The Planning Committee of Cardiff Council met on Thursday, 15 January 2026, to discuss and determine a range of development management applications. The primary focus of the meeting was the proposed construction of a 3G pitch, floodlighting, and changing rooms at St Teilos High School.

St Teilos High School 3G Pitch Development

The committee granted planning permission for the proposed 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 redeveloped for housing, 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, and designed to meet Football Association of Wales (FAW) Tier 3 standards, although it will not be able to host FAW Tier 3 matches due to insufficient spectator facilities. The facility will be managed in partnership between the school and Cardiff Met University, serving school teams and the wider community. The plans include changing rooms, a wetland wildflower meadow, and eight 15-metre high floodlighting columns.

During the discussion, Councillor Michael expressed concern that the pitch, while meeting Tier 3 standards, would not be able to host Tier 3 matches due to the lack of spectator stands. He argued that adding a small stand during construction would be more cost-effective and provide greater ambition for local teams. Councillor Driscoll echoed some of these sentiments, highlighting concerns raised in the report regarding the loss of wildlife habitat and transport issues, though he was reassured by the proposed conditions. Councillor Gunter sought clarification on what accessible to the community meant in practice, referencing past instances where facilities were not truly accessible.

Officers explained that the inability to meet full Tier 3 standards was due to funding limitations from the FAW, not a lack of ambition. They confirmed that conditions would be imposed to address ecological concerns, including biodiversity enhancements, and that transport access for community users would be facilitated through an operational management plan. The committee was assured that the proposed conditions and management plans would mitigate noise and light impacts, and that community access would be provided outside of school hours.

Ultimately, the committee voted to grant planning permission, subject to conditions. These conditions include requirements for biodiversity enhancements, a Construction Environmental Management Plan, an Operational Management Plan, and restrictions on the hours of use for the pitch and floodlighting. Notably, no rebound boards, tannoy systems, or additional spectator stands are to be installed.

Matters for Information - Appeals

The committee noted an update on appeals received between April and December 2025. This included a summary of appeal decisions, with a particular focus on an appeal against the refusal of planning permission for Land Off Radyr Court Close, Danescourt, Cardiff, which was dismissed due to conflicts with flood risk policy. A table of planning appeal decisions and enforcement appeal decisions received during the period was also presented.

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. This list included a variety of planning applications across different wards, with decisions ranging from permission granted to full discharge of conditions and prior approval not required.

Date of Next Meeting

The date of the next Planning Committee meeting was confirmed as 12th February 2026, at 10:30 am.