Betting office at 30 Countisbury Avenue, Llanrumney, Cardiff

What was proposed

The application sought a betting office, new shopfront, two air-conditioning units and two satellite dishes at the former retail unit.

“PROPOSAL: Change of use of the ground floor of 30 Countisbury Avenue from Use Class A1 to Sui Generis (betting office) and external alterations including new shop front, and 2 no air conditioning units and 2 no satellite dishes to the rear…”

Officer report

The site and its surroundings

The vacant ground-floor unit is in a 36-unit local shopping centre, with residential accommodation above and nearby homes to the rear.

“The application site comprises a vacant ground floor unit which forms part of a three storey mid terrace building. A rear yard is located behind the property. The upper storeys within the terrace are residential. The ground floor unit is located within Countisbury Avenue Local Shopping Centre. To the front is an access road, which runs parallel with Countisbury Avenue and also provides car parking.”

“Countisbury Avenue Local Centre comprises 36 units, which includes a mix of A1 (Retail), A3 (Food & Drink), B1 (Business), D1 (Non-Residential Institutions and Sui Generis uses, including two betting offices. The majority of the units are occupied, however, there are currently three vacant units within the Centre (including the application premises).”

Officer report

Amenity, safety and highways

Officers concluded that conditions could control noise, opening hours, refuse, cycle parking and plant, while the proposal would not cause unacceptable amenity, crime or highway impacts.

“Furthermore, SRS Pollution Control have been consulted and raise no concerns subject to a condition to control noise which maybe emitted from fixed plant or equipment. A condition is also attached to restrict opening hours in order to protect the amenity of neighbouring occupiers. A condition is also recommended to require refuse storage facilities to be provided and retained.”

“The Managing Transportation Impacts (Incorporating Parking Standards) SPG identifies a minimum requirement of 0 car parking spaces and it is noted that there is on-street car parking within the vicinity. Cycle parking for Sui Generis uses are required at a min of 2 spaces overall. Given there is on-street cycle…”

Officer report

What consultees and residents said

South Wales Police raised no objection, while residents and local members objected to overconcentration, social harm, antisocial behaviour, character, amenity and highway effects.

“Anti-social Behaviour & Safety and Impact on Amenity • Existing issues: Loitering, smoking, littering, drug dealing and intimidation are already prevalent in the area. This type of use attracts antisocial behaviour and crime and will exacerbate these issues and can erode community cohesion, deter investment, and reduce the overall sense of safety and pride in the area.”

“An objection letter was submitted by a planning agent (ID Planning) on behalf of local business owner which includes a Planning Policy overview include reference to National and Local Planning Policies including Policy R5 of the Cardiff Local Development Plan. The key points made in the Planning Assessment are set out below. “The policy clearly prioritises retail, office, leisure, and community uses that support the vitality of Local Centres.”

Officer report

Who spoke at committee

Two ward members spoke in opposition to the application.

The committee decision

The committee granted planning permission subject to conditions.

“The application was granted subject to conditions.”

Minutes

Conditions on the permission

The conditions cover approved plans, cycle parking, refuse storage, fixed-plant noise and public opening hours from 8am to 10pm.

“Prior to beneficial use of the development hereby approved, accessible, sheltered and secure cycle parking spaces for staff and any associated access arrangements shall be implemented in accordance with details which shall first have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Thereafter the approved spaces shall be retained for the sole purpose of cycle parking.”

“Prior to beneficial use of the development hereby approved, the refuse and recycling storage facilities shown on the approved plans and marked up as ‘store’ shall be provided and thereafter retained. Reason: In the interests of an orderly form of development providing facilities which would have no adverse impact upon the amenities of the area in accordance with Policy KP5 and W2 of the Cardiff Local Development Plan 2006-2026.”

Officer report