Bute Street community living scheme aimed at Cardiff’s ageing population
PLANNING permission for a 45-apartment development for older people in Butetown is expected to be granted at tomorrow’s planning committee.
Cardiff Council have proposed that an older persons’ community living scheme be built on Bute Street at the former site of Brandon Tool Hire, which was demolished in 2016.
“We’re a close community here and we all know each other well, so I’m not sure what it will be like having these new flats,” said Aisha Jama, 32, who lives in Loudoun Square, Butetown.
“I know that elderly people need homes of course, but I don’t know if it’s a good fit for Butetown and this street. The mosque is just around the corner and Steffani Court is right across the street, so it’s definitely going to be a big change for everyone living here.”
The six-storey structure will include 35 one-bed apartments and 10 two-beds, which will be affordable housing on offer to elderly people who want to live in a community setting.
A spokesperson for Cardiff Council said: “As part of our Older Persons’ Housing Strategy, we have identified the need to provide new housing specifically designed to meet the needs of older people in the city.
“In particular, this scheme is designed to replace the sheltered housing scheme at Nelson House in Butetown.”
Research carried out by the council suggests that between 2017 and 2037, Cardiff residents aged 65-84 will increase by 42% and those aged over 85 will increase by 93%.
“This will put significant pressure on social care and will result in more people needing specialist accommodation and assistance,” said the council spokesperson.
John Radford, 68, who lives in Butetown, said: “On the whole I think I would support the flats and the community space as there is a need for more housing in the city, and at the moment the land is not in use.
“The only thing I have concerns about is whether it would fit in with the local community. Lots of families with young children live nearby so I’m not sure whether the plans are best suited to be built here.”
Designs for the development also include a ground-floor community space. The council has received applications from local community groups who are interested in leasing the space, which will be decided at the end of February.
