Cardiff Bay homes fears (From Penarth Times)

Cardiff Bay homes fears

PENARTH AM Lorraine Barrett has voiced her disapproval of a scheme to build 600 apartments as part of a project that will alter the skyline of Cardiff Bay.

The plans by developers Redrow for 608 apartments on a brownfield site near Junction Lock have been given the go-ahead by Cardiff city councillors.

Lorraine Barrett said: "I am concerned at the number of speculative housing developments going up in the bay. I think this additional housing will add to parking problems and traffic congestion for the whole area. I don't think we're getting the balance right between business and residential development in the bay area. This site was originally earmarked as a call centre.

"Also I don't think we're paying enough attention to the designs we're giving approval to.

"I consider this particular development to be particularly unattractive with block after block sandwiched in slap bang next to the road.

"I really think we have reached saturation point now." The original proposal from Redrow was for three towers of 11, 15 and 17 storeys.

But, the builder agreed to reduce one 17-storey tower to 15 and another from 11 to 10.

Lorraine Barrett said: "I think the towers are too high and will have a negative impact on the skyline from Penarth residents' point of view." A Cardiff city council report recommended the development for approval concluding that it would "bring a welcome regeneration to a brownfield site" and would help to meet city-wide housing needs.