Cardiff residents are being asked to have their say on the proposed development by the Cardiff Model Engineering Society in Heath Park Woods.
Residents have strongly objected to repeated applications from the society, who want to expand into a woodland area. The development would see a new stretch added to the existing model railway.
Mike Williams, chairman of the society, said: “There are concerns but some of them are unfounded.”
The society has submitted a number of planning applications since 2007:
“I can understand their concerns, but there is fear among some people that we will cut a lot of trees down. Although we are proposing to cut down some young saplings, we will divert around any established trees.”
When asked whether the club would consider opening more frequently, Mr Williams said: “We are open 12 times a year but there are objections to this and we would have more objections.”
Julie Morgan, Welsh Assembly Member for Cardiff North, put in an objection to one of the previous extension applications.
She said: “I have received many representations from constituents about this application, with numerous concerns and objections raised.”
Although parts of the new development would remain accessible to the public when not in use, the stretch of new track linking to the existing track would remain permanently fenced off.
The Heath Residents Association has also raised concerns over the destruction of a valuable wildlife habitat. They said: “At one time there was a pond within the site. The habitat within the site is suitable for newts and very many other wildlife species.”
Views must be made to Chris Hespe, Cardiff Council’s director of sport, leisure and culture. They can be sent to chris.hespe@cardiff.gov.uk and the deadline is Thursday, 6 February.
