Campaigners say biodiversity and bees will suffer
PLANS to install floodlights in Caedelyn Park have been approved at this week’s Cardiff council planning committee.
The plans, submitted by Rhiwbina RFC, will see three floodlights installed in an area of the park that is currently used as a pollinator meadow. This will allow this section of the park to be mown and used as a training pitch.
The club says that the new lights will not have an adverse affect on the environment. But campaigners disagree.
Nerys Lloyd-Pierce, chair of Cardiff Civic Society, says: “Cardiff Council has a statutory obligation to protect and enhance biodiversity, but in practice, the local authority does neither. A 900-signature petition in opposition to this development was collected by local residents, and in disregarding this strength of feeling, the council demonstrated its utter disrespect for both biodiversity, and the city’s citizens.”
The change.org petition collected by campaigners does not meet Cardiff Council’s objection requirements. Instead, a 91-signature paper petition was included. The council also received 51 letters and emails objecting to the plans.
At Wednesday’s meeting, councillors debated the planning application, considering issues such as biodiversity, noise pollution, light pollution and impact on the local community.
Caedelyn Park is used by families, dog walkers, and runners, among many other residents. This approval means that over 40% of the park’s green space will be used for sport.
While the council’s ecology officer did not have any issues with the proposal, a condition was added that the parks department would find another area within the park for the pollinator meadow. It is not clear where this area will be.
Councillor Jayne Cowan said: “The planning committee met virtually to discuss a number of planning applications including the one for the Rhiwbina RFC floodlights. I made reference to both the objections and support for the application.
“Caedelyn Park is well loved and well used by local residents, dog walkers and sportspeople alike. We will wait for the council to identify a potential area in the large park to develop a meadow and share this information with the local community to take views.”
Objections were also received by Rhiwbina’s local MP and MS, Anna McMorrin.
The MP for Cardiff North, said: “The space being developed has recently become a pollinator meadow, which seems to be much appreciated by local people, and valued as a demonstration of local commitment to the environment and biodiversity. Local residents who have contacted me are reluctant to lose this shared and valued space.”
“The activities of Rhiwbina Rugby Club bring undoubted benefit to the wider community, particularly in the provision of sporting opportunities for young people. Along with many local people I welcome this contribution, but the interests and amenity of the Rugby Club’s closest neighbours also require to be taken into consideration as the club develops its programmes.”
While the plans are set to go ahead this year, campaigners are still not happy with the outcome of this month’s committee meeting.
“Three councillors did make some points of objection and suggested deferment, but it was clear they had only cursory knowledge of the situation. The other voting councillors made no contributions and all voted for approval,” said campaigner Garry Edmiston-Taylor.
“What incensed me so much with their interventions was not only that they failed miserably to represent the details of our concerns. The issue of noisy disturbance to neighbouring houses from the use of the pitch was never addressed, noise was only mentioned in respect of installation” he continued.
Angry residents plan to take their complaints further. In a letter to council leader Huw Thomas, the group said: “There has been a serious lack of consultation with the wider community.
“It seems that the park is being prioritised for one age range and demographic above all other members of the north Cardiff community. People with diverse interests, age ranges, and backgrounds use this space for exercise, peace, and contemplation.”
They continue: “The request to occupy a further significant additional area of the park with a second floodlit pitch, will mean they have over 45% of the park. This will have a profound impact on all the users of Caedelyn Park who come from all around the local area to use this cherished green space.”
Rhiwbina RFC say that the area is important for training their younger players, adding that it will have long-term health benefits for local children.
Vice-chairman of Rhiwbina RFC, Darren Hobbs said: “We are absolutely thrilled that this application was approved. It will be good for the club and the children in the area.”
“The approval will help with some of the issues we face. It will reduce obesity, improve mental health, and many other things. We are very pleased with the result.”
The floodlights will be used between October and March to allow evening training sessions to continue into winter.
