Waste transfer facility at Former Civic Amenity Site, Wedal Road, Cathays, Cardiff

What was proposed

The application proposed reusing the former civic amenity site as a hospital waste transfer facility, retaining ten storage containers and adding three bulk carrier units.

“This development proposes the re-use of the former Civic Amenity Site for a waste transfer facility, along with the retention of the existing storage units. The Waste Transfer Facility will be for use by Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.”

“The supporting information notes that Waste/ recyclable materials will be delivered to site a maximum of two to four times a day (during standard operating hours). Container removal/ replacement will be undertaken during weekdays in line with the frequencies outlined in section 2.3 above. The types of waste proposed at the site includes recyclable paper and card, recyclable plastic, metal and cartons and end of life plastics.”

Officer report

The site and its surroundings

The hardstanding site is below Wedal Road, with homes to the east, a care home to the west and a Grade II* cemetery to the south.

“The site comprises a rectangular area of hard standing, extending to approx. 0.22ha in area and relates to a former civic amenity site, that was closed in 2018. There are currently 10 storage containers at the site, along with 2no. portacabins which are being temporarily stored at the site.”

“The site is bound to the north by the adjacent Wedal Road highway with the A48 dual carriageway located directly to the north. Land to the east comprises existing residential development (Nant y Wedal) and the Lakeside Care Home is located to the west of the site.”

Officer report

Earlier uses and applications

The site closed as a civic amenity facility in 2018, and earlier permissions covered welfare facilities and bulky waste at the site.

“The site has the following relevant planning history: -”

“Reference Description of Development Decision Date 03/01151/C Relocation and Alteration to Welfare/ Admin Building, Redesign of Entrance and Construction of Raised Skip, Loading Bay Granted 24.11.2003 02/01090/W To receive arisings of bulky waste at: Wedal Road Civic Amenity Depot, Wedal Road, Cathays, Cardiff Granted 19.09.1992”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the proposal an acceptable brownfield reuse, with a demonstrated waste-storage need and no unacceptable effects on amenity, highways or biodiversity.

“The proposed development would represent a beneficial re-use of a brownfield site, formerly in use as a Civic Amenity Site. The applicant has demonstrated that the provision of adequate storage for recyclable materials is the primary driver for the scheme.”

“Objections have been received from neighbouring residents and Local Members, which have been acknowledged and fully considered in the preceding sections of this report. However, on balance, having regard to the findings of the amended Noise Impact Assessment, the absence of objections from Shared Regulatory Services (SRS) Pollution Control, the proposed restricted hours of operation, the recommended planning conditions, the historic context and former use of the site,…”

Officer report

Objections and concerns

Nineteen residents and a 52-signature petition objected, citing noise, vibration, operating hours, traffic, odour, vermin and effects on vulnerable neighbours.

“Historic operation of the former Waste Facility caused extreme noise, including frequent loud bangs, crashing of metal, shouting by operatives, and skip exchanges. • Severe vibrations previously transmitted to nearby homes, reportedly shaking structures, moving light fittings and causing pictures to fall from walls. • Concerns that similar noise/vibration impacts would recur, with no confidence in mitigation measures, as past noise barriers were considered ineffective.”

“Strong concerns regarding loss of peace, privacy and ability to enjoy gardens due to noise, light and activity on site. • Fears of structural damage to properties from heavy vibration, based on previous experience. • Reports that past operation caused distress to vulnerable individuals including toddlers and residents with PTSD.”

Officer report

Local members’ objections

Cathays councillors objected based on the site’s past impacts, the care home’s vulnerable residents, traffic, noise, vibration and possible future intensification.

An added acoustic condition

An additional condition requires the eastern timber acoustic fence to be inspected, repaired or replaced as needed before the development’s first beneficial use.

“Notwithstanding the approved plans and prior to the first beneficial use of the development, a scheme for the inspection, repair, improvement and/or replacement (where necessary) of the existing close-boarded timber acoustic fence located on the eastern boundary of the site shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.”

Minutes