ONE of the people objecting to a controversial new beer garden spoke to The Cardiffian about his concerns.
The residents of Bangor Street are awaiting the outcome of a licensing subcommittee on March 6, where late opening hours will be decided.
Planning permission for the new Cameo Club bar and bistro on Plasnewydd’s trendy Wellfield Road has already been granted, after a local conservation committee approved of the project, but some have expressed concerns about late opening times and a potentially loud outdoor area.
A council licensing subcommittee will now hear these concerns about the opening hours of the business.
Alex Ojeda, 48, who lives on Bangor Street, is unhappy about the Cameo Club’s expansion to Roath. He said: “It’s going to be a beer garden right out there, backing onto Bangor Street. We were not consulted, I only found out from a friend at a party.
“Now when I open my windows I can hear the building work so when it opens we will hear the noise from people outside.
“It is also the rubbish, it could be an eyesore if the rubbish is left out with big bins.”
But Cameo Club owner Huw Davies has tried to allay residents’ concerns about his business’s expansion.
The original Cameo Club is based in Pontcanna and has built up a good reputation in the area.
Mr Davies wants to answer resident concerns, which he believes are based on misunderstanding.
He told the Cardiffian that his licence will only run to midnight on weekends, with an 11pm cut-off in the week. He said: “I think they have misunderstood what my intentions actually are.
“No-one will be outside past 9 o’clock and the midnight license only applies on weekends.
“I think people think it will be an eyesore because the building has been for some time. But I’m investing very heavily in giving it a very thorough refurbishment.
“The only customers the back entrance will be used for are those who book a table and need wheelchair access.
“Most people on Bangor Street have been very welcoming and only a small proportion have complained. Ultimately I hope the residents of Bangor Street will become good customers.
“It is good that there is a subcommittee because it gives people an opportunity to air their concerns. I think there is a fundamental misunderstanding about what I’m trying to do.”
Mr Davies said he would be willing to speak to any concerned residents.
