RESIDENTS living near a planned development for 14 flats in Penarth have said they are worried about the impact on congestion in the area.

The plans for the empty field next to Cwrt St Cyres off Redlands Road includes 11 parking spaces, but some have said it will bring further issues to an “already overdeveloped area”.

The main concerns centre around the planned development being near lots of schools, including St Cyres School and Ysgol Y Deri right next to the site, which some say will cause further traffic problems during morning rush hour.

Penarth Times: The plans are for the empty section here, between the track and Cwrt St CyresThe plans are for the empty section here, between the track and Cwrt St Cyres

Resident Karen Rogers said she is concerned about safe access to schools for children using St Cyres Road, and questioned whether the lack of parking availability at the development would mean fewer cars.

Resident Julie Robinson, who lives near the area said: “The town around Redlands Road is already gridlocked and that is before all the cars start to try and get into Cardiff from the new developments in Sully and opposite Cosmeston.

“There isn’t the infrastructure in place to cope with these developments.

“What we’re storing up for future generations is a dystopian situation, with the loss of much green space.”

Penarth Times: Cwrt St Cyres overlooking St Cyres SchoolCwrt St Cyres overlooking St Cyres School

A Vale council spokesman said: “The council has a statutory responsibility to provide council housing and at the moment there is an identified need for 576 affordable homes a year to be provided until 2022 to meet demand, with the need most acute in Barry, Penarth and Llandough.

“Currently, the council’s Homes4U waiting list shows 132 applicants waiting for older persons accommodation in Penarth, 79 of which are from wards nearest the proposed development, which will provide 14 one-bedroom apartments of this type.

“There are very few affordable housing options for older people in Penarth and this development provides a perfect opportunity for those residents who may need to downsize or wish to live independently.

“The development itself proposes on-site resident and visitor parking only in line with council guidance and lies to the south of St Cyres School’s main entrance, which is accessed off Sully Road.

“Further engagement with the local community will take place as part of the planning process and all interested parties will have the opportunity to express their views.”

Further information on the plans can be found at http://vogonline.planning-register.co.uk/PlaRecord.aspx?AppNo=2020/00004/PAC&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1.