The Planning Committee of Cardiff Council met on Thursday, 12 February 2026, to discuss several development applications. The committee granted planning permission for a co-living development on Penarth Road, Butetown, and for affordable housing at the former Fairwater Social & Athletic Club site in Fairwater.

51-59 Penarth Road, Butetown

Permission was granted for the demolition of existing buildings and the construction of a nine-storey co-living development at 51-59 Penarth Road in Butetown. The development will provide 168 co-living units, with ground-floor commercial space, and associated indoor and outdoor amenity areas. The decision was made subject to a Section 106 agreement.

During the discussion, Councillor Sean Driscoll raised concerns about the size of the co-living units, the lack of provision for children, and the loss of commercial land. He also questioned the amount of amenity space and the impact of shadowing on neighbouring properties. Officers responded that the units are designed for single occupants and that the amenity space provided is considered appropriate for this type of development. They also noted that while some shadowing is unavoidable in a dense urban area, the impacts are considered acceptable.

Councillor Adrian Robson (Lord Mayor) and Councillor Garry Hunt echoed concerns about the loss of industrial land, but acknowledged the need for housing. Councillor Jon Shimmin raised the question of whether women-only floors could be implemented for safety, which officers stated was not a planning matter but a commercial decision for the developer.

The committee also discussed the provision of cycle parking, with 71% of the required standard being met. Officers explained that this is a common challenge in city centre developments, and the current provision is considered acceptable in the context of the overall scheme's viability.

Regarding the former Fairwater Social & Athletic Club site on Plasmawr Road, permission was granted for the demolition of the existing building and the construction of 14 affordable housing units. This decision was also subject to a Section 106 agreement and revised conditions.

Councillor Driscoll praised the repurposing of the brownfield site for much-needed homes but raised concerns about the boundary treatment near the substation on Ferrier Avenue, requesting enhancements to improve the outlook for nearby residents. Officers confirmed that boundary treatment plans have been submitted and approved, and the current fencing will be replaced with something more residential in nature.

Councillor Michael Michael (Deputy Lord Mayor) expressed his full support for the application, highlighting its sustainability and the provision of family homes. Councillor Helen Gunter asked about the sustainability measures within the build itself, beyond the air source heat pumps and solar panels, and officers confirmed a fabric first approach would be taken.

Councillor Peter Wong inquired about the potential for women-only floors for safety, which officers clarified was not a planning consideration. Councillor Waheeda Abdul-Sattar asked about the inclusion of police recommendations for safeguarding, and officers confirmed that these are addressed through conditions related to operational management plans and secured by design principles.

The committee also noted applications decided by delegated powers and confirmed the date of the next meeting.