The Planning Committee of Cardiff Council met on Thursday, 15 January 2026, and granted planning permission for the construction of a 3G pitch, floodlighting, and changing rooms at St. Teilos High School. The committee also noted updates on planning appeals and applications decided by delegated powers.

St. Teilos High School 3G Pitch Development

The committee granted planning permission for the construction of a 3G all-weather pitch, floodlighting, and changing rooms at St. Teilos High School, located on Circle Way East, Llanedeyrn. This development is a regulation 3 application, meaning the council is the applicant. The new facility is intended to replace an existing artificial pitch that will be lost due to the redevelopment of adjacent land for 53 council homes and nine supported living apartments, as approved under application 24/01603/FUL.

The proposed 3G pitch will be approximately 68 metres wide and 170 metres long, suitable for rugby and football. While it is designed to meet Football Association of Wales (FAW) Tier 3 standards and accommodate up to 100 standing spectators, it will not be able to host FAW Tier 3 matches due to insufficient spectator and ancillary facilities. The operation of the facility will be managed in partnership between the school and Cardiff Met University, serving school teams and being available for community use. The development includes changing rooms for two teams, match officials, and accessible facilities, along with a wetland wildflower meadow, a two-metre external footpath, and eight floodlighting columns.

During the discussion, Councillor Michael expressed frustration that the pitch would not fully meet Tier 3 standards due to the lack of spectator stands, arguing that adding a small stand during construction would be more cost-effective. He emphasised the need for pitches to be properly finished to allow teams to progress in their leagues. Councillor Driscoll supported the scheme, calling it a massive asset, but raised concerns about the loss of wildlife habitat and transport issues, which officers assured would be addressed through conditions. Councillor Gunter sought clarification on what accessible to the community meant in practice, referencing past instances where facilities were not genuinely available to local residents.

Officers explained that the FAW funding for Tier 3 requirements, including spectator stands, was not available, and the scheme lacked sufficient funding for these elements. They confirmed that conditions would be imposed to mitigate ecological impacts, and that transport access for community users would be facilitated through an operational management plan, including the opening of gates outside school hours. The committee ultimately voted to grant planning permission, subject to conditions.

Matters for Information - Appeals

The committee received an update on planning appeal decisions received between April and December 2025. Notably, an appeal against the refusal of planning permission for affordable housing at Land Off Radyr Court Close, Danescourt, was dismissed. The Inspector's decision was primarily based on conflicts with national and local flood risk policy, despite acknowledging the need for affordable housing and the scheme's compliance with open space provisions. The committee also noted a summary table of planning and enforcement appeal decisions received year-to-date.

Applications Decided by Delegated Powers

The committee was asked to note the applications decided by delegated powers between 4th December 2025 and 7th January 2026. Councillor Emma Reid-Jones declared a personal interest in one of these applications, 14 Holly Grove, Lisvane, as she had assisted the applicant and served on a committee with them.