Developers promise improvements after ‘Cardiff’s garden city’ is dubbed ‘an irresponsible mess’
Ted Peskett, local democracy reporter
The developers of a large residential area dubbed ‘Cardiff’s garden city for the 21st century’ have responded to concerns that it is lacking in amenities.
One resident who did not want to be named claimed that Plasdwr, a residential development in north west Cardiff which will eventually consist of 7,000 homes, does not have a big enough supermarket to serve its population.
The ‘garden city’ is partly designed to make walking and cycling the easiest way of getting around. On the Plasdwr website, the development is said to have been “carefully masterplanned” as a sustainable community, where residents can lead their lives “from their doorstep”.
The Plasdwr resident said: “Considering hundreds of new houses have been built, thousands of new residents have arrived and there are plans for thousands of houses to be built in a small village on the outskirts of Cardiff – we have one tiny co-op shop within walking distance. One small bar and a small restaurant.
“For a development that is marketed as being a garden village and to encourage other modes of transport other than cars it is simply unrealistic. If a resident wants to visit a medium to large supermarket there is no other option other than to drive.”
The resident also claimed that access to some of the footpaths on site have been “severely” restricted – referring specifically to the footpaths that cross Llantrisant Road, one of which he said has been blocked off by wire fences.
Public footpaths
He added: “On another Public Footpath, a short distance away, another wire fence has been erected in its path, a style added but with zero access for dogs. All older styles have access for dogs or swing gates.
“Why is access being restricted on these paths? Must people take wire cutters or leave their dogs at home to enjoy the outdoors around Plasdwr? For a society that should be encouraging people to exercise more and use the car less, Plasdwr is an irresponsible mess.”
On a supposed lack of amenities at Plasdwr, Cardiff Council ward member for Radyr and Morganstown, Helen Lloyd Jones said: “We have asked if we could use the Bellway Sales Office when it is no longer needed as a Sales Office as a place albeit very small, where the community can meet for mother and babies groups, or knitting groups, or English language (and Welsh language!) circles.
“There is a real need for community space on Plasdwr. Prior to Covid, we had an extremely good Community Engagement Officer funded by Redrow. Sadly during Covid the post was not viable.
“We are delighted that this last month, Redrow has re-established links between the company and the community. We, the two Councillors from Radyr and Morganstown met with the Redrow representative this Monday.
“It was a very productive meeting and we are hopeful that we will now start seeing the problems residents have been encountering improved.” The other ward member for Radyr and Morganstown is Cllr Calum Davies.
Lack of amenities
Plasdwr responded to concerns regarding a supposed lack of amenities by saying that as part of the development of the ‘garden city’, a new commercial centre called Canol Plasdwr and three smaller local centres will be created.
A spokesperson for Plasdŵr said: “Each of these centres will include provision for amenities including shops, cafes, restaurants and offices. There are also plans for a food shop and new healthcare centre within Canol Plasdŵr.
“Our contractors are currently putting in place the infrastructure needed to make these centres possible. This includes the installation of essential utility services across Llantrisant Road, as well as the creation of the new roads which will eventually lead into the development and its amenities.
“Work of this nature is extensive and takes time to implement. We understand the concern and frustration of residents living within Plasdŵr and its neighbouring communities, our contractors are working hard to complete it as quickly as we can.
“Wherever possible, our aim is always to maintain Public Rights of Way. Sometimes, for health and safety reasons, it is necessary to put in place a temporary closure or diversion. We work on a case-by-case basis to determine the best course of action, and any closures or diversions are agreed ahead of time with Cardiff Council.”
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I had to endure 2 1/2 years of nightmarish noise and inconvenience with the re directing road works along my garden hedge. It was one of the workmen who told me at the beginning what was happening. (As I was singularly affected, any decent Council would have informed me face to face what the plan was and to put up a fence to alleviate the noise. It also meant loss of rental income as the tenants could no longer suffer the noise and dust etc etc and moved out) Redrow and CCC couldn’t care less. The Council hasn’t even had… Read more »
A horrible soul-less development. Does this set the standard for 21st century living ? Are we all going to be herded into communities in or around the large urban centres to make us easier to control ? The green dream is going to be polluted by those whose anxiety to achieve it led them to overlook the massive flaws in their current action plans. They need to sharpen the technologies, make them more accessible at a sensible cost and then we may see some enthusiastic adoption.
garden city developments are going to have to be the future if we want to survive. sadly it seems that this, like almost everything else cardiff council does in response to the climate crisis, is a greenwash-out. the future will judge them.
Virtually the last green belt of land left now is either side of the M4 between Star lane and Rhydlafer and once all the current development is completed the land to the right of Croft-y-Genau Road down to Stocklands. Much of this has not had any serious farming on it for at least 30 to 50 years. It has been occupied by a few cows and horses. It is the place where any wild life left along this part of Llantrisant Road has either moved to or survived. There are several Sites of importance for Nature Conservation. These include Nant… Read more »
Ha ha – if you voted for Labour at the recent – you deserve all you get.
They messed up the local development plan – Cardiff wasnt going to increase by 89,000 it was only 8000. By then it was too late – the contracts had been signed and people fell for the BS of the new house drive.
Meanwhile – the roads havent changed, no new infrastructure – nothing. Enjoy your traffic jams and city village – that has no soul whatsoever.