Tower is 'too tall' for town (From Penarth Times)

Tower is 'too tall' for town

A PROPOSAL to put an 18 storey block of flats next to Custom House in Penarth has caused uproar in the town.

The building would tower above the cliffs in that area and would be visible for miles around. It has been called a 'giant gherkin' by residents opposing the huge structure.

Penarth reporter Charles Booth went on the streets of the town to find out what the people think of the idea.

Ruth Lewis of Laburnum Way is 27 years old and said: "I think the idea of more apartments down on the marina is good. But the building is not appropriate. It would take the emphasis off Saint Augustine's Church.

"I would not be happy if it was built near where I lived."

Andrew Gurney of Alexandra Court, who is 45, said: "I have lived in Brighton where there are lots of Victorian architecture like Penarth - there they built terrible structures. It would be a sad if this building was put there."

Architect David Hill, 26, who works in Penarth, said: "I think it should be designed in respect to the old buildings. But it is far too big to be put in that space."

John Rowlands, 71, of Kymin Terrace said: "It would be totally out of character for the area. If it was built it would be a monstrosity. It's not very aesthetically pleasing."

Ivy Street resident Denise Palmer, 57, said: "It would take away from St Augustine's Church. But it's hard to imagine the scale of the building. I can't envisage how tall it would stand.

"There are already too many people for the road there and amenities may be a problem."

Penarth people are not happy at the idea of having such a large building in their midst and the majority would certainly oppose construction of the structure.