A PLAN to demolish a house in Heath and replace it with flats for hospital workers has been put forward – one year after 500 residents signed a petition against a similar proposal.
Last year’s plan, for seven flats and seven cottages at 149 Heathwood Road, was turned down by Cardiff council. The latest plan, submitted two weeks ago by the same developer, is to build eight flats only.
There have already been several objections from residents on the council website.
Heath resident Rhian Davies said: “Despite amendments to the original submission by the developer, the planning department are failing to listen to concerns of neighbours and residents who live in the vicinity.
“Passing this will set a precedent for any home in Heath to be demolished and replaced by flats.”
The original plan by Lakeside Properties Limited was to build accommodation for medical staff and hospital workers.
Residents claimed it would be an over-development of a residential area and change the family-orientated character of the area.
Kirsty Thomas, who lives on Heathwood Road, said the new plans were a waste of the planning department’s time and are costing taxpayers money.
She said: “It demonstrates a total disregard for the views and interests of the local residents who are overwhelmingly against this development.”
Heath Councillor Graham Hinchey gathered support against the demolition last year and does not believe residents will feel any different about the new plan.
Coun Hinchey said: “My position is unchanged and I will be objecting to this minor change to the previous application.
“It still means knocking down a perfectly good family home, increases on street parking, an overbearing effect on neighbouring properties and seeks to change the character of the residential area.
“The whole community is against this proposal and I presented a petition with over 500 local residents who felt strongly against this.”
The newest proposal plans to build four one-bedroom flats and four two-bedroom flats with a new garden area. The plan also aims to add three car parking spaces to the property, taking the total up to eight as well as adding eight bicycle spaces.
The council is not likely to decide on the application before March.
