Apartments, hotel and shops at Howells Of Cardiff Trinity Street, Cathays, Cardiff

“Proposed redevelopment (Phases 4 and 5) of part of the former Howells department store, including partial demolition, to deliver apartments and studio apartments (Use Class C3), a hotel (Use Class C1) and flexible commercial floorspace (Use Classes A1, A2, A3, B1, D1 and D2) including a new residential block (up to 11 storeys), re- instatement of dormer windows to St Mary Street frontage, upward extension (additional storeys) to the Wharton Street/Trinity Street corner…”

“The principle of re-developing the former Howells Department Store in the heart of the City Centre into a mixed-use development has been established by the approval of earlier phases of the development. The site is well-served by public transport and with a wide range of facilities and amenities a short walk from the site, is considered to be a highly-sustainable location.”

“With regard to the above, taking into consideration that the application forms Phases 4 and 5 of the wider redevelopment and repurposing of the site (moving from a single large floorplate department store to a series of smaller commercial units), the nature of the proposed uses within the flexible commercial units (as open Class A1, Shop / A2, Financial and Professional Services / A3, Food and Drink / B1, Business / D1, Non-residential Institutions and D2, Assembly and…”

“The final amended scheme that is now considered through this report is considered to be the necessary quantum and form of development and restoration/refurbishment that will ensure a deliverable and viable scheme to secure the long-term future of a significant landmark building. In doing so, through adaptive reuse it will also deliver a transformational regeneration of a key city centre site.”

“Accordingly, having regard to all of the above, and notably cognisant of the critical duty imposed under section 314A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and Section 160(1) of the HEWA 2023 to have special regard to listed buildings and conservation area impacts, it is concluded that the nature and scale of development is necessary to secure the long-term future of this Grade II* Listed Building, and that on balance the wider benefits as described above are…”

“The primary heritage issue relating to the conservation area and the setting of other listed buildings is that notwithstanding the reduction in height of the proposed central building its mass still has a major adverse impact on some views into and through the Conservation Area and in particular on the setting of the medieval tower of the Grade I Listed St John’s church.”

“Central Tower (11 storeys): Major adverse impact on key views into and through the St Mary Street Conservation Area, especially on the setting of the Grade I Listed St John’s Church tower in views from the North (Kingsway).”

“The proposed 13-storey scheme is considered overly tall and harmful to Cardiff’s historic city centre, particularly the setting of Grade I Listed St John’s Church.”

“This consistent terrace of modest three storey buildings will be overwhelmed by the structures looming above, the impact being particularly acute with the four-storey upwards extension to the former gas and plumbing warehouse, the only part of this terrace which has an original pitched roof form (which would be lost) • The 1960s corner building extension is at least one floor too many, to the extent that it overwhelms the scale and character of the building beneath.”

“The application was granted subject to S106 agreement and amendment of condition 23 regarding external finishing materials.”