150 student flat scheme set for green light

Plans to build almost 150 student flats adjacent to the former Gaiety cinema building in Cardiff are set to get the go-ahead when they go before councillors tomorrow (16 August 2017).Draycott Construction, via agent Asbri Planning, lodged plans earlier this year for a new development at 199-209 City Road.The company’s proposals include 146 studio apartments for student occupation in a new building of between four and eight storeys. Two ground floor commercial units suitable for retail, professional services, restaurant and café use will also be created.Plans have been amended following the original submission with the number of flats reduced from 225. The existing buildings on the site have now been demolished.The application site is located immediately adjacent to the Gaiety building, which was formerly used as a cinema, bingo hall and bowling alley, but has been vacant for a number of years.Discussions were held in the pre-planning stage over including the building in the scheme, but the two parties were unable to gain control of the land.The scheme will go before Cardiff City Council’s planning committee on 16 August 2017, and is recommended for approval in a report prepared for the meeting. This is subject to the signing of a section 106 agreement to secure financial contributions towards highways infrastructure.The recommendation has been made despite a number of objections, including a 27-signature petition. Concerns include the height of the proposed building and the impact on the amenities of the area.