The Planning Committee of Cardiff Council convened on Thursday, 4 June 2026, to discuss several key development proposals. The committee granted planning permission for the temporary use of Blackweir Fields for live events until 2031, subject to stringent conditions. They also approved the construction of three new bridges across the River Taff, aimed at improving active travel and connectivity within the city. Additionally, a significant co-living development at Custom House Street was granted permission, alongside a number of householder and other minor planning applications.

Blackweir Fields Live Events Granted Temporary Permission

Cardiff Council's Planning Committee granted temporary planning permission for the use of Blackweir Fields for live events, including concerts, for a period up to 31 August 2031. The permission allows for a maximum of 42 days per year for events, including setup and dismantling, to take place between May and August. This decision, made despite numerous objections concerning noise, traffic, ecological impact, and loss of public amenity, was based on the potential economic and cultural benefits to the city, which officers deemed outweighed the temporary and reversible harm. Stringent conditions were imposed, including annual traffic and noise management plans, ecological monitoring, and a post-event heritage audit. The decision to grant permission for a six-year period was made after considerable debate, with some members expressing concerns about the duration and suggesting a shorter initial period.

New Bridges Approved to Enhance Active Travel and Connectivity

The committee approved the construction of three new bridges across the River Taff, aimed at significantly improving active travel infrastructure and connectivity within Cardiff.

The Central Quay Bridge, a single-span tied-arch pedestrian and cycle bridge, was granted planning permission. This development will link Taffs Mead Embankment to the Central Quay development, providing a direct and attractive route for walkers and cyclists. Concerns regarding flood risk were noted, but the committee was satisfied that the risks were manageable given the nature of the development and the existing flood defences. Conditions were imposed to ensure detailed designs for public realm works, lighting, and ecological enhancements are submitted.

Similarly, the Marl and Hamadryad Park Bridge, an S-shaped segregated pedestrian and cycle bridge, also received planning permission. This bridge will connect The Marl to Hamadryad Park, enhancing active travel routes and providing better access to Cardiff Bay and the city centre. Despite some initial concerns from Natural Resources Wales regarding flood risk and potential impacts on aquatic ecology, these were addressed through recommended conditions for a detailed Construction Environmental Management Plan and specific piling methodologies. The design was praised for its quality and its contribution to placemaking.

A third bridge, the Central Quay Bridge, was also approved. This pedestrian and cycle bridge will connect Taffs Mead Embankment to the Central Quay development, aiming to improve connectivity and support regeneration. The design, featuring a tied-arch structure and weathering steel, was considered appropriate for its riverside setting and landmark potential. Conditions were imposed to secure detailed designs for public realm works, landscaping, and ecological enhancements.

Co-Living Development Approved at Custom House Street

A significant co-living development at Custom House Street, comprising 400 units across a 33-storey tower, was granted planning permission subject to a Section 106 agreement. The development aims to address housing needs, particularly for young professionals, by offering private bedrooms with shared communal facilities. While officers acknowledged concerns regarding the size of individual units and the distribution of amenity spaces, they concluded that the benefits of delivering much-needed housing in a sustainable city centre location outweighed these issues. The scheme will also include public realm improvements and a financial contribution towards affordable housing, community facilities, and open space.

Householder and Minor Applications

A number of householder planning applications and other minor applications were also considered and approved by the committee. These included various extensions, alterations, and the discharge of conditions for previously approved developments.

Delegated Decisions Noted

The committee noted a list of applications that had been decided by delegated powers between 8th and 27th May.

Next Meeting

The next Planning Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, 16th June 2026, at 1pm, and will be held in person. This meeting will focus on constitutions rather than planning applications.