The Planning Committee of Cardiff Council met on Thursday, 14 May 2026, to discuss two significant planning applications. The committee granted permission for a waste transfer facility at the former Civic Amenity Site on Wedal Road, Cathays, and approved variations to conditions for the Red Dragon Centre and County Hall site at Atlantic Wharf, Butetown.

Former Civic Amenity Site, Wedal Road, Cathays (Application 25/02667/FUL)

The committee granted planning permission for the reuse of the former Civic Amenity Site on Wedal Road in Cathays as a waste transfer facility for the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. The proposal includes the retention of existing storage containers and the siting of three new bulk carrier units.

Concerns were raised by local residents and ward councillors regarding potential noise, vibration, and odour impacts, drawing on historical issues from the site's previous use as a Civic Amenity Site. Objectors highlighted previous noise reports and the expansion of the adjacent care home, Lakeside House, as reasons for concern.

However, planning officers noted that the proposed use would be significantly less intensive than the former Civic Amenity Site, with reduced operational hours and a lower tonnage of waste handled. Shared Regulatory Services raised no objections, subject to conditions. The committee approved the application with several conditions, including an operational management plan, restrictions on waste deliveries, and a condition to ensure the boundary treatment of the site is made good.

Red Dragon Centre and County Hall, Atlantic Wharf, Butetown (Application 26/00425/VAR)

The committee approved a variation of conditions for the Red Dragon Centre and County Hall site at Atlantic Wharf in Butetown. This application sought to amend the phasing plan, land use parameter plan, maximum height parameter plan, and use class restrictions of the existing hybrid planning permission.

The primary aim of the variation is to facilitate the earlier delivery of Area A of the masterplan, which includes the construction of a new commercial office for Cardiff Council, the Wales Millennium Centre Capella building, and associated infrastructure. This revised phasing prioritises development north of Hemingway Road over areas previously intended to come forward first.

The changes do not introduce new land uses or increase the overall quantum of development, but rather reallocate approved land uses to align with the revised phasing strategy. The committee also approved amendments to the design code condition, allowing for the submission of reserved matters applications for Phases 2 and 2A (the new County Hall and access road) before a site-wide design code is finalised.

Cardiff Civic Society raised concerns regarding biodiversity and green infrastructure, requesting more robust requirements for integrated nest boxes and clarification on the translocation of soils containing fungi and orchids. A Green Infrastructure Statement was subsequently submitted, addressing these concerns and outlining commitments for off-site translocation and long-term management.

The committee granted planning permission, subject to the relevant parties entering into a binding legal agreement under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, and the conditions listed in section 12 of the report. Delegated authority was also given to the Head of Planning to make changes to the conditions and heads of terms of the legal agreement.

In addition to these two main applications, the committee also noted the applications decided by delegated powers between 16 April and 7 May 2026.