70 affordable flats and shops at 195 - 197 City Road, Roath, Cardiff

“The application site consists of the former Gaiety Cinema building, which is currently in a state of disrepair. Covering an area of approximately 0.13 hectares, the site is bordered to the north by a student residential development (City Heights), to the south and east by a mix of commercial and residential properties fronting City Road, and to the west by the rear yards and outbuildings of properties along Richmond Road.”

“The site is situated at the northern end of City Road, within the City Road District Centre as designated on the LDP Proposals Map.”

“The Gaiety building and its external areas have been vacant for a number of years. Prior to its last active use as a bingo hall / performance venue, the Gaiety was originally used as a small cinema. Notwithstanding the above, site has the following relevant planning history: -”

“Prior Approval Granted 09/11/2018 19/01374/MJR Demolition of existing building and construction of purpose-built student accommodation incorporating class A1/A2/A3 and D2 floorspace at ground level and all associated development…”

“That planning permission be GRANTED subject to the relevant parties (and having regard to condition 4) entering into a binding legal agreement under the provisions of SECTION 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 within 6 months of the date of this Resolution, unless otherwise agreed by the Council in writing, in respect of matters detailed in section 9.93 to 9.99 of this report, and the conditions listed below in section 12.”

“That delegated authority is given to the Head of Planning &/Or Operational Manager: Strategic Development & Placemaking, to make changes to the conditions and/or Heads of Terms of the required legal agreement, subject to consultation with the Chair of Planning, up to the point where the legal agreement is signed and planning permission issued.”

“Accordingly, the proposed development would introduce a prominent building into the existing streetscape and is expected to result in some amenity impacts for future residents. However, these considerations must be balanced against the substantial public benefits the scheme offers. Chief among these is a significant contribution to the supply of affordable housing in a highly sustainable location…”

“Design revisions have been made to try and address concerns about scale and massing, though the building remains prominent. While some visual harm is acknowledged, the delivery of 100% affordable housing is considered a significant public benefit that outweighs these concerns. Impacts on neighbouring amenity, including daylight and privacy, are assessed as acceptable within the urban context.”

“The scale of the proposed development will trigger a requirement for open space provision under the Council’s planning policy. Since no public open space is included on-site, the developer must pay £95,973 as a contribution toward improving or maintaining nearby open spaces. This is a standard requirement for all developments and would be secured through a Section 106 Agreement, ensuring compliance with planning guidance and distance criteria for recreational facilities.”

“To ensure compliance and protect residential amenity, we recommend a series of planning conditions. These include the submission and approval of a detailed sound insulation scheme prior to construction, a pre-occupation noise validation survey, and noise limits for any future mechanical equipment.”

“In response, one letter was received from a member of the public with comments summarised as follows:”

“Whilst they support redeveloping the site, the proposed design is criticised for ignoring the site's historical and cultural significance. The proposal lacks character and fails to incorporate or acknowledge the original building, calling it impersonal and uninspired.”

“(Cllr Wong left his seat as a member of the Committee during this item in accordance with his prejudicial interest).”

“The application was granted subject to S106 agreement.”