The Planning Committee of Cardiff Council met on Thursday, 23 April 2026. The committee considered a planning application for the re-use of a former civic amenity site in Cathays for a waste transfer facility. The committee also received updates on planning appeals and applications decided by delegated powers.

Former Civic Amenity Site, Wedal Road, Cathays

The committee considered a planning application for the re-use of the former civic amenity site at Wedal Road, Cathays for a waste transfer facility, including the retention of existing storage shipping containers and the proposed siting of three bulk carrier units. The application was submitted by Cardiff and Vale University Health Board to address a shortfall in on-site waste storage capacity at the University Hospital of Wales, enabling compliance with the Waste Separation Requirements (Wales) Regulations 2023.

Following extensive discussion and a request for a site visit from a ward member, the committee resolved to defer the decision for a site visit. This decision was made after considering the proximity of the site to residential properties and the Lakeside House Care Home, the recent extensions to the care home, and the height of acoustic fencing in relation to these buildings. Councillors expressed a desire to gain a better three-dimensional understanding of the site and its relationship with neighbouring sensitive uses.

The planning officer's report outlined that no objections were received from internal consultees, including Transportation and Shared Regulatory Services (SRS) Pollution Control. However, 19 letters of objection and a petition with 52 signatories were received from the public, along with an objection from local ward members. Concerns raised included noise and vibration, hours of operation, light pollution, traffic, odour, air quality, vermin, impacts on residential amenity, and the potential for future intensification of use.

The officer's assessment concluded that the proposal would be less intensive than the site's previous use as a civic amenity site. While acknowledging the concerns regarding residential amenity, the report noted that the amended Noise Impact Assessment indicated a low level of impact, and SRS Pollution Control had raised no objections subject to conditions. The report also highlighted that the adjacent care home had been extended and approved during the site's previous intensive use as a civic amenity site.

The committee also noted updates on appeals and applications decided by delegated powers.

Matters for Information - Appeals

The committee noted the update on planning appeals. A question was raised regarding an appeal decision on Albany Road, and officers confirmed that details could be accessed via the reference number on the council's website. It was agreed that future update documents would include direct links to appeal decisions, and that members could be added to a distribution list to receive all appeal decisions.

Applications Decided by Delegated Powers

The committee noted the applications that had been decided by delegated powers between 5th March and 15th April.

The meeting concluded at 11:00 am.