cardiff Council believe new purpose-built student accommodation blocs are needed to attract the best talent from across the world. Whatever your views, the growth of student accommodation in Cardiff shows no signs of slowing.
Property developers Mederco submitted plans in 2017 to build the 350 studio flats in five three-storey blocs, including a community centre and boxing club, on barren land off Mynachdy Road, Mynachdy. The plans, which have been scaled back from 361 flats to 350, have now been recommended for approval by Cardiff planners, subject to a legal agreement and other legal conditions.
Residents and politicians oppose the plans
Unsurprisingly, many residents, and now politicians, oppose the plans, which they call a “gross overdevelopment” of the former coal storage depot. However, the relevant council report which was published last week said the development proposals will enhance a brown field site and boost the level of purpose-built student accommodation in the city.
In addition, the report said that the current site has been subject to fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour, and the new community centre and boxing club will offer a highly positive addition to the area.
Anna McMorrin, MP Cardiff North, said that Mederco’s plans were the third planning application for the redevelopment of the now derelict coal yard in just 10 years. She continued to say that the previous student accommodation application back in 2012 was met with overwhelming anger and hostility by residents, with many residents saying that they felt like aliens in their own community. She added that it is difficult to agree that student accommodation is needed for the area given that dozens of other plans for student accommodation blocs are in the pipeline across the city centre.
Cardiff North AM Julie Morgan urged the planning committee to perform a preliminary site visit so that they can better understand the impact these new plans will have on the local community.
In another blow to the developers, Rhys Taylor and Ashley Wood, both Gabalfa councillors have objected to the plans, as have Llandaff North councillors Jennifer Burke-Davis and Dilwar Ali.
Here at CPS Homes letting agents, we’re Cardiff’s largest student homes provider, and, we keep abreast of all the latest student news across our wonderful city. If you’re a student looking for next year’s student accommodation, we have hundreds of properties available across the city in many student-centric locations. To find out more, browse our selection of properties today, call us on 02920 668585, email: enquiries@cpshomes.co.uk or pop into our Woodville Road branch in Cathays today.
