£400m village! (From Penarth Times)

£400m village!

PENARTH could soon have a £400 million international sports village on its doorstep, after outline plans were approved by Cardiff County Council.

The local authority has said yes to developing the 95-acre site beside Ferry Road which could bring 3,000 jobs to the area.

The site, currently derelict brownfield land, is within a mile of Penarth and could eventually include an aquatic centre, a 35-metre high snow dome and a 10,000-seat indoor arena.

At a meeting last week, the council's planning committee looked at environmental implications and transport links of the scheme, which is due for completion by 2011.

Council leader Russell Goodway said following approval that the authority was now open to tenders from housing developers and retailers which would release £7 million and allow remedial work at the site.

He said he remained confident that the scheme would come to fruition.

The proposal, which was first debated five years ago and is being marketed by King Sturge, has led to an outline application which includes new roads and a transport hub-and-chain operated ferry across the River Ely.

The aquatic centre would house a 50-metre swimming pool - to replace Cardiff's Empire Pool, while there could also be five indoor ski runs and almost 1,000 apartments and houses - including a 26-storey tower block, a 60,000 square foot casino and a 500-bed hotel.

There is also space provided for a supermarket, a DIY store, sports shops, bars and restaurants.

The first phase of the development is likely to include building 751 houses and apartments, as well as constructing a golf driving range above the supermarket and DIY store.

* What do you think of having such a large development on the doorstep? Write to the Penarth Times at 12 Royal Buildings, Stanwell Road, Penarth, or email penarthtimes@gwent-wales.co.uk