Cardiff Council planning committee voted unanimously for the project to advance
THE redevelopment of the Michaelston College site in Ely has been given the green light by Cardiff Council, despite new concerns raised during a planning committee meeting.
The development of 235 houses has now been approved, a year after the plans were first put forward.
Residents have been worried about the development’s impact on traffic and parking, but during the planning meeting new concerns were raised about the potential for anti-social behaviour – enabled by the choice of trees.
“Is there some consideration given to the type of trees so that it doesn’t attract nice cosy places for people to hide?” asked Councillor Helen Gunter.
Council officer Alexandra Richards said: “I don’t know about how tree species impacts anti-social behaviour.”
Officer Richards confirmed that the trees for the site have already been chosen, but did not confirm what type of trees would be planted.
Councillors were also worried that the already busy Michaelston Road would be made worse by the development.
A mini roundabout on the junction of Michaelston and Drope roads has been planned but not everyone is a fan of the idea.
Credit: George Ratcliffe
“I’m not sure putting a small roundabout on Drope and Michaelston road is going to do anything but hold up more traffic,” said Councillor Michael Michael.
Councillor Sean Driscoll was “not convinced by the mini roundabout ,but if it does work, then happy days”.
Congestion at Culverhouse Cross roundabout would remain an issue regardless of the outcome of the development.
Concerns from residents also led to a reduction of the number of active travel routes, amid worries they would turn into ‘gullies’ for more anti-social behaviour.
Despite the above concerns, the planning committee all voted in favour of the project going ahead.
Details and the recording of the full planning committee meeting, which took place on Thursday, November 7, can be found here.
