The Planning Committee of Cardiff Council met on Thursday 3 September 2026. The committee refused planning permission for a proposed bungalow on land adjacent to 1 Whitland Close, Fairwater, and for extensions and alterations to Rainbow Bargain Limited on Bangor Street, Roath. However, listed building consent was granted for the works at Rainbow Bargain Limited.

Rainbow Bargain Limited, Bangor Street, Roath

The committee considered two applications relating to Rainbow Bargain Limited on Bangor Street, Roath. The first, for full planning permission (application 26/00051/FUL), sought to repair, alter, and extend the Grade II listed former church building, along with external landscaping and a change of use to a flexible mixed-use development. The second, for listed building consent (application 26/00052/LBC), related to the same proposed works.

Planning Permission Refused: The committee refused planning permission for the proposed extensions and alterations. The primary reason for refusal was the height and proximity of the proposed northern extension to the side windows serving the adjacent property, which was considered to have an unacceptably overbearing and unneighbourly impact on the amenities of the adjacent occupants, contrary to Policy KP5 of the adopted Local Development Plan 2016. Councillor Peter Wong declared a prejudicial interest in this item due to having objected to the application and recused himself from the discussion and vote.

Listed Building Consent Granted: Despite the refusal of planning permission, the committee granted listed building consent. This decision was made because the impacts on the neighbouring property, which were grounds for refusing planning permission, are not material considerations for a listed building consent application. The council's heritage officers raised no objections to the proposals in terms of their impact on the listed building itself. An advisory note was attached to the consent, emphasizing that it does not authorise any external alterations or extensions for which planning permission has not been granted.

Land Adjacent To 1 Whitland Close, Fairwater

The committee considered an application for full planning permission (application 26/01181/FUL) for the construction of a bungalow on land forming part of the front and side gardens of number 1 Whitland Close, Fairwater.

Planning Permission Refused: The application was refused for three main reasons:

1. Overdevelopment and Impact on Character: The proposed development was deemed an overdevelopment of a constrained front/side garden plot, failing to maintain the spacious open frontage, established spacing between buildings, prevailing building line and consistent pattern of two-storey terraced and semi-detached development that define Whitland Close. This was considered to result in an incongruous and visually prominent form of development and an unacceptable town-cramming effect, contrary to national policy, Policy KP5 of the Cardiff Local Development Plan, and the Council's Infill Sites Supplementary Planning Guidance.
2. Infrastructure Impact: The proposed dwelling was identified as being sited within the protection zone of a public sewer/water main. Insufficient information was provided to demonstrate that the development could proceed without prejudicing the operation, maintenance, protection, and future access requirements of this infrastructure, failing to demonstrate an acceptable water-sensitive design solution, contrary to Policy EN10 of the Cardiff Local Development Plan.
3. Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure: The application was inadequately supported by information to demonstrate that the development would maintain and enhance biodiversity, deliver a net benefit for biodiversity, or provide appropriate green infrastructure mitigation and enhancement, particularly given the loss of existing garden vegetation. This was found to be contrary to national policy and several policies within the Cardiff Local Development Plan.

A petition with 50 signatories objecting to the proposal had been received. Mrs. Kathleen Brockway spoke as the petitioner, highlighting concerns about access, safety, parking, refuse collection, and the impact on emergency vehicle access due to the narrow cul-de-sac. Mr. Reuben Evans responded on behalf of the applicant, suggesting that biodiversity concerns could be addressed and that moderate amendments might allow for approval. Councillor Neil McEvoy also objected to the proposal. Councillors Schirmin, Driscoll, and Robson all spoke in favour of refusal, citing concerns about overdevelopment, character, and the impact on the street scene.

Matters for Information - Appeals

The committee received an update on planning appeal decisions between 10 April and 20 August 2026. Councillor Garry Hunt queried the number of appeals allowed, noting that a third of decisions seemed to be overturned. Officers clarified that this proportion was broadly in line with national averages, with around two-thirds of appeals generally being dismissed. They explained that appeal decisions are material considerations for future applications and that trends tend to average out over the financial year. Steve Marles, Head of Planning, noted that one appeal decision, concerning a corner block on Lower Cathedral Road, had gone against the council's recommendation for refusal, despite being a finely balanced case where officers had struggled with the decision themselves. He acknowledged that inspectors' decisions are taken into account for future decision-making.

Applications Decided by Delegated Powers

The committee noted the applications decided by delegated powers between 23 July and 25 August 2026.

The next meeting of the Planning Committee was scheduled for Thursday, 8 October 2026, at 10:30 am.