28-storey Cardiff scheme set to move forward

A building of up to 28 storeys could soon be constructed in Cardiff, housing student accommodation and commercial space, with a recommendation to grant planning permission.Topland Mercury Ltd and Colico Living (Cardiff) Ltd are seeking full planning permission for the redevelopment of the Friary House site in Greyfriars Road, Cathays.The site is occupied by Friary House, which comprises the recently vacated ‘Tiger Tiger’ nightclub at basement, ground and first floor level. Vacant office floorspace is above from the second to eighth floor.Proposed is the redevelopment of the site involving the demolition of the existing building and the construction of a purpose built student accommodation scheme.There would be a total of 585 bed spaces comprising 384 studios and 48 apartments. Also included is three double height commercial units at ground floor level.The proposed building comprises a number of different blocks featuring a tall tower (28 storeys) with a lower ‘shoulder’ element (19 storeys), a middle block (12 storeys) and the front lowest block (eight storeys).Cardiff Council’s planning committee will discuss the application on Thursday (11 April).A report for the committee added: he proposals have been assessed against local and national policies and guidance. Whilst not all the identified concerns could be resolved, there are clear benefits of the scheme which are considered to outweigh the concerns.”A recommendation has been made that planning permission be granted, subject to conditions and relevant parties entering into a Section 106 Agreement.