The development would make dropping children off at Rhiwbina primary harder, say comments to council
PLANS to build a two-storey house next to Rhiwbina Primary School pose a significant risk to children and their parents, say residents.
The plot of land, auctioned off by the council last year with a guide price of £90,000, is being used as a car park by parents dropping off and picking up their children via a back gate.
Residents’ concerns over the proposed three-bedroom house with two off-street parking spaces in Coed Ceirios, were considered by a Cardiff council planning meeting.
Alan and Pamela Perry, who live nearby on Heol y Coed, said: “We feel the parking of builders’ vehicles and associated trade lorries would be totally inappropriate in such a confined area.
“There is no turning area for such vehicles, which would need to reverse down Coed Ceirios or reverse back out onto Heol-y-Coed. The safety of children and parents would be greatly compromised.”
Resident Dafydd Owen said: “Parents reversing and attempting to turn their cars around when children are leaving the school via the back gate is dangerous. I have myself witnessed a few near misses when drivers are distracted.
“If another dwelling is built in the cul-de-sac it narrows the parking options but will not deter parents from attempting to do so.”
Rhiwbina councillors Jayne Cowan and Oliver Owen told the November 7 meeting: “The proposed house would undoubtedly exacerbate the existing congestion and pose potential safety concerns for residents, parents and schoolchildren.
“The plans are totally unneighbourly and starkly out of keeping with the character of the surrounding area. The proposed development, if allowed, would be detrimental to the street scene, eroding the charm of Coed Ceirios.”
Mark Gerrish lives to the rear of the school – Cardiff’s largest primary – and has concerns on the effect the development would have on his property.
“Most of the houses around here are quite traditional, so having a modern one would just look completely out of place,” he said.
“Also, the elevation of the plot relative to our house is overbearing and will affect our enjoyment and use of our property.
“It will have dark cladding and multiple windows facing us which will affect the setting of our property.”
Right: The front design of the proposed house on Coed Ceirios. Credit: CW Architects
Left: Mark Gerrish, who feels the modern design is not in keeping with the rest of the area. Credit: Joe Hearn
Councillor Cowan called for a site visit before a decision was made.
“Given the substantial local concerns, I feel it is both appropriate and necessary. It is not possible for members to see some of the aspects fully from the plans and the photographs,” she said.
The planning committee agreed to the site visit, which will take place on December 10.
